What it is
Original Medicare is Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical). You can generally see any doctor or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare. It does not cover everything, so you may share costs with Medicare for covered services.
Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is an alternative offered by private companies approved by Medicare. These plans bundle Part A and Part B, and many include drug coverage and extra benefits. Most use provider networks and may require referrals or prior authorization.
Medigap plans are different from both. They are sold by private insurers and work alongside Original Medicare to help with some of its cost-sharing. You cannot use Medigap with a Medicare Advantage plan. Drug coverage with Original Medicare and Medigap is a separate Part D plan.
How it’s traditionally been approached
People who choose Original Medicare often add a Medigap plan and a Part D drug plan. They tend to value the freedom to see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, with no network and no referrals. Cost-sharing is generally more predictable. Trade-offs can include generally higher monthly premiums, a separate drug plan, and no routine dental, vision or hearing coverage. Outside open enrollment or guaranteed issue periods, Medigap may involve medical underwriting.
People who choose Medicare Advantage often value lower premiums, an annual out-of-pocket maximum, and extra benefits such as dental, vision or hearing. Many plans include drug coverage in one package. Trade-offs can include networks, prior authorization and copays for services. Details vary by plan and area.
Neither path is right for everyone. Health needs, budget, travel habits, preferred doctors and comfort with risk all play a part. Among Medigap plans, only Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N (and high-deductible Plan G) are sold to people newly eligible. Plans C and F (and high-deductible F) are only for people who became eligible before January 1, 2020. Plans E, H, I and J were discontinued and are not sold today. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently.
How the right licensed agent may help
A Medigap agent may help you line up the choices side by side. An independent licensed agent can explain how Original Medicare with Medigap compares with Medicare Advantage, and may check whether your doctors and medications fit each option. A conversation is usually a chance to ask questions, not a commitment.
Helpful questions to ask: Which Medigap plan letters can I buy based on when I became eligible? Do I have open enrollment or guaranteed issue rights right now? Could I be medically underwritten if I switch later? How would a separate Part D plan work with my medications?
You can also ask how the rules work in your state, since open enrollment, birthday or anniversary rules and under-65 access vary and change over time. Confirm current rules with Medicare.gov, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), or a licensed agent. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
The bigger picture
Choosing how to get your Medicare coverage touches more than paperwork. It can affect your peace of mind, your budget and how comfortable you feel seeking care. Some people feel most at ease with maximum flexibility, while others prefer a simpler bundle with extra benefits.
Taking time to understand your options may ease worry about surprise costs or lost access to doctors. If you are also looking for care providers, Providers.plus may be one place to explore. Either approach can be a reasonable choice when it fits your life.
Keep in mind
- 1-800-MEDIGAP is an independent educational directory, not Medicare.gov, CMS, Social Security or any government agency. Official information is at Medicare.gov.
- This page is education only, not insurance, legal, tax or medical advice, and no plan is guaranteed to be best for you.
- Switching between Original Medicare with Medigap and Medicare Advantage may affect your options, and acceptance into a Medigap plan is not guaranteed.
- Rules and timing vary by state and change over time, so confirm them with Medicare.gov, your SHIP, or a licensed agent.
Take the next step
- Talk with a Medigap agent ↗Jeff Cline on contacts.plus — a person, not a call center.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare is run by the federal government, while Medicare Advantage is offered by private companies approved by Medicare. Original Medicare lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare nationwide. Medicare Advantage plans often use networks and may add extra benefits.
Can I have Medigap with Medicare Advantage?
No. Medigap works only with Original Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, a Medigap agent can explain what may change if you consider leaving it, including possible underwriting.
Which is better, Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
Neither is better for everyone. Original Medicare with Medigap offers broad provider choice and predictable cost-sharing but generally higher premiums. Medicare Advantage often has lower premiums and an out-of-pocket maximum but may use networks and prior authorization.
Does Original Medicare cover prescription drugs?
Not generally for most everyday medications. People with Original Medicare typically add a separate Part D drug plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare?
Often yes, but timing rules apply. Getting a Medigap plan afterward may require medical underwriting unless you have guaranteed issue rights. Confirm current rules with Medicare.gov, your SHIP, or a licensed agent.
Is Medigap Plan G available with Original Medicare?
Yes, Plan G is sold to people newly eligible for Medicare, and a high-deductible version exists too. It works with Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage. Availability and rules vary by state, so Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
Educational resource. 1-800-MEDIGAP shares general information and connects people with independent licensed agents. It is not professional advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your own situation.