Medicare Plan Decision Engine

The Biggest Choice in Medicare

When you turn 65, you face a fork in the road. You must choose between the government-run Original Medicare or a private Medicare Advantage plan. This single decision affects your doctors, your monthly budget, and your maximum financial risk.

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) + Medigap

Original Medicare provides maximum freedom. There are no networks; you can see any doctor in the country that accepts Medicare, and you never need referrals for specialists. However, it only covers 80% of outpatient costs. To protect yourself from the remaining 20%, most people buy a supplemental policy called a Medigap plan. You pay higher monthly premiums, but your out-of-pocket costs at the hospital are almost zero.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

These are private health plans (like HMOs and PPOs) that replace Original Medicare. They are popular because they often charge a $0 monthly premium and bundle in extras like dental and vision. The trade-off? You are restricted to a local network of doctors, you often need referrals for specialists, and you will pay copays as you go until you hit a Maximum Out-of-Pocket limit (which can be over $8,000).