Medicare.gov describes two main ways to receive Medicare coverage: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. The structure of the coverage matters before you compare individual plans.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. You can generally use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare. You may also join a separate Part D prescription drug plan. Some people buy supplemental coverage to help pay certain out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage provides Medicare-covered benefits through a Medicare-approved private health plan. These plans include Part A and Part B, and usually Part D. Provider networks, prior authorization and cost-sharing can differ among plans.
How to compare responsibly
- Start with the structure of each coverage approach.
- Check specific doctors, hospitals, prescription drugs, out-of-pocket costs and plan documents for any plan you are evaluating.
- Verify the current information in the official Medicare Plan Compare tool.
Use Medicare Plan Compare to research current plan details. This site does not recommend a particular plan.
Official sources
Sources reviewed November 9, 2026. Medicare rules and plan information may change; check the official source for updates.
