Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

Once you have Medicare Parts A and B, one of the next decisions is how you want to receive your Medicare coverage.

There are two main paths: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage (Part C)
They both provide Medicare coverage, but they work differently.

Path 1: Original Medicare

Original Medicare is provided by the federal government. With Original Medicare, you can generally see any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare. It includes:

Part A — Hospital Insurance
Helps cover inpatient hospital care and certain other eligible services.

Part B — Medical Insurance
Helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services and other eligible medical services.

You may also choose to add:
Part D → Prescription drug coverage
Medigap → Helps pay certain out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare

Path 2: Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans provide your Part A and Part B benefits through the Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare.

Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, and some plans may offer additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare. Plans may use provider networks and have different costs, rules and service areas.

A Simple Way to See the Difference

ORIGINAL MEDICARE

Part A + Part B
↓
Optional Part D
↓
Optional Medigap

OR

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

Part C
↓
Provides Part A + Part B benefits through the plan
↓
Usually includes Part D

What About Medigap?

Medigap is Medicare Supplement Insurance designed to work with Original Medicare. It helps cover certain out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't pay.

Medigap does not work with Medicare Advantage. That's an important distinction because Medicare Advantage and Medigap are not two supplements you combine together—they represent different approaches to Medicare coverage.

Which One Should I Choose?

There isn't one Medicare path that's appropriate for everyone.
When comparing your options, consider things such as:

• Your doctors and hospitals

• Prescription medications

• How often you travel

• Monthly premiums and potential out-of-pocket costs

• Provider-network preferences

• Additional benefits

• Your current and anticipated healthcare needs

The goal isn't simply to find a plan with the most benefits. It's to understand how the coverage works and how it fits your individual situation.

The BeneConnect Takeaway

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage can both provide Medicare coverage—but they work differently. Before choosing, understand the rules, costs and coverage associated with each option.

Need Help Understanding Your Medicare Options?

JLAC BeneConnect provides personal Medicare guidance to help you understand your available options and how they may fit your needs.

← Previous: Still Working at 65? Do I Need Medicare?
Next →: Your Final Medicare Checklist Before 65

Understand Your Options. Make an Informed Decision.

Plan availability, benefits, costs, provider networks and coverage vary by plan and service area. This information is for general educational purposes and is not a complete description of Medicare benefits or available plans.

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