Summary: Original Medicare is federal government program designed to help US citizens with healthcare costs as they age. When covered through Medicare you pay all deductibles, premiums, and copayments, and may experience gaps in your coverage depending on the length of care or stay at certain facilities. For most medical services you’ll be responsible for 20% of the total cost and there is no yearly maximum, or cap, on the amount you can spend out-of-pocket. In addition, Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage or additional benefits for vision, dental or health and wellness.

Summary: Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are offered through private insurance companies that have been approved and contracted by Medicare. They provide you with all of your Medicare Part A and B benefits, as well as additional coverage to fill many of the gaps where Parts A & B fall short. Most Medicare Advantage plans charge a monthly premium in exchange for consistent co-payments and deductibles and a yearly out-of-pocket spending maximum. You can enroll in Medicare Advantage Plans with or without prescription drug coverage. Signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan without prescription drug coverage can lead to a penalty.

Summary: Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered through private insurance companies that have been approved and contracted by Medicare. They provide you with all of your Medicare Part A and B benefits, as well as additional coverage where Parts A & B fall short. By paying a monthly premium, you enjoy consistent co-payments and deductibles and a yearly out-of-pocket spending maximum. Some Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage as illustrated in the graphic above.

Summary: Adding Medicare Part D to your Original Medicare (Parts A & B) coverage provides you with access to prescription drug coverage, but the other costs and gaps in your Medicare Part A & B coverage remain.

Summary: A Medicare Supplement plan is third-party insurance you can purchase to help fill the coverage gaps in Original Medicare (Parts A & B), which remains your primary insurance. These gaps include out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance. Signing up for a plan without purchasing separate Part D prescription drug coverage can lead to a penalty.

Summary: A Medicare Supplement plan is third-party insurance you can purchase to help fill the coverage gaps in Original Medicare (Parts A & B), which remains your primary insurance. These gaps include out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance. You can get prescription drug coverage by purchasing a separate Medicare Part D plan.