Compare Medicare Plans
Side-by-side framework
Compare Medicare plans, side by side.
A clear framework for comparing Advantage vs. Supplement vs. Part D — with the trade-offs that actually matter.
The three main paths
- Original Medicare + Part D. The federal program plus a private drug plan.
- Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D. Adds a Supplement to pay your share of cost.
- Medicare Advantage (often with drug coverage included). Private plans that replace Original Medicare.
Side-by-side comparison
| What you compare | Original + Medigap + Part D | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Higher (Part B + Medigap + Part D) | Often lower; may be $0 + Part B |
| Doctor network | Any provider that accepts Medicare | Plan network |
| Out-of-pocket cap | No federal cap (Medigap pays the gap) | Federal cap; varies by plan |
| Drug formulary | Separate Part D plan | Often bundled in |
| Dental, vision, hearing | Bought separately | Often included as extras |
| Travel coverage | Strong — any Medicare provider | Depends on plan |
| Prior authorization | Rare | Common for some services |