Explore Medicare Coverage Options
Once you have Parts A and B, you have choices about how to fill in the gaps. This page explains the main types of coverage in general terms — no specific plans or companies.
Key points
- Medicare Advantage replaces how you receive Parts A and B; Medigap works alongside Original Medicare.
- You can't use a Medigap policy together with a Medicare Advantage plan.
- The lowest premium isn't always the lowest total cost.
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Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They provide all your Part A and Part B benefits, and most include Part D drug coverage. Many also offer extra benefits, such as some dental, vision, or hearing coverage — these vary by plan.
Common plan types include HMOs (usually require you to use network providers and get referrals) and PPOs (let you see out-of-network providers, usually at a higher cost). Every Medicare Advantage plan has a yearly limit on out-of-pocket costs for covered medical services. You still pay your Part B premium.
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Frequently asked questions
Sources from Medicare.gov
The facts on this page come from official Medicare.gov information. Rules, premiums, deductibles, and income limits can change every year — check these pages for the current details.
- Your coverage options (opens Medicare.gov in a new tab)
- Medicare Advantage & other health plans (opens Medicare.gov in a new tab)
- Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) (opens Medicare.gov in a new tab)
- Part D drug coverage (opens Medicare.gov in a new tab)
- Part D costs, including the yearly out-of-pocket cap (updated yearly) (opens Medicare.gov in a new tab)
You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
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We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
To send a complaint to Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week. If your complaint involves a broker or agent, be sure to include the name of the person when filing your grievance.
This website is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. The information on this page is general education, not advice about a specific plan.