Your Medicare Plan Options
Medicare isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. Once you’re eligible, you’ll have several coverage choices. Understanding the different plan types available can help you make informed decisions based on your health needs, budget, and preferences.
This page outlines the four main parts of Medicare and how they can be combined to create a plan that works for you.
Original Medicare (Parts A &B)
This is the traditional Medicare coverage offered directly through the federal government.
- Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and limited home health services.
- Part B covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, medical equipment, and certain home health care.
While Original Medicare covers many essentials, it doesn’t include prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, or hearing benefits.
You can see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare, and no referrals are needed.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and provide an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers and often include extra benefits such as:
- Prescription drug coverage (most plans)
- Dental, vision, and hearing
- Gym memberships or wellness programs
Plans typically have a network of providers, so you’ll need to see doctors in your plan’s service area for full coverage. Some plans require referrals to see specialists.
You must continue to pay your Part B premium, and many Advantage plans have low or even $0 additional premiums.
Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Original Medicare doesn’t include drug coverage, so if you’re not in a Medicare Advantage plan that covers prescriptions, you’ll likely need to enroll in a Part D plan.
These plans are offered by private insurers and help pay for:
- Generic and brand-name medications
- Mail-order drug services
- Pharmacy benefits
It’s important to choose a plan that covers the specific prescriptions you take. Not enrolling in a Part D plan when first eligible can lead to a permanent late enrollment penalty.
Medigap (Medicare Supplement Ins.)
Medigap plans are sold by private companies and help pay for costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as:
- Deductibles
- Copayments
- Coinsurance
You must be enrolled in Original Medicare to get a Medigap plan, and you cannot have both a Medigap and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time.
There are 10 standardized Medigap plans (labeled A through N), and coverage is the same across insurers—only the pricing and customer service differ.
Which Plan Is Right for Me?
There’s no single “best” plan—only the best plan for you. Choosing the right combination of Medicare coverage depends on:
- Your current health needs
- Your prescription medications
- Your preferred doctors and hospitals
- Your travel habits
- Your budget
If this feels overwhelming, don’t worry. Our site is here to help you understand your choices. And when you’re ready, local licensed agents can provide personalized, pressure-free guidance based on your situation.