Understand your Medicare options
The goal here isn’t to pick a plan on the spot — it’s to understand the two common Medicare setups and what they mean in real life, especially if you’re coming from employer coverage.
Start with the big decision
Almost everything in Medicare flows from this: do you want to keep Original Medicare (A & B) and add pieces, or do you want a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) that bundles coverage?
Option 1: Original Medicare (A & B)
You keep Medicare as your foundation, then decide whether to add prescription coverage and help with out-of-pocket costs.
- • Add Part D if you want prescription coverage
- • Add Medigap if you want help with deductibles/coinsurance
- • Provider access depends on accepting Medicare
Option 2: Medicare Advantage (Part C)
A private plan replaces A and B as your coverage administrator. It usually includes drug coverage and uses networks and copays.
- • Bundled plan experience
- • Network rules matter (HMO/PPO)
- • Plan-specific copays and annual max out-of-pocket
A quick “fit” guide
This isn’t a recommendation — it’s a way to translate Medicare into everyday priorities.
You might prefer Original Medicare + Medigap if…
- • You want fewer network rules
- • You want more predictable costs
- • You travel often or live in multiple states
You might prefer Medicare Advantage if…
- • You’re comfortable using a network
- • You like a bundled plan experience
- • You want an annual out-of-pocket maximum
Next step
Use the next-steps checklist to confirm your timing and gather what you need before you enroll.