Original Medicare is offered by the federal government and provides hospital and general medical expense coverage. Medicare Advantage is offered by private insurers and is an “all-in-one” alternative to Original Medicare that covers more services and costs.

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Which is right for you? These are key differences between each plan to help you better compare options:

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• Most Medicare Advantage programs offer full prescription drug coverage, while Original Medicare only includes limited prescription drug coverage in certain situations. If prescription drug coverage is a priority for you, Medicare Advantage may be your best option.

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• Both plans allow you to choose any doctor who accepts your Medicare coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans, however, have a specific network for you to seek coverage in, which lowers the overall cost of the plan. Medicare Advantage has multiple plans to choose from if you do not want to be limited to a network.

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• Medicare Advantage provides additional coverage such as dental, vision, and hearing care that Original Medicare alone does not.

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• Both Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare have deductibles and copayment/coinsurance fees. Both plans also require you to pay your Part A and B deductible (unless you are eligible for Premium-Free Part A). 

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• Under Medicare Advantage, you will have an annual maximum out-of-pocket spending limit. This means that you will only be required to cover a limited amount of out-of-pocket costs—once you have paid to a certain point, your plan will pay for the rest. Original Medicare does not have this feature.