Medicare plans, explained clearly
Six ways to build your coverage. Read the overview, then let us check which plans we offer fit your doctors and budget.
Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
Part A covers hospital stays. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care and preventive screenings. You can see any provider in the country that accepts Medicare.
Best for: People who want nationwide provider freedom and plan to add a Supplement and Part D.
- Run by
- Federal government (CMS)
- Networks
- Any Medicare provider in the U.S.
- Out-of-pocket cap
- None on its own
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Private plans approved by Medicare that replace how you receive Parts A and B. Most include Part D, dental, vision and hearing, and all have a yearly out-of-pocket maximum.
Best for: People who stay local most of the year, like predictable copays and want extra benefits.
- Run by
- Private carriers approved by Medicare
- Networks
- HMO or PPO, usually local
- Out-of-pocket cap
- Yes, set by each plan
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Standardized plans sold by private carriers that pay some or all of the deductibles and 20 percent coinsurance Original Medicare leaves behind. Plan G and Plan N are the most popular.
Best for: People who travel, see specialists often or want to budget with almost no surprises.
- Run by
- Private carriers, standardized by law
- Networks
- None, any Medicare provider
- Out-of-pocket cap
- Plan G: Part B deductible only
Part D Prescription Drug Plans
Stand-alone drug plans from private carriers that cover prescriptions at retail and mail-order pharmacies. Every plan has its own formulary, tiers and preferred pharmacies.
Best for: Anyone on Original Medicare or a Supplement, even if you take few prescriptions today.
- Run by
- Private carriers approved by Medicare
- Formulary
- Each plan has its own drug list
- Out-of-pocket cap
- $2,100 per year (sample 2026)
Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
Medicare Advantage plans limited to people with Medicaid, certain chronic conditions, or who live in a care facility. Benefits and care coordination are tailored to that group.
Best for: People with both Medicare and Medicaid, or conditions such as diabetes, heart failure or COPD.
- Run by
- Private carriers approved by Medicare
- Eligibility
- Medicaid, chronic condition or facility
- Care coordination
- Included with a care team
Dental, Vision & Hearing Coverage
Original Medicare does not cover routine dental, eye exams for glasses or hearing aids. You can get these benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan or a stand-alone policy.
Best for: People on a Medicare Supplement, or anyone who needs more dental coverage than their plan offers.
- Original Medicare
- Routine care not covered
- Advantage plans
- Often included, with limits
- Stand-alone plans
- Available year-round
Not sure where to start? Start with what matters to you.
- I want to keep any doctor, anywhere in the U.S.Look at Medicare Supplement
- I want low premiums and extras like dentalLook at Medicare Advantage
- I have both Medicare and MedicaidLook at Special Needs Plans
- I only need help with prescriptionsLook at Part D drug plans
- I'm new and want to understand the basicsLook at Original Medicare
- I need glasses, dentures or hearing aidsLook at Dental, vision & hearing
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for information on all of your options.
Let us match a plan to your doctors
Free, no-pressure help comparing the plans we offer in your county. Most calls take about 20 minutes.
Licensed agents. TTY 711. Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-2pm ET.
