Understanding Your Medicare Options

Once you have Parts A and B, there are two main paths. Each handles doctors, costs and prescriptions differently — no single option is best for everyone.

Original Medicare

Part A helps cover hospital care and Part B helps cover doctor visits and outpatient services. You can generally use any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.

Learn about Original Medicare

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Private policies that work alongside Original Medicare to help pay certain out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles and coinsurance. Plans are standardized by letter.

Learn About Medigap

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Private plans approved by Medicare that provide your Part A and Part B benefits. Networks, extra benefits and costs vary by plan.

Explore Medicare Advantage

Medicare Part D

Prescription drug coverage offered by private plans. Each plan has its own list of covered drugs and pharmacy network.

Understand Part D

Medicare & Employer Coverage

Still working at 65? How your employer coverage works with Medicare affects when you should enroll in Part B.

Working past 65

Enrollment Guidance

Your Initial Enrollment Period, annual change windows and special situations — explained in plain language.

See enrollment periods

Comparing the two main paths

	Original Medicare + Medigap	Medicare Advantage
Who provides it	Federal program, with a supplement from a private insurer	Private plans approved by Medicare
Choosing doctors	Any provider in the U.S. that accepts Medicare	Usually a plan network; rules vary
Drug coverage	Add a separate Part D plan	Often included; confirm for each plan
Out-of-pocket costs	Medigap helps pay many Original Medicare costs	Copays and coinsurance vary; yearly out-of-pocket limit applies
Changing later	Switching Medigap may require health questions (California birthday rule may help)	Can change during specific enrollment periods

General comparison only. Actual benefits, costs and networks depend on the specific plan.

Have Questions About Your Coverage?

Talk with Scott about your situation. There’s no obligation, and you can also get information on all of your options from Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.

Talk With Scott 310-355-8009