Medicare plans, explained plainly.
Original Medicare covers a great deal, but not everything. These are the three ways to cover the rest — and the honest trade-offs between them.
Medicare Supplement
Medigap
Pairs with Original Medicare to cover most of what Parts A and B leave behind. No provider networks, predictable costs, and freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare.
- See any Medicare-accepting provider, nationwide
- No network restrictions or referrals
- Must be paired with a Part D drug plan
- Higher premium, little to no cost-sharing at the doctor
Medicare Advantage
Part C
Bundles medical and prescription coverage into one plan, usually with extras — dental, vision, gym membership, and alternative care such as acupuncture or chiropractic.
- Medical + drug coverage rolled into one plan
- Often includes dental, vision & fitness extras
- Lower premiums in exchange for copays
- Use in-network providers for the lowest cost
Part D — Prescription Drugs
Part D
Standalone prescription coverage that pairs with Original Medicare or a Supplement. Going without creditable coverage can trigger a lifelong late-enrollment penalty.
- Coverage matched to your medication list
- Pairs with Original Medicare or Medigap
- Avoids the Part D late-enrollment penalty
- We compare formularies and pharmacy costs
How they differ.
| Supplement | Advantage | Part D | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider network | None — any Medicare doctor | Plan network | Pharmacy network |
| Monthly premium | Higher | Often low or $0 | Varies by formulary |
| Cost when you go | Little to none | Copays per visit | Copays per drug |
| Drug coverage | Separate Part D needed | Usually built in | This is the drug plan |
| Extras (dental, vision) | Not included | Often included | Not applicable |
| Travel & snowbirds | Excellent | Limited by network | Nationwide pharmacies |
General guidance only — specific benefits, premiums, and networks vary by plan and by county.
We'll compare them with you — free of charge.
Tell us about your doctors, your medications, and what matters most to you. We'll walk through the plans we offer and help you find the right fit.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [NUMBER] organizations which offer [NUMBER] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.
