Compare plans side by side

Original Medicare, Medigap with Part D, and Medicare Advantage on one page. Then see how Medigap letters compare.

Advisor reviewing documents at a table with clients

The three coverage paths

Swipe on a phone or scroll the table. Every column links to a detailed guide.

Comparison of Medicare coverage paths
What mattersOriginal Medicare aloneParts A and BMedigap + Part DOriginal Medicare plus a Supplement and drug planMedicare AdvantagePart C, usually with drug coverage
Choice of doctorsAny provider nationwide that accepts MedicareAny provider nationwide that accepts MedicarePlan network (HMO or PPO), referrals in many HMOs
Monthly premiumPart B premium onlyPart B + Supplement + Part D premiumsPart B premium, plan premium often $0
Yearly out-of-pocket limitNoneVery low with Plan G (mainly the Part B deductible)Yes, set by each plan for in-network care
Prescription drugsNot includedSeparate Part D planIncluded in most plans
Dental, vision, hearingNot includedAdd a stand-alone policyOften included, with limits
Travel within the U.S.Covered with Medicare providersCovered with Medicare providersEmergencies covered; routine care depends on plan
Prior authorizationRareRareRequired for some services
Changing laterAdd coverage during enrollment periodsSwitching Supplements may require health questionsChange each fall; Medigap later may require underwriting

Original Medicare alone

Parts A and B

Choice of doctors
Any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare
Monthly premium
Part B premium only
Yearly out-of-pocket limit
None
Prescription drugs
Not included
Dental, vision, hearing
Not included
Travel within the U.S.
Covered with Medicare providers
Prior authorization
Rare
Changing later
Add coverage during enrollment periods

Medigap + Part D

Original Medicare plus a Supplement and drug plan

Choice of doctors
Any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare
Monthly premium
Part B + Supplement + Part D premiums
Yearly out-of-pocket limit
Very low with Plan G (mainly the Part B deductible)
Prescription drugs
Separate Part D plan
Dental, vision, hearing
Add a stand-alone policy
Travel within the U.S.
Covered with Medicare providers
Prior authorization
Rare
Changing later
Switching Supplements may require health questions

Medicare Advantage

Part C, usually with drug coverage

Choice of doctors
Plan network (HMO or PPO), referrals in many HMOs
Monthly premium
Part B premium, plan premium often $0
Yearly out-of-pocket limit
Yes, set by each plan for in-network care
Prescription drugs
Included in most plans
Dental, vision, hearing
Often included, with limits
Travel within the U.S.
Emergencies covered; routine care depends on plan
Prior authorization
Required for some services
Changing later
Change each fall; Medigap later may require underwriting

General comparison for education. Plan availability, costs and rules vary by plan and county. We do not offer every plan available in your area.

Medigap plan letters compared

Benefits are standardized by letter, so a Plan G is the same benefit package from any company. Premiums are what differ.

BenefitPlan GPlan NPlan KHigh Deductible G
Part A coinsurance and hospital costsYesYesYesYes*
Part B coinsurance or copaymentYesYes, with copays50%Yes*
Blood (first 3 pints)YesYes50%Yes*
Hospice care coinsuranceYesYes50%Yes*
Skilled nursing facility coinsuranceYesYes50%Yes*
Part A deductibleYesYes50%Yes*
Part B deductibleNoNoNoNo
Part B excess chargesYesNoNoYes*
Foreign travel emergency80%80%No80%*

*High Deductible Plan G pays after you meet its annual deductible. Plan K has an annual out-of-pocket limit. Plan N may charge up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in admission. Swipe the table sideways on small screens.

Four questions that decide it

  • Which doctors can you not give up?

    If a specialist or hospital is non-negotiable, network rules may decide for you.

  • How much do you travel?

    Snowbirds and frequent visitors to family out of state often prefer Medigap or PPO plans.

  • Premium now or costs later?

    Medigap trades higher premiums for predictable bills. Advantage trades low premiums for copays.

  • Do extras matter to you?

    Dental, vision, hearing and fitness benefits can tip the balance toward Advantage.

Comparison questions

Still wondering about something? A licensed advisor can answer in plain English, usually the same day.

It is close to an even split. Clients who travel or want any specialist tend to choose Medigap Plan G or N. Clients comfortable with local networks often choose a Medicare Advantage PPO.

You can switch during enrollment periods, but moving to a Medigap policy later may require medical underwriting in Georgia. If you might want Medigap long term, choose carefully in your first year.

No. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for information on all of your options.

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