Real answers for your healthcare questions
What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Answer
Original Medicare is the federal program made up of Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage is an alternative offered by private insurance companies that provides your Part A and Part B benefits through a plan, often with prescription drug coverage and additional benefits.
What to Know
Original Medicare generally allows you to use any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare and does not use a traditional plan network. Medicare Advantage plans usually have provider networks, plan rules, and an annual out of pocket limit. Costs, referrals, prior authorization, drug coverage, and extra benefits can differ by plan.
What to Do Next
Compare more than premiums. Check your doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, expected healthcare use, travel habits, and total potential out of pocket costs before deciding which structure fits you better.
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