What’s the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

The biggest difference is in how the 2 programs are structured and what they pay for:

Original Medicare

Original Medicare is a plan provided by the federal government and includes Part A and Part B. Original Medicare does not usually pay for medicine or other types of services, such as dental, vision or hearing care.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage is a plan known as Part C and is offered by insurance companies, not the federal government.

Medicare Advantage plans include everything in Part A and B, plus more services, including:

• Prescription medicine, also known as Part D
• Dental care
• Vision care
• Hearing services
• Fitness programs

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you re often given a provider network of primary care doctors and specialists to choose from for your care.

With a Medicare Advantage plan, you have an annual limit every year to how much you need to pay out-of-pocket.

The cost of Medicare Advantage plans includes paying for both the part C plan itself and for Medicare part B.

The choice between the 2 plans depends on:

• The types of services you prefer
• Your health care needs
• Your choice of doctor
• Your budget