You have two main Medicare coverage choices when you first enroll and during certain enrollment periods. Original Medicare includes Part A for hospital insurance and Part B for medical insurance. With Original Medicare, you can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare anywhere in the United States. You’ll typically pay 20% coinsurance after meeting your Part B deductible of $283, so many people add a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan to help cover these out-of-pocket costs. You’ll also need to join a separate Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is your other option. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and bundle your Part A, Part B, and usually Part D coverage into one plan. Medicare Advantage plans often have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare and may include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage. However, you’ll typically need to use doctors and hospitals within the plan’s network, except for emergencies.
Your choice depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and preferences.