Comparing Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

When Medicare was first introduced, it basically revolved around a two-part program: Medicare Part A covered hospital-related charges and Medicare Part B covered medically required expenses. This is now referred to as "Original" Medicare.

Medicare Part C, commonly known as Medicare Advantage, was introduced to provide individuals eligible for Medicare with more options from the private insurance industry.

Medicare Advantage plans offer you the same basic coverage that you would get from Original Medicare. However, many Medicare Advantage plans also provide additional covered services and benefits.

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Provider: Federal vs. Private

The provider of your Original Medicare coverage is the Medicare program itself, which is administered by the federal government.

Medicare Advantage plans, however, are run by private insurance companies who have been approved by the Medicare program. It is still funded by the federal government, and the federal government does exercise detailed oversight over Medicare Advantage programs.

Medicare Supplemental Coverage:

Original Medicare does not cover all of the services that you may need for your health care. To make up for this, it allows you to purchase a Medigap policy or other supplemental insurance that will help you pay for the various services that aren't covered.

With most Medicare Advantage Plans, you cannot get an additional Medigap policy.

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage:

Prescription drug coverage is provided by Medicare Part D. If you choose Original Medicare then you will have to join a separate prescription drug plan if you want that prescription drug coverage.

Note that unlike Original Medicare, prescription drug plans are run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies. If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, you will have to choose a plan that offers prescription drug coverage. For this reason, many seniors who choose Medicare Advantage will not need to obtain a Part D prescription drug plan: it's already included.

Getting Information and Help

All these various options can be confusing. If you would like more information about your Medigap (Medicare Supplements) and Medicare Advantage options, fill out the GoMedicare quoting engine above.