Is Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage better? Why do you recommend one over the other?

Question

Abbie Choate · Accepted Answer

It will be different for everyone.

Original Medicare lets you see any doctor that accepts Medicare and pairs well with a Medigap plan to lower out-of-pocket costs, but it doesn’t cover dental, vision, or prescriptions.

Medicare Advantage bundles everything, often with extra benefits like dental and vision, but you have to stick to a network of doctors.

If you want flexibility, Original Medicare with Medigap is usually better. If you prefer an all-in-one plan with lower upfront costs, Medicare Advantage might be the way to go.

Larry Dalton · Answer

It depends upon your location, how much you travel, where you would like to receive coverage if the unexpected happens, and the fact that cheap is not always the best in the long run. This answer cannot be given as good or bad; everybody's circumstances are different.

Answered by Larry Dalton on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Melonie Wood · Answer

Both Medicare Supplement Plans & Medicare Advantage are good plans for members depending on many factors:  Do you Travel a lot out of state?  Are costs a concern ?  Do you want to be able to go to any provider ?  Do you want to pay up front monthly with $0 co pay/$0 doctor visit/$0 for procedures/ $0 hospital stays/......
With Medicare Supplenet you pay monthly whether you go to the doctor or not, these plans can be expensive/ are medically underwritten & you must buy a Part D also.  Medicare Advantage includes drug coverage/ caps your costs, are usually $0 monthly premium/ $ for your doctor unless a specialist

Tony Capraro III · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/is-original-medicare-or-medicare-advantage-better-why-do-you-recommend-one-over-the-other#tony-capraro

William Lawler · Answer

I would recommend Advantage with Original Medicare(OM) rather than OM alone. Advantage covers costs that OM does not. Advantage plans cover drugs, vision, dental and hearing costs that OM does not.

Gary Church · Answer

There are PRO’s and Cons to any Medicare plan. The question is do you want to manage your healthcare or would you like the insurance company to manage your health?

Misty Bolt · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/is-original-medicare-or-medicare-advantage-better-why-do-you-recommend-one-over-the-other#misty-bolt

Nikki Rowland · Answer

Because Medicare is a not a one size fits all plan, I never recommend one over the other without  first doing a full needs analysis.  Both options can work well if this is done first.

Mark Maliwauki · Answer

Original Medicare Part A and Part B would be very costly in the event of a serious or catastrophic accident or injury. You would pay 20% out of pocket for all expenses incurred. A Medicare Advantage plan has a Maximum Out of Pocket that limits your liability and caps your costs.

Answered by Mark Maliwauki on March 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in ID, AZ, CA & 15 other states

Answered by Mark Maliwauki Medicare Insurance Agent

James Carlson · Answer

I am more in favor of original Medicare.  I know every doctor will see me and I can travel or move and maintain my plan.  I am not tired to a network.

Christopher Boyd · Answer

This is not a cookie answer for either option and if you talk to an agent who pushes one option over the other, go somewhere else.
For some citizens who receive Federal, State, or VA financial assistance, Medicare Advantage may be their only option. For Military Retirees who have TriCare for Life as an example, they currently would not need to pay for a Medicare Supplement. 
Know Your Customer, is an Insurance saying which means the agent/broker should explain all options available to the senior. 
In most states and zip codes, there are several Medicare Supplements such as Plan G, Plan N, High Deductible G, etc as well as several Medicare Advantage Plans. The senior should spend some time with the agent and gain a thorough understanding of all options available to them based on their unique circumstances.

Robert Pennington · Answer

I recommend Medicare Advantage because it covers Medicare Part A, B, C, and D plus Dental, Vision and Hearing and a multitude of other Benefits. With Original Medicare, you pay 20% of all cost plus paying for Rx, Dental, Vision, and Hearing out of pocket.

Answered by Robert Pennington on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, GA, SC & VA

Answered by Robert Pennington Medicare Insurance Agent

Jennifer McDonnell · Answer

Original Medicare alone is risky. With Original Medicare and a supplement you have excellent coverage and very limited financial risk for your Medical services. When someone tells me they only want Medicare A and B and nothing else, I remind them that Medicare Part B covers only 80% and that most cancer treatment is handled by Medicare Part B and highly recommend they have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan. Many who have limited income choose the Medicare Advantage as it limits their financial risk to what is called the 'Maxium out of pocket'.

