Which Medicare Path Is Right for You?
Answer 8 questions and get a personalized, unbiased comparison of Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare + Medigap.
Medicare Advantage
All-in-one plans from private insurers. Often $0 premium. Network-based.
Original Medicare + Medigap
Federal coverage + supplemental policy. Any doctor nationwide. Higher premiums, lower risk.
- ✓ Takes under 3 minutes
- ✓ No personal information required
- ✓ Includes 5-year and 10-year cost projections
- ✓ Shareable results link for family discussions
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Question 1 of 8
How would you rate your overall health today?
Rarely need specialist visits or hospitalizations
Routine visits, a few specialist visits per year
Multiple chronic conditions, regular specialist care
Frequent hospitalizations, complex care needs
Question 2 of 8
Do you travel frequently or spend significant time in multiple states?
Medicare Advantage plans are network-based — care outside your network area may not be covered except in emergencies.
I travel 3+ months/year, winter in Florida, or live in two states
I stay primarily in one area
Question 3 of 8
How important is the freedom to see any doctor without referrals?
Original Medicare + Medigap lets you see any doctor in the US who accepts Medicare — no network, no referrals needed.
I want to see any doctor nationwide — specialists, second opinions, etc.
I prