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Compare Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D prescription plans in one place. We rank by what matters — coverage, network, monthly cost, and customer satisfaction — and we never accept payment for placement.
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Plan types
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers hospital and medical care. Most people add private coverage on top to fill the gaps. Here's how the options stack up.
Part C
From $0/mo
Bundled private coverage that replaces Original Medicare. Usually includes drug coverage, plus extras like dental, vision, and fitness.
Medigap
From $120/mo
Works alongside Original Medicare to cover deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. See any doctor that accepts Medicare.
Part D
From $15/mo
Standalone prescription coverage. Add to Original Medicare or a Medigap policy. Required if you don't have credible drug coverage elsewhere.
Medicare basics
01
Your Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and runs 3 months after — a 7-month window. Missing it can cost you in lifetime late-enrollment penalties.
02
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is the federal program. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is the private alternative that bundles everything. Which one's right for you depends on whether you value freedom of choice (Original + Medigap) or all-in-one simplicity with extras (Advantage).
03
If you choose Original Medicare, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan fills in the deductibles, coinsurance, and copays — costs that can really add up. If you choose Medicare Advantage, you can't have a Medigap policy. The two systems are mutually exclusive.
04
Original Medicare doesn't cover most prescriptions, so you'll want a Part D plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage automatically. Check that your specific prescriptions are on the plan's formulary before you enroll.
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Get Medicare quotesCommon questions
Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private bundled plan. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to cover the deductibles and copays Original Medicare leaves you with. You can have one or the other — not both.
Yes, but with caveats. You can switch during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 to Dec 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 to Mar 31). However, leaving Advantage for Original + Medigap may require medical underwriting in most states — meaning you could be denied or charged more based on health.
Most people pay no premium for Part A. The standard Part B premium changes annually and can be higher based on income. Medicare Advantage plans range from $0/mo to over $150/mo. Medigap plans typically run $120–$300/mo depending on the plan letter, your state, and your age.
Original Medicare doesn't cover most prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing aids, long-term care, or care outside the US. Many Medicare Advantage plans add these benefits. For long-term care, look at separate long-term care insurance — it's a different product.
Yes — the Extra Help program (also called Low Income Subsidy or LIS) helps pay for Part D prescription costs. Medicare Savings Programs help pay Part B premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Eligibility is based on income and resources, and qualification rules vary by state.
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