Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare with a Medigap policy are different ways of structuring Medicare coverage. The comparison starts with how each approach handles doctors, costs, drug coverage and supplemental protection.
Doctor and hospital choice
Medicare.gov says Original Medicare generally allows you to use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans may require you to use providers in the plan’s network for non-emergency care, depending on the plan.
Out-of-pocket structure
Original Medicare does not have a yearly out-of-pocket maximum unless you have supplemental coverage. Medicare Advantage plans have yearly limits on what you pay for covered Medicare services, although amounts and network rules vary by plan.
Where Medigap fits
Medigap is supplemental insurance used with Original Medicare to help pay certain out-of-pocket costs. It is not used to cover Medicare Advantage copays, deductibles or premiums.
Prescription drug coverage
With Original Medicare, drug coverage can be added through a separate Part D plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D, but plan details vary.
What should drive the comparison?
Compare provider freedom, expected healthcare use, premiums, out-of-pocket exposure, prescription needs, travel patterns and the plan rules you are comfortable managing.
Official sources
Use Medicare.gov and CMS Medicare Open Enrollment resources for official Medicare information. Medicare.gov also provides a side-by-side comparison of Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Explore the Ensurance Medicare resource center or use the 2027 Medicare Plan Review Checklist.
Ensurance is not Medicare.gov, CMS, or an insurance carrier. This page is educational and does not guarantee eligibility, plan availability, quotes or savings.