Business and Finance Business and Finance
Tue, March 4, 2025

Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare: Which Should You Trust Your Health To?


Published on 2025-03-04 23:20:50 - Investopedia
  Print publication without navigation

  • Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage are two different ways to get health care coverage in retirement. Here's how to decide which is right for you.

The article from Investopedia discusses the differences between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, helping individuals decide which might be better suited for their health needs. Original Medicare, which includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), is provided directly by the federal government and allows beneficiaries to visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. However, it does not cover all healthcare costs, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, often necessitating supplemental insurance like Medigap. On the other hand, Medicare Advantage plans, offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, include all benefits of Parts A and B, often Part D (prescription drug coverage), and might offer additional benefits like dental, vision, and wellness programs. These plans typically have network restrictions, requiring members to use in-network providers or face higher costs, but they cap out-of-pocket expenses annually, which Original Medicare does not. The choice between the two depends on factors like cost, flexibility in choosing healthcare providers, additional benefits, and personal health needs.

Read the Full Investopedia Article at:
[ https://www.investopedia.com/medicare-advantage-vs-original-medicare-which-should-you-trust-your-health-to-11689475 ]
Contributing Sources