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

Question

Tony Capraro III · Accepted Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/is-it-better-to-get-medicare-part-d-or-medicare-advantage#tony-capraro

Steve and Sue 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. It's 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 and Sue Brauer on May 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Church · Answer

Choosing a Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan. It depends on the individual's needs and the options available with Medicare plans. It's best to speak with a licensed Medicare agent to review all your options.

Answered by Gary Church on June 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent

William Lawler · Answer

Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D (prescription Drug Plan). However, an individual can enroll in a "stand alone" PDP without having an Advantage plan. 
Bill Lawler.

Bill Wheeler · Answer

To chose either one depends on your needs and wants. Part D does cover your medicines
Only. A Medicare advantage bundles all together with hearing, dental and vision.

Christopher Boyd · Answer

This is not a cookie cutter answer. If a person is eligible for Federal or State Government Assistance,  they should be able to get Part D with a $0 or reduced monthly premium. Medicare Advantage Plans for Dual Eligible (Medicare  & Medicaid) provide additional coverage above that of Original Medicare. If a Veteran uses the VA for prescriptions, Medicare can exempt them from enrolling into Part D. Military Retirees with Tricare For Life already have prescription coverage and are also exempt from Medicare for Part D Coverage. 

Medicare Part D or Part C(Medicare Advantage) should be understood as traditionally not overlapping coverage in most areas. Each Part D and C plan will have different deductibles, co-pays, and network requirements.

Mark Maliwauki · Answer

Medicare Part D will cost you an extra premium and it would be paired with a Medicare Supplement as they don't come with an Rx plan. 

Medicare Advantage plans with the exception of specific veteran's plans come with Rx built in and there is no additional cost for the coverage.

Steven Graves · Answer

What’s the Difference?
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
All-in-one plans that bundle:

Part A (hospital)

Part B (medical)

Often includes Part D (drug coverage)

May include extras like dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships

Managed by private insurance companies

Usually has networks (HMO/PPO)—you may need referrals or stick to certain doctors

Out-of-pocket costs vary but plans often have low or $0 premiums

Medicare Part D (Standalone Drug Plan)
Only covers prescription drugs

Used with Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

Can also be paired with a Medigap (Supplement) plan

You choose a separate drug plan based on your medications

 Which is Better for You?

To determine which Medicare plan is truly best for your needs, it's important to consult with a licensed Medicare insurance agent and carefully review the options available in your area. Medicare can be complex, and trying to research everything on your own may lead to overlooked benefits or unexpected costs that could impact both your health and your budget.

At Medicare4USA, we specialize in helping you navigate the choices with clarity and confidence. Our expert agents are here to ensure you understand your options and make the decision that's right for you.

Contact us today.
We’re here to simplify Medicare—for you.

Ben Washington · Answer

Is it better to get Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage? Well part D help lower your cost, and Medicare Advantage can include Part D as well. Also include extra benefits like vision, dental, and hearing. It also includes routine physical exam. Medicare Advantage are care management plan.

Answered by Ben Washington on May 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL, FL, MN, SC, TX & WI

Answered by Ben Washington Medicare Insurance Agent

Voss Speros · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/is-it-better-to-get-medicare-part-d-or-medicare-advantage#voss-speros

Don Hudson · Answer

Medicare Part D is for Prescription drugs and Medicare Advantage Plan (MAPD) includes prescription drugs. If you have straight Medicare or a Medigap plan that does not include prescription drugs the Medicare Part D is best for you.

Answered by Don Hudson on June 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Don Hudson Medicare Insurance Agent

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.

Joel Gregory Craven · Answer

Both offer rich benefits, however, Part D is offered as a "stand alone" plan in addition to Original Medicare or with Medicare Advantage which is Part C. However, Medicare Advantage in most cases offers Medicare Advantage without drug coverage for members that also have other creditable coverage that doesn't conflict with MA like the VA (Veteran's Administration). We as agents, don't use words like better best because it can be misleading to the member. What works best for you is your opinion and that's the one that matters. So the short answer is if you don't have other creditable coverage like the VA or a Commercial Policy there can be penalties for not taking Part D. Part C, MAPD (Medicare Advantage with Part D Drug Coverage) is paired with usually the most comprehensive Part D Drug coverage that that Carrier offers. For example, If a company "XYZ MAPD Company" offers 3 Part D Drug plans in your county (Low Medium & High Use) plans, then the "High Use" plan is usually the most comprehensive and the plan that is offered with the MAPD plan. I suggest finding an agent that can research and place the most comprehensive plan for you based on the meds you take and the doctors you see. Special Needs Plans (SNP) sometimes offer drug plans customized to a Chronic Condition like Diabetes or a Chronic Heart Condition. Again find a experienced and trained agent to help you find the right plan for you.

Answered by Joel Gregory Craven on August 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in MS, AL, AZ & 5 other states

Answered by Joel Gregory Craven Medicare Insurance Agent

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.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

One of the misconceptions about the above question is that there is a choice when applying for an “MA” or Medicare Advantage plan. You have the right to choose an “MAPD”, the PD standing for Prescription Drugs or an MA that does not include drug coverage. If you prefer the latter for whatever reason, you must pick up a Part D(rug) plan as the alternative. If you don't, there will be a lifetime penalty added to a drug plan’s premium for every month that you did not acquire drug coverage at age 65.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Garner · Answer

It all depends on an individual's situation.  

If the individual prefers a Medicare Supplement over a Medicare Advantage plan, they would need to sign up for a Medicare Part D plan if they want Prescription Drug Coverage.  

If the individual can't afford the Medicare Supplement premiums or the Part D premiums, then the Medicare Advantage with Drug Coverage would be recommended.

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.

Chad Watkins · Answer

While Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage both provide prescription drug coverage, they are very different as Medicare Advantage also provides medical coverage, thus the two are not comparable.

Cleo Martin · Answer

It really depends on yyou and your situation. With Part D you will need a medicare supplement which can cost some money depending and where you live, your gender, and your age. But it will put your health care cpsts on a budget. With a Medicare Advantage you may not spend any money up front, but as you use it, it will cost each time you use services other then your primary care doctor. There is a maximum out of pocket per year. So the bottom line as I like to say is may me now or pay me later.

Answered by Cleo Martin on August 12, 2025

Agent Licensed in SC, FL, GA, MI & NC

Answered by Cleo Martin Medicare Insurance Agent

Mal Varlack · Answer

That depends on the specific needs of the person. Needs such as do you want to have get a referral, do you want flexibility to use the plan anywhere, doctor networks, your own health issues, if any.

Tammy Stoner · Answer

Typically, prescription costs are similar between Medicare Advantage and Medicare part D. 
Formulary listings (tiers) are often mirrored. 

Some Advantage plans may have lower costs on prescriptions due to being all inclusive and with lower co-pays. The other benefit may be no additional cost for a stand alone part D plan.

I can help you navigate the differences to choose the best plan for you.

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

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

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

Jeanette Luthi · Answer

A Medicare advantage plan gives you extra benefits like dental, vision hearing and more, that you don't get with Original Medicare. It also includes part D. Most advantage plans have $0 premium. A Part D plan will have a premium. But it depends on your needs. Every person is different. No plan fits everyone.

Answered by Jeanette Luthi on August 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Jeanette Luthi Medicare Insurance Agent

Rick Porras · Answer

Thanks for your question. There is no one size fits all, when it comes to answering questions having to do with Medicare. This answer really depends on your personal medical needs and your budget. A stand alone Part D plan covers your prescribed medications and refills if you have original Medicare Parts A and B. Since original Medicare does not include prescription coverage, you have to purchase one of these plans, or face possible lifetime penalties. With a Medicare Advantage plan, Part D coverage is usually included. I am happy to discuss your specific plan needs at your convenience at no cost or obligation to you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Answered by Rick Porras on June 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & 11 other states

Answered by Rick Porras Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Kramer · Answer

Sorry, but that's not an equivalent question. Medicare Part D only covers Rx costs. You would still need to buy a supplement policy to cover the 20% that Medicare does not cover. Medicare Advantage is an all-in-one plan that covers both Rx's and the other costs of healthcare, (following the health coverage of original Medicare), typically with co-pays and sometimes co-insurance, and in some cases, without a monthly premium. But Advantage plans have Dr networks. Best to sit down face-to-face with a good insurance agent and do a needs analysis.

Answered by Andrew Kramer on June 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Henry · Answer

Depends. Are your de’s and hospital in the plan.  Which way is best coverage. Advantage or true Medicare supplement along with Part D

Carol Thompson · Answer

Depending on your needs and service area. For the areas that offer Medicare advantage plans- I would recommend the bundle type plan over just having Part D. You will have Part C and it offers dental, hearing and vision.

Answered by Carol Thompson on August 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, LA, MI & NC, SC, VA & WI

Answered by Carol Thompson Medicare Insurance Agent

Andre Cabral · Answer

When you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you still need a Part D stand-alone plan. 
Most beneficiaries in this situation pay a monthly premium over Parts B and D, besides the 20% remaining balance, for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) only covers 80% of your medical bills.  When you have Medicare Advantage, and you choose a MAPD (Medicare Advantage+Prescription Drug plan), you are 100% covered for all the benefits covered by the original Medicare, plus the Part D (some co-payments apply). There are MAPD plans which premium costs $O/mo and the only premium you have to pay is the part B monthly premium ($185.00 in 2025)

Sam Silva · Answer

Whether Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage is better depends on your health needs and preferences. Part D is a stand-alone drug plan that works with Original Medicare and a Supplement, giving you broad provider access and more predictable costs. Medicare Advantage includes hospital, medical, and usually drug coverage in one plan, along with extra benefits like dental and vision, but it has network restrictions and may require referrals. If you value provider flexibility and lower out-of-pocket costs for serious care, Part D with a Supplement may be better. If you want convenience, low premiums, and added benefits, Advantage could be a good fit.

Answered by Sam Silva on June 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, GA, NJ & 7 other states

Answered by Sam Silva 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 contact me 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

Charles Borg · Answer

They are two different things. Medicare Part D is just a drug plan, nothing else. A Medicare Advantage plan is a complete withdrawal from government Medicare. It’s either an HMO or a PPO issued by a private insurance company.

Answered by Charles Borg on June 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & NY

Answered by Charles Borg Medicare Insurance Agent

Chuck Winslow · Answer

That all depends on you and your health goals. Medicare is thw one health plan that can be truly driven towards your health goals. 

In my opinion I feel like an Advantage Plan is so much better as long as you cover yourself with gap protection. 

Reach out to someone who not only does Medicare but also takes care of all thw little things that not everyone things about. 

Happy to help anytime I can!

Kevin Chaikin · Answer

It all really depends on what your situation is both from a financial perspective and health needs as well as what options are available to you in your zip code. Part D is a standalone which requires an extra premium whereas Medicare Advantage does not typically require additional premium. Sometimes you'll find drug coverage on Medicare Advantage plans to be better due to lower deductibles and better coverage but that is such a case-by-case thing that it is impossible to make that blanket statement. Start with figuring out whether Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage is better for your medical needs and then start figuring out Part D once you've made that decision.

Answered by Kevin Chaikin on July 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA, AL, AZ & 31 other states

Answered by Kevin Chaikin 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.

Steven Rodriguez Giudicelli · Answer

It really depends on your individual healthcare needs and preferences. Medicare Part D is a stand-alone prescription drug plan that you add to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) if you want drug coverage and prefer the flexibility of Original Medicare. On the other hand, a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) often includes Part D coverage, along with other benefits like vision, dental, and hearing, but may have network restrictions.

Answered by Steven Rodriguez Giudicelli on June 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL & TX

Answered by Steven Rodriguez Giudicelli Medicare Insurance Agent

George Francis · Answer

Depends of the needs of the individual! 

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative way of receiving Medicare coverage that combines Original Medicare and Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) into a single plan. Medicare Advantage plans are sometimes attractive to beneficiaries because of there extra benefits and lower costs. 

Medicare Part D (Stand along prescription plan) typically have separate costs and are combined with Original Medicare. 

There isn't a right or best plan, it all comes down to the needs of the individual.

George
Medicare Advantage Advisor

Gene Page · Answer

Medicare Part D is a stand alone product and is generally pared with a Supplement (Medigap) policy.
Medicare Advantage generally has a built in prescription drug product. Some plans,  MA-only,  exclude drug coverage and are typically purchased by those who have access to VA drug coverage which is considered creditable.
There are instances where a drug may be covered under one plan, but not another, so that could be a deciding factor. 
You cannot purchase more than one Medicare contracted Rx plan at a time.
You  must maintain creditable drug coverage to avoid future penalties.

Ken Brzezinski · Answer

Medicare pays private companies to look after consumers medical needs. The private Companies usually include Drug Coverage. You cannot have a Medicare Part D Plan and a Medicare Advantage Plan. Consumers need to make sure that the medications that they are taking are covered in their Medicare Advantage Plan Formulary.

Answered by Ken Brzezinski on July 29, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by Ken Brzezinski Medicare Insurance Agent

Silvana Peacock · Answer

It depends on each person's needs. Medicare Advantage plans often include boult-in part D coverage along with added benefits like dental and vision, but they come with networks and copays. On the other hand, Original Medicare with a separate Part D plan may offer more flexibility in provider choice and is often better for those with frequent specialist visits. I always help clients compare both options based on their prescriptions, providers, and budget

Answered by Silvana Peacock on May 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, MI, NC, NJ, SC & VA

Answered by Silvana Peacock Medicare Insurance Agent

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.

Brian MacInnis · Answer

That's a great question, and quite honestly, I believe each situation is different depending on each individual's needs and resources. In general conversation, Medicare Advantage plans can include Part D plans and make sense for some folks. It would be best to find an honest and reputable agent/broker who can help see what option may work best for your situation.

Answered by Brian MacInnis on June 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, DE, MD & VA

Answered by Brian MacInnis Medicare Insurance Agent

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

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