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Compare your Medicare coverage options
This handy chart lets you see your options, costs, benefits and more.
Plan type |
 Medicare AdvantagePrivate healthcare Includes the same Part A and Part B benefits as Original Medicare, but many plans offer additional benefits |
 Original MedicareFederally funded healthcare You’re eligible when you turn 65. Some people under 65 are eligible due to certain disabilities |
 Medicare SupplementPrivate healthcare Also known as Medigap, this helps cover some of the costs not included in your Original Medicare coverage |
 Prescription Drug PlanPrivate 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 |
Ready to find a plan?
“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.
“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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(866) 576-2956 or TTY 711
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I wish I’d known this before I bought my plan…
Helpful things callers learn from our sales agents
There can be penalties if you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible to enroll.
Andrew SivatjianV.P. of Medicare Sales & Licensed Agent
Some people think they’re stuck with the first plan they choose. They’re not. They can change to a new plan during the enrollment periods.
Silvia BarreraSales Manager & Licensed Agent
I often explain to callers who are concerned about the cost of prescription drugs, that there are specific plans that can help reduce how much they have to pay.
Mark LaemmertMedicare Site Leader & Licensed Agent