Your Medicare coverage choices

When you first enroll in Medicare and during certain times of the year, you can choose how you get your Medicare coverage. There are 2 main ways to get your Medicare coverage—Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). Some people need to get additional coverage, like Medicare drug coverage or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap).

Use this information to help you compare your coverage options and decide what coverage is right for you.

Original Medicare

• Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).
• If you want drug coverage, you can join a separate Medicare drug plan (Part D).
• You can use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S.
• If you choose Original Medicare, you can also decide to:
  • Join a separate Medicare drug plan (Part D) if you want drug coverage.
  • Add other insurance (like Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), Medicaid, or employee or union coverage), to help pay your out-of-pocket costs (like your 20% coinsurance).

Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C)

• Medicare Advantage is an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D.
• Plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare.
• In many cases, you’ll need to use doctors and other providers who are in the plan’s network and service area for the lowest costs.
• Most plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover—like vision, hearing, dental, and more.

Learn more about how Medicare Advantage Plans work.

Compare your Medicare options

Can I get my health care from any doctor, other health care provider, or hospital?

expandOriginal MedicareexpandMedicare Advantage

Are prescriptions covered?

expandOriginal MedicareexpandMedicare Advantage

Should I get a supplemental policy?

expandOriginal MedicareexpandMedicare Advantage

What are my costs?

expandOriginal MedicareexpandMedicare Advantage