Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older or those with qualifying disabilities. Part A covers hospital care and Part B covers outpatient services, but Original Medicare has no out-of-pocket maximum and leaves you responsible for 20% of most costs indefinitely. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They bundle Parts A and B and often include additional benefits like vision, dental, hearing, and prescription drug coverage. Most Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums and include an annual out-of-pocket maximum, providing greater cost predictability.