Your main Medicare options are Original Medicare, Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement and Part D drug plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan. The right choice depends on your doctors, prescriptions, travel, budget, and how much flexibility you want.
Which Medicare option is right for you?
There is no single Medicare path that fits everyone. Some people want broad provider flexibility and predictable supplemental coverage. Others prefer an all-in-one plan with local network rules and extra benefits. The Big 65 helps you compare these choices clearly, with no charge for our services.
If you are new to Medicare, start with Understanding Medicare to see how Parts A, B, C, and D work together.
Compare the main Medicare coverage paths
Most Medicare decisions come down to comparing Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement coverage, Medicare Advantage, and prescription drug options.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare includes Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance. It lets you use any provider who accepts Medicare, but it does not include most outpatient prescription drug coverage and does not cap all out-of-pocket costs by itself.
Original Medicare plus Medicare Supplement and Part D
Many people pair Original Medicare with Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans and a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. This path may appeal to people who want provider flexibility, coverage that travels well, and help with Medicare cost gaps.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans, also called Part C, are private plans that replace how you receive Original Medicare benefits. Many include drug coverage and extra benefits, but they usually use provider networks and plan rules that should be reviewed carefully before you enroll.
Standalone Medicare Part D
Standalone Part D plans help cover prescription drugs when you choose Original Medicare with or without a Medicare Supplement plan. Formularies, pharmacy networks, and drug tiers can change, so reviewing your prescriptions each year is important.
What to compare before choosing a Medicare plan
- Doctors and hospitals: Confirm whether your preferred providers accept the plan or Medicare coverage path you are considering.
- Prescription drugs: Check formularies, preferred pharmacies, tiers, deductibles, and prior authorization rules.
- Monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs: Compare premiums, copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and maximum out-of-pocket exposure.
- Referrals and prior authorization: Understand when a plan requires approvals or network steps before care.
- Travel: Consider how often you travel or spend time in another state.
- Annual review needs: Drug lists, networks, and plan costs can change, so your Medicare options should be reviewed regularly.
Get no-fee help comparing your Medicare options
Confused by your Medicare options? Schedule a no-fee 15-minute review with Karl. The Big 65 represents 10 organizations and 50 products and helps you compare options without a charge for services.
You can also contact The Big 65 with questions about Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage, Part D, or your enrollment timing.
Frequently asked questions about Medicare options
Can I have Medicare Advantage and Medigap at the same time?
No. You cannot use a Medicare Supplement plan to pay costs from a Medicare Advantage plan. These are separate coverage paths, so it is important to compare them before making a decision.
Do I need Part D if I choose a Medicare Supplement plan?
Usually, yes, if you want prescription drug coverage. Medicare Supplement plans sold today do not include outpatient prescription drug coverage, so many people add a standalone Part D plan.
Does The Big 65 charge for Medicare plan help?
No. There is no charge for services from The Big 65. You can compare Medicare options with personal guidance before deciding which coverage path fits your needs.