Understand the main Medicare coverage paths.
Original Medicare provides Part A and Part B coverage directly; Medicare Advantage provides those benefits through a private plan. Medigap is optional coverage that works with Original Medicare. Compare your doctors, prescriptions, travel needs, and total costs before choosing.
Original Medicare
Part A and Part B provide the foundation. You can consider separate prescription drug coverage and a Medicare Supplement policy, also called Medigap, to help with certain costs.
Consider how doctor access, premiums, prescription coverage, and your eligibility for a supplement fit your needs.
Medicare Advantage
A private plan provides your Part A and Part B benefits. Many plans also include prescription drug coverage.
Review the particular plan’s provider network, costs, prescription coverage, and rules for getting care.
Compare the coverage structure
| Question | Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| How do I get Part A and B benefits? | Through Original Medicare. | Through a Medicare-approved private plan. |
| Which doctors can I use? | Doctors and hospitals that take Medicare throughout the U.S. | Network and out-of-network rules depend on the plan. |
| What about prescriptions? | You can add a separate Part D plan. | Most plans include Part D. Check the plan’s drug coverage. |
| Where does Medigap fit? | An optional policy helps pay certain Original Medicare costs, subject to eligibility. | Medigap does not supplement Medicare Advantage. |
Prepare your doctor and prescription list before comparing specific plans. Our St. George office can help review available options, or you can book a coverage review.
Start with these four questions.
- Which doctors and hospitals do I want to use?
- How are my prescriptions covered?
- What might I pay during a typical year and a year with more care?
- How does the coverage fit my travel and where I live?
Neither path is automatically right for everyone. Available plans, eligibility, and enrollment rules need to be checked for your circumstances.
Call (435) 466-7213Educational comparison updated September 19, 2026. Individual eligibility and plan details require review.
Compare a typical year and a year with more care.
Add twelve months of premiums, expected medical cost sharing, and prescription costs for each option. Then compare a year in which you need more care. Look separately at costs that do not count toward a plan’s out-of-pocket limit.
A supplement adds a regular premium and pays certain Original Medicare cost sharing according to its plan letter. Separate Part D coverage may add another premium. Some Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 plan premium, but Part B premiums and other costs still apply. Neither arrangement is always less expensive.
Think beyond this year.
Premiums and benefits can change. Medigap pricing depends on the insurer and rating method; future increases are not identical for every policy. Medicare Advantage benefits, networks, and cost sharing should be reviewed annually.
Consider predictable expenses, routine and higher care use, access to specialists across states, travel, extra benefits, and your rights to buy a supplement later. An annual Medicare plan-change period does not automatically create a right to Medigap without underwriting.