Is it better to get Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage?

Question

Tony Capraro III · Accepted Answer

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Renee Brown · Answer

There really isn't a perfect answer to this question. It is based on what each person's needs and the how they want to be covered. The best choice really is an individual choice and how they look at their insurance needs and money they want to have to spend monthly on their insurance.
More often Part D plans will have a higher Deductible and copay costs over a Medicare Advantage, so looking at each person's medications is a must when deciding on these plans.

Tammera Marrs · Answer

The answer is, "It depends." Part D may be the best option to some clients and Medicare Advantage could be the best option to other clients. Each situation is different. Working closely with clients we will be able to answer that question together

Answered by Tammera Marrs on May 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in KS

Answered by Tammera Marrs Medicare Insurance Agent

Kyle Kokot · Answer

The question here should be... Is it better to go with a Medigap and part D vs Medicare Advantage part C. When trying to decide this will be based off a few factors. 

1. How's your health?
2. Can you afford going the Medigap route?
3. Do you travel often?

There are a few other questions we would ask someone one but it will be different for everyone.

The short answer to this would be there is nothing as good as going with Medicare, supplement and a drug card but on the flipside it is a way more expensive route and weather you are sick or not you will pay premiums.

Timothy Brown · Answer

That depends on your situation. Prescription drug coverage included with Medicare Advantage plans tend to have lower to no Part D deductibles as well as lower copays whereas stand alone Part D plans include a separate premium are subject to a deductible for brand name prescriptions on tiers 3-5.

Answered by Timothy Brown on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 15 other states

Answered by Timothy Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Salisbury · Answer

If you can't answer this on your own, you should schedule a meeting with an insurance broker or agent.  

Both have pros and cons - and it is a good idea to see which will work best for you.

Eduardo Camacho · Answer

I think the answer is in what the client values the most, A stand Alone Part D plan only makes sense if you want to have a Medigap Plan and want to have the freedom to switch Medical Service Providers at any time, If you enroll in Medicare Advantage it makes senses to have all services covered under one plan rather than have duplicate premium separate that covers only medications.

Answered by Eduardo Camacho on April 22, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, FL, NC, NV, SC & TX

Answered by Eduardo Camacho Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Leichner · Answer

The answer depends On the medicines you take and where you fill the prescriptions. There are big differences amongst drug costs. I can assist you as I do this for all of my clients, in finding the best match for you! Brian Leichner, ProInsuranceResources.com 402-896-9774.

Answered by Brian Leichner on April 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in NE, AZ, CO & IA, KS, MO & TN

Answered by Brian Leichner Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Brauer · Answer

Well...that depends on your situation and what is important to you. With a Medicare Advantage Plan, you usually have to stay within the plan's provider network, which is centered around the area where you live and usually includes the Part D prescription drug coverage as part of the plan. Its a "bundled" product. With a Part D plan, people usually have a Medicare Supplement plan, or a Medigap plan, to "supplement" the 20% that Part B does not cover. The downside to this is that MediGap plans can be pricey....not so much when you are 65, but over the years they increase substantially.

Answered by Steve Brauer on May 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Karen Ansell · Answer

This is a personal question.
Many people like having straight Medicare and a part D prescription plan because more doctors accept straight Medicare. However you will owe the part A & B deductibles and normally 20% of the approve with no out of pocket maximum.
I would advise a Medicare Supplement with straight Medicare to pick up some of the out of pocket costs.
Medicare Advantage plans have their place but normally have a network of doctors and hospitals to adhere to and have prior authorizations for care. They also have copays and coinsurance but do have a maximum out of pocket you would spend in a year. Most do offer some coverage for  dental, vision and hearing as well.

Glenn Alterman · Answer

The answer depends upon if you have Part D coverage as good or better from work and if so you can avoid a Part D penalty. However, since Part D is no cost, why would you not sign up? You can call me at 800-891-5151 and I will sign you up for this plan depending upon your zip code and suggest a Plan G supplement with Silver Sneakers so you can see any doctor taking Medicare I would only take an Advantage plan if you can live with network restrictions but want dental, vision, transportation, Spendable’s card, and other benefits for zero monthly premium

Answered by Glenn Alterman on April 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, CA & FL, NJ, OH & TN

Answered by Glenn Alterman Medicare Insurance Agent

Randy Hill · Answer

Great question! Let’s break this down super simply.

Think of Medicare like a lunch tray. Original Medicare (Parts A & B) gives you your main meal (hospital and doctor coverage). But you're still missing a drink and dessert — that’s where Part D (prescription drugs) and Medicare Advantage (Part C) come in.

Here’s the difference between Part D and Medicare Advantage:

---

Option 1: Original Medicare + Part D

You keep Original Medicare (Parts A & B) that pays 80% you are responsible for 20%

Add Part D to help pay for prescription drugs

Optional: Add a Medigap (Supplement) plan to help cover the 20%  costs Medicare doesn’t pay

Good if you:

Want freedom to see any doctor that takes Medicare — no networks

Travel a lot or live in more than one state

Don’t mind paying more in monthly premiums for flexibility

---

Option 2: Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Replaces Original Medicare — you get everything in one plan

Usually includes Part A, Part B, and Part D

Often has extra perks like dental, vision, gym memberships

Good if you:

Want lower monthly costs (often $0 premiums. You pay small copays until you reach your maximum out of pocket (MOOP).

Are okay using doctors in a network

Like having all your benefits in one simple plan

---

So, which is better?

It depends on what's more important to you:

Freedom and flexibility? Go with Original Medicare + Part D (and maybe Medigap).

Convenience and savings? Try Medicare Advantage.

---

Bonus Tip: You can’t have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage — you have to pick one path.

If you want, I can help you compare both options based on your personal situation.

Taylor Blankenship · Answer

Everyone’s situation is different so in reality we would need to sit down and go over the options and compare. But in most cases Medicare Advantage plans have more benefits with great Drug coverage.

Is it better to get Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage?

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Is it better to get Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage?

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A non-government resource website