Medicare vs Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Advantage vs. traditional Medicare: what’s the difference?

Navigating Medicare options can feel overwhelming. While both Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans provide important coverage, Medicare Advantage stands out for its comprehensive benefits, care coordination, and cost-saving potential. Here’s how the two compare—and why Medicare Advantage may be the right fit for you or your loved one.

Understanding traditional Medicare

Traditional Medicare includes:

• Part A: Hospital insurance (inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, some home care)
• Part B: Medical insurance (doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, medical supplies)

While it provides broad access to providers nationwide, Traditional Medicare often comes with significant out-of-pocket costs. Many enrollees purchase supplemental coverage (Medigap) and a separate Part D drug plan to fill in the gaps.

The rise of Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. These plans include everything that Traditional Medicare covers—plus additional services like:

• Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
• Vision, dental, and hearing benefits
• Wellness programs, fitness memberships, and telehealth

With integrated coverage and often lower out-of-pocket costs, Medicare Advantage plans offer a modern, convenient alternative to Original Medicare.

Key advantages of Medicare Advantage plans

1. Comprehensive Coverage: Bundles hospital, medical, and often drug coverage—plus extras like dental, hearing, vision, and wellness.
2. Cost Containment: Includes annual out-of-pocket maximums to protect against high medical bills.
3. Care Coordination: Integrated provider networks ensure streamlined, team-based care for better outcomes.
4. Flexibility and Perks: Many plans offer added benefits like transportation, fitness programs, and telehealth services.
5. Built-In Prescription Drug Coverage: Most plans include Part D, simplifying medication management with fewer plans to track.

We’re here to help guide you

With their emphasis on bundled benefits, affordability, and coordinated care, Medicare Advantage plans offer a strong alternative to Traditional Medicare. If you have questions or want to explore plan options, we’re here to help.

Call 1-800-961-4572 (TTY: 711) to speak with a local benefit specialist and get personalized assistance.