Compare Your Medicare Coverage Options
There are three common ways to structure your Medicare coverage. This page lines them up side by side so you can see the tradeoffs clearly — whether you're comparing options for the first time or thinking about switching during an enrollment period.
Feature
Original Medicare Alone
Original + Medigap + Part D
Medicare Advantage
Monthly premium
Part B premium only
Part B premium + Medigap premium + Part D premium
Usually Part B premium + $0–$100+ plan premium
Doctor & hospital choice
Any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare
Any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare
Generally limited to a plan network (HMO/PPO), which may be regional
Referrals needed
No
No
Often yes for HMO plans; usually no for PPO plans
Prescription drug coverage
Not included — separate Part D needed
Included via a separate Part D plan
Often bundled into the plan
Dental / vision / hearing
Not covered
Not covered by Medigap itself; would need a separate policy
Often included as extra benefits
Out-of-pocket maximum
None
Effectively very low — Medigap covers most remaining costs
Yes, capped annually by the plan
Cost predictability
Low — 20% coinsurance with no cap
High — fixed premium, few surprise bills
Moderate — copays/coinsurance vary by service, but capped
Travel coverage
Covered nationwide
Covered nationwide (some plans include limited foreign travel benefits)
Typically limited to network service area, with emergency care covered nationwide
What to Think About
Choosing — or Switching — Between Them
Monthly Budget vs. Risk Tolerance
Medicare Advantage often has a lower (or $0) monthly premium but variable costs when you actually need care. Original Medicare + Medigap costs more up front each month but makes your costs far more predictable.
Your Doctors and Specialists
If you have specific doctors or hospitals you want to keep seeing — especially if you split time between states — check whether they're in a plan's network before switching.
Your Medications
If you're considering Medicare Advantage, check the plan's drug formulary. If you're considering Medigap, you'll need to pick a separate Part D plan and check its formulary too.
Your Health Trajectory
If you expect to need frequent specialist care or have a chronic condition, a plan with an out-of-pocket maximum or first-dollar Medigap coverage can matter more than the monthly premium.
Timing Matters
Switching from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare later and adding Medigap may require answering health questions (medical underwriting) unless you qualify for a guaranteed-issue right.
Where You Live
Plan networks, extra benefits, and even Medigap pricing rules vary by state and county — always check what's actually available in your zip code.
There's no single "best" option — the right fit depends on your health, budget, travel habits, and the doctors you want to keep seeing. Reviewing your coverage each year during an enrollment window is a reasonable habit no matter which path you choose.