Compare your Medicare coverage options

This handy chart lets you see your options, costs, benefits and more.

Plan type	Medicare Advantage Private healthcare Includes the same Part A and Part B benefits as Original Medicare, but many plans offer additional benefits	Original Medicare Federally funded healthcare You’re eligible when you turn 65. Some people under 65 are eligible due to certain disabilities	Medicare Supplement Private healthcare Also known as Medigap, this helps cover some of the costs not included in your Original Medicare coverage	Prescription Drug Plan Private drugs coverage Helps you lower the cost of your prescription drugs. Available with Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Typical monthly cost	From $0 per month	If you receive premium-free Part A, your Part B premium will be $144.60 per month, or higher based on income	From $68 to $400 per month, depending on the plan you choose	Average monthly premium in 2019 is $24
Out-of-pocket costs	You pay a deductible, coinsurance and copays, the amount you pay varies by plan	After you've paid your yearly deductible, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount	Helps cover some of the costs not included in your Original Medicare coverage, like deductibles, copayments and coinsurance	You pay a deductible, coinsurance and copays, the amount you pay varies by plan
Limited and unlimited costs	Annual out-of-pocket costs are limited - the amount varies by plan	There is no dollar limit on your out-of-pocket costs	Some plans have annual out-of-pocket limits	Costs are not fully limited. When you reach your catastrophic limit, you pay a percentage of the costs
Accessing doctors	You’re often restricted to doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network with limited exceptions	You can visit any doctor or healthcare provider that accepts Medicare	You can visit any doctor or healthcare provider that accepts Medicare	Not applicable
Prescription drugs	Most plans include some prescription drug coverage	Prescription drugs are generally not included	Not included. You would need to enroll in a separate, stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan	Helps you manage the cost of your prescription drugs. Available with Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Specialist referrals	You may need a referral to see a specialist. You'll pay more to see one outside of the provider's network.	No need for referrals: you can see any specialist that accepts Medicare	You can see any specialist that accepts Medicare	Not applicable
Travel	Generally you are covered in the plan’s service with limited exceptions	You are covered in any state as long as you visit a provider that accepts Medicare	Covered in any state and some plans will cover you for foreign travel too	Not applicable
Additional benefits	Most plans include dental, hearing and vision	No additional benefits	Not applicable	Not applicable
Penalties	There are no penalties with a Medicare Advantage plan, but you must sign up to Original Medicare Part B when you first become eligible.	There can be penalties if you don’t sign up when you’re first eligible	You may be charged more or have coverage turned down if you didn't buy a plan when you first become eligible	You'll have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you don't enroll when you first become eligible
Good to know	You need to enroll in Original Medicare before you can enroll in Medicare Advantage	Includes Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical), you need to enroll in Original Medicare to access any other option	There are 10 standardized plan types available in most states. Each plan type provides a different level of coverage	This coverage is also called Medicare Part D, and can be paired with Original Medicare and is usually included as part of a Medicare Advantage plan

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Find a plan* Mary-Beth is a digital avatar and not a licensed sales agent.

“I’m Mary-Beth*. I can carefully walk you through our step-by-step process to help you find a plan that meets your needs.”

Find a plan* Mary-Beth is a digital avatar and not a licensed sales agent.

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I wish I’d known this before I bought my plan…

Helpful things callers learn from our sales agents

It’s important that people review their plan each year – because premiums, coverage, and drug costs can change.

Andrew Sivatjian
V.P. of Medicare Sales & Licensed Agent

It’s always worth remembering that Medicare won’t pay for long term care, or care in a retirement community, nursing home or assisted living community.

Silvia Barrera
Sales Manager & Licensed Agent

Some callers are surprised by how much they could save if they switched to a new plan.

Mark Laemmert
Medicare Site Leader & Licensed Agent