Compare Medicare Plans
May 20, 2026
Compare Medicare plans, side by side.
A clear framework for comparing Advantage vs. Supplement vs. Part D — with the trade-offs that actually matter.
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| What to compare | Original + Part D | Original + Medigap + Part D | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B + Part D | Highest (B + Medigap + D) | Often lowest; can be $0 + Part B |
| Provider choice | Any provider that accepts Medicare | Any provider that accepts Medicare | Plan network |
| Out-of-pocket protection | No cap on Part A/B costs | Medigap pays your share | Plan has an annual cap |
| Drug coverage | Standalone Part D | Standalone Part D | Usually bundled |
| Dental/vision/hearing | Buy separately | Buy separately | Often included |
| Best for | Low utilizers, budget-conscious | Travelers, predictable costs | Lower premium, accept network |
How do I compare Medicare plans for my situation?
Start with the four inputs that drive everything: your ZIP code, the doctors and hospitals you want to keep, your current medications, and your monthly budget. Then weigh predictable monthly cost (Medigap) versus low monthly premium with copays (Advantage).
Can I have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
No. Medigap only works with Original Medicare. You cannot use a Medigap policy to pay costs on a Medicare Advantage plan.
When can I switch between plans?
The Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) lets you change Advantage or Part D for the next year. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) lets people on Advantage switch to another Advantage plan or back to Original Medicare. Moving onto Medigap later may require medical underwriting.
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 |