Answered by Jennifer McDonnell on May 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in MI, AZ, CA & 10 other states

Answered by Jennifer McDonnell Medicare Insurance Agent

Charles Fletcher · Answer

Original Medicare is fully wrapped into all Medicare Advantage plans. Even the rights and privileges of Original Medicare are included. So, in most situations an MA plan would be better than merely have Original Medicare. MA plans add other coverage in additional to the 80% coverage of Original Medicare such as helping cover to a great degree the 20% gap. MA plan frequently add supplemental benefits such as dental, hearing, vision routine care, Over the Counter spending benefits and no or low cost gym memberships. These supplemental benefits are not covered by Original Medicare.

Answered by Charles Fletcher on March 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA, AZ, ID, NV & TN

Answered by Charles Fletcher Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Palazzini · Answer

My job is to explain both. Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (part C) both have pros and cons. Original Medicare with a Supplement will give you more freedom and flexibility while traveling the country and covering almost all out of pockets other than a Medicare Part B deductible of $257 annually. 

A Part C Advantage plan will limit your monthly premiums however you must follow third party guidelines such as copays, maximum yearly out of pockets, networks, doctors etc. while adding some extended benefits like dental and vision.

Marsha Reiniers · Answer

The type of plan you choose depends on your individual situation. Some people choose a Medicare Supplement plan because they can afford the premium and value having complete choice of medical providers without regard to whether they are in network or not. Others value the Medicare Advantage plan and like the extra ancillary benefits they offer. They may feel comfortable with a managed health plan since the doctors they see are in network for the plan they select. The most important consideration is choosing the plan that works best for you - not necessarily the plan your friend or neighbor may have. Make that determination for yourself with the help of an agent who can assist you in making the best decision for your specific health and financial situation

Answered by Marsha Reiniers on April 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, GA, NC, PA, SC & VA

Answered by Marsha Reiniers Medicare Insurance Agent

Bryan Smith · Answer

I would never recommend anything site unseen. I need to do a true NEADS analysis with each client. No one has the same situation in life.

Vincent Esposito · Answer

Listen ...here's the short answer. Everybody want to save $$ when their healthy and when they have health issues they don't mind paying more to get more. Some pay more from day one knowing that they know what to expect for the what "ifs" in life

Answered by Vincent Esposito on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY, FL & NJ

Answered by Vincent Esposito Medicare Insurance Agent

Hope Suhr · Answer

80% coverage,  20% you pay for the coverage.  You do the math.
Here’s my answer:

That 20% can get real expensive—real fast—especially if something major happens. That’s why I recommend looking at coverage that protects you from those big surprise bills.
It’s not about which one is “better.” It’s about which one fits your health needs,

Mary Turner · Answer

Original Medicare by itself does not have a MOOP - maximum out of pocket limit - and should be used with a Medicare supplement and drug plan.  This coverage has a monthly premium but allows you ease of use and access to any Medicare provider.

Medicare advantage plans typically have no premium and you usually get additional benefits such as dental, etc. They have networks, copays and coinsurance and you may need referrals or prior authorization.  

Which option is best for you is based on your specific situation.   They are both viable options.

Danny Radisewitz · Answer

We have done hundreds of Medicare meetings and workshops! In all of our experiences we have learned this very important bit of knowledge " it's not what you know that gets you into trouble, what get most folks turning 65 in trouble is the things they think they know...that ain't so"! Trust but verify! We enroll our clients in both Original Medicare with Supplemental Health and Prescription Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans everyday. So, pick a path that you fell great about, not what others might think best for you.

Answered by Danny Radisewitz on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in SD, IA, MN & ND

Answered by Danny Radisewitz Medicare Insurance Agent

Darlene Murphy · Answer

That is specific to each individual person, and coverage area. No 2 cases are exactly alike, seek help from a trusted advisor.

Shane and Tammy Carpenter · Answer

Simply put, it is not a "one size fits all" answer. For some, Original Medicare with a Supplement with/without a Prescription Drug plan is better and for others a Medicare Advantage Plan is better. Why do I say this? There are many factors to consider such as budget, flexibility, willingness to work with networks or not, health circumstances and more. Only when properly evaluating these circumstances can Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan be determined as the better choice.

Answered by Shane and Tammy Carpenter on March 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, AR, FL & 5 other states

Answered by Shane and Tammy Carpenter Medicare Insurance Agent

Jay Larshus · Answer

I sell both Medicare Supplements to pair with Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. The decision to choose one over the other is dependent on a number of items. I will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of each type of plan.

Answered by Jay Larshus on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in TN & VA

Answered by Jay Larshus Medicare Insurance Agent

Lance Stanley · Answer

Medicare has a lot of pro and cons one being that you can go to any Doctor of Hospital that accepts Medicare. There are no restrictions on Networks. On the other hand, Medicare Advantages usually offer more benefits such as vision and dental etc. Also, the premiums are generally less with MA plans. I only recommend one over the other based on what best fits the consumers' and what their needs are.

Answered by Lance Stanley on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, GA, MS & TX

Answered by Lance Stanley Medicare Insurance Agent

William Kravit · Answer

No one size fits all.  With Medigaps, you pay a larger monthly premium, but virtually no out of pockets when incurring medical related service expenses.  With an Advantage plan, you pay no monthly premium or an insignificant premium, yet when you incur medical related service expenses you'll pay copays.

Both are wonderful coverages and our recommendation involves many variables and therefore it becomes very personal.

Kevin McIntire · Answer

Every person is different and every situation is different. My job is to properly educate clients about each option and let their peace of mind guide the discussion.

Ruben Trejo · Answer

There’s really no "one-size-fits-all" answer, it really depends on the individual's needs. Original Medicare gives you more freedom to see any doctor that accepts Medicare and works great if you pair it with a Medigap plan to cover out-of-pocket costs. 
Medicare Advantage can be a solid choice if you want lower monthly premiums, extra benefits (like dental, vision, and hearing), and a max out-of-pocket limit, but you’ll need to stick to a network of doctors. I don’t push one over the other, I just place both options in front of my client, ask the right questions, and help them find what works best for their health and budget needs.

France Stephanos · Answer

Costs are main factor when we know the problem of inflation today.
And it will depend on the experience that some individuals will have with the two different form of Medicare insurance.

Teresa Cole · Answer

With original Medicare Part B it is a 80/20 plan.  Medicare pays 80% for and you pay 20%.  With a Medicare Advantage plan you mostly will have a co-pay

Travis Lane · Answer

This is a tough one. The easiest answer...it depends. The reason I say that is because it is such an individualized conversation to find out what is important to that specific client I am speaking to. Both are good options and both are bad options, just depends on that clients individual situation. We go through pros and cons to both so our clients are well informed on their options.

Answered by Travis Lane on March 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA

Answered by Travis Lane Medicare Insurance Agent

Gregg Matheny · Answer

Medicare advantage is great for covering a large number of services at a pre-negotiated lowered rate BUT You do have to stay with a carrier’s network And some procedures may require prior authorization Which can be very cumbersome at times. Original Medicare leaves you open to paying the full 20% that is not covered But you do not have a network of doctors that you need to stay within, rather any hospital or doctor that accepts Medicare would be someplace that you can go.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

Leslie Helene Sussman · Answer

There is no one plan better that the other.  Medicare plan options are a Personal Choice where a review is necessary to determine which option is best for each individual.

I believe in Individual personalized Reviews to determine the best option based on Medical and Medication needs.

John L Herman Jr · Answer

Budget, risk level, your current health, the Doctor's you see, the Prescriptions you take, and even the Pharmacy you use all come into play when you reach 65 and enter the MEDICARE WORLD. ADVANTAGE PLANS offer may benefits like coverage for DRUGS/VISION/DENTAL and even HEARING...But might limit your choices as well.

Since every individual has a unique situation in life...a trained and Licensed Independent Broke will guide you to the right answer.

Steve Houchens · Answer

Personally I don’t recommend one over the other, instead I educate the client on the pros and cons of each option and help the client decide what plan makes the most since for them bases on health and financial needs of each individual. There is no one size fits all in my opinion as each persons needs and financial situation will vary.

Answered by Steve Houchens on April 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens Medicare Insurance Agent

DeeDee Whitlock · Answer

In my opinion original Medicare & Medicare Supplement is the better option! Because it keeps YOU in control of your health options & not the insurance carrier

Tammy Stoner · Answer

There are many factors that go into choosing a Medicare plan. Each and every person that I meet with has different health needs and budgets.

Original Medicare has gaps and holes in coverage that are the responsibility of the patient. Medicare will not cover enhanced benefits like Dental, Vision, or Hearing. 

A Medicare advantage plan may have enhanced benefits with 0-low monthly costs, but can become costly if there is a constant medical need for services.

A Medicare Supplement will have a monthly premium (can increase with age) in addition to Medicare but offers coverage in excess of original Medicare.

Sean Davis · Answer

Whether Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage is better depends on individual health needs and preferences. Original Medicare offers flexibility with providers and doesn’t require referrals, making it ideal for those who want a broader choice of healthcare professionals. However, it does have gaps in coverage, such as deductibles and coinsurance. 

Medicare Advantage plans typically include additional benefits, like vision and dental care, and may have lower monthly premiums, which can be appealing. However, they often come with a network of providers and may require referrals.

I recommend considering your healthcare usage, budget, and the importance of provider flexibility when choosing between the two. It’s essential to evaluate how each option aligns with your personal healthcare needs.

Julie Joyce · Answer

I dont think one is better than the other.  They both do the same thing but work very differently.  Its all about finding which one is better for your particular needs and lifestyle.

Gretchen Morris · Answer

If you ever meet an agent who answers this question directly move on. These plans are not the same and you cannot say one is better than the other. They are both just different and some people like one and others like the other.

Answered by Gretchen Morris on March 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in MN, AZ, FL & WI

Answered by Gretchen Morris Medicare Insurance Agent

Lea Ayres · Answer

Not one person is the same. I educate my clents on both options. For some individuals a Medicare Supplement is the best option for them based off their health needs. Others are very happy with the benefits that the Medicare Advantage Plans offer. I approch this as neither is better than the other.

Answered by Lea Ayres on March 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, CT, MD & 8 other states

Answered by Lea Ayres Medicare Insurance Agent

Ryan Raphael · Answer

In my opinion, I feel like Medicare Advantage can make sense for many people. However, I am all about narrowing down to figure out which plan is best for the person's needs not my needs.

George Kolitsas · Answer

Everyone I sit with is different. There are pro's and con's to both choices. I always say, I can not predict the future but I can educate you on the differences.

David Koller · Answer

It depends and your specific situation...there are pros and cons to each and we discuss them so you can decide which is best for you.

Maurice Ellis · Answer

Original Medicare (part A & B) is "given" to everyone when they turn 65 that covers 80%. 

Medicare Advantage (part C & D) is what you would do by contacting an agent for additional (20%) coverage that should include dental, hearing and vision.

Jennifer Stark · Answer

Original Midicare is wonderful to cover 80percent of your healthcare costs. Then you are responsible for 20percent. The Advantage plan is the 20 percent taht Original medicare does not cover. You will ahve co pays and a max out of pocket, but it helps with the 20 percent.

Answered by Jennifer Stark on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in WI, CO & FL

Answered by Jennifer Stark Medicare Insurance Agent

Alan &quot;AL&quot; Minthorn · Answer

For about 90% of customers in markets with a minimum of a dozen advantage plans, they’ll be fine on these products. In more rural markets, those with high maintenance chronic conditions, or those living in three more locations yearly - a Med Supp may be a better choice.

Answered by Alan "AL" Minthorn on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in ME, FL, GA, NC & NH

Answered by Alan "AL" Minthorn Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

There is no single "better" option between Original Medicare & Medicare Advantage; the best choice depends on individual needs & preferences. Original Medicare offers broader access to providers & no network restrictions, while Medicare Advantage plans can provide additional benefits, lower costs, & potentially more coordinated care. 
Original Medicare:
Pros:
Access to any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare nationwide.
No need for prior authorization for most services.
Ability to add a Medigap policy to supplement coverage & reduce out-of-pocket costs.
No network restrictions.
Cons:
May have higher out-of-pocket costs without a Medigap policy.
Does not include prescription drug coverage, requiring a separate Part D plan.
Does not cover additional benefits like vision, dental, or hearing. 
Medicare Advantage:
Pros:
Often includes prescription drug coverage (Part D). 
May include additional benefits like vision, dental, & hearing coverage. 
May have lower copayments for some services. 
May have an out-of-pocket maximum, limiting potential costs. 
May offer more coordinated care and a primary care physician as a gatekeeper. 
Cons:
May limit choices to a network of doctors & hospitals. 
May require prior authorization for certain services. 
Additional benefits & costs can vary significantly between plans. 
Out-of-network care may be limited or more expensive. 
Recommendation:
Choose Original Medicare if: You prioritize broad access to providers, don't need additional benefits like vision or dental, & are comfortable managing your own out-of-pocket costs (potentially with a Medigap policy). 
Choose Medicare Advantage if: You prefer the convenience of a single plan that includes prescription drug coverage & additional benefits, are comfortable with network restrictions, & want to limit potential out-of-pocket costs. 
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual health status, financial situation, & preferences for managing your healthcare.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Original Medicare offers greater freedom in choosing providers, while Medicare Advantage often includes extra benefits like dental, vision, and fitness coverage, and may have lower out-of-pocket costs.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on May 18, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Carol Thompson · Answer

It depends on your needs and your finances. If you are a healthy person and you live in a service area that offers medicare Adv plans then I would recommend as such. Depends on your needs mostly.

Mike Henry · Answer

Depends. How much retirement income?  Higher retirement income should pro consider regular supplement. Not as many restrictions. Travels all ove  DC the United States 

Medicare advantage has some good and bad to it.  It was generally designed for those with lower retirement income. Lots of deductible. Doesn’t travel well. Company can also quit Dr and hospital unannounced

Barbara Barnes, CMIP® · Answer

This is a trick question.

Neither option is better in every situation or for every client.  They both have an important place in our healthcare payor system.  It is important for each person to understand both options so that they can choose which is best for themselves.  Beware of insurance agents who approach clients with a one-size-fits-all mentality on either side of this argument.

The best decision is one that is measured and educated and based on the individual needs, wants and priorities of the client.

Linda Bolan · Answer

It all depends on the individual and what they can comfortably afford.  We look at health and also budget to determine the best option for each client.

Todd Bostic · Answer

I don't recommend one over the other, what I do is give my clients both options, and let them make the decision for their self so it's an informed decision and they know I didn't force them into a decision.

Answered by Todd Bostic on May 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AZ & 12 other states

Answered by Todd Bostic Medicare Insurance Agent

Nina Besant · Answer

I think it depends where you live. Depending on your zip code and county one option may be favorable over the other. I always present both options to my clients so they know of all their choices. If they live in a rural area then Original Medicare may be a better fit for them.

Answered by Nina Besant on May 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, AZ, FL & 7 other states

Answered by Nina Besant Medicare Insurance Agent

Gregory Gudis · Answer

Every person is different and depending on your individual needs one cannot necessarily be said to be better than the other. I have found Original Medicare with a Supplement and Part D plan makes people very confident with no network, referrals and usually no or low copays. On the other hand Medicare Advantage tends to be cheaper up front, has more added benefits outside of what Medicare covers and is usually more similar to what folks had when working. That said it is always worth having your situation evaluated by an Insurance Broker before making a decision.

Answered by Gregory Gudis on March 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, CO, CT & 16 other states

Answered by Gregory Gudis Medicare Insurance Agent

Chris Bumgardner · Answer

I wouldn't say one is better than the other- it depends on what's most important to you.  My job is to help you find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Dashelle Warntjes · Answer

I love answering this question, thank you for the opportunity!
Firstly, this is not a one size fits all answer. Every client has their own unique situation, therefore when advising, I always ask clients to fill out my ‘Needs Assessment’ questionnaire, which will aid in answering that very question. I look forward to getting started on this path with you!

Is Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage better? Why do you recommend one over the other?

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