What Medicare Includes
- ✓ Original Medicare includes Part A for hospital coverage and Part B for medical coverage.
- ✓ Part D helps cover prescription drugs through private plans approved by Medicare.
- ✓ Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is another way to receive Part A and Part B benefits through a private company approved by Medicare.
- ✓ Medigap helps pay some out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare gives beneficiaries broad provider access anywhere in the U.S. that accepts Medicare, while Medicare Advantage plans typically use provider networks and may bundle extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and usually prescription drug coverage.
Why Medicare Shoppers Compare Plans
Plan choice often depends on doctor access, prescription coverage, monthly premium, expected out-of-pocket costs, travel habits, and whether the person values extra benefits or broader provider flexibility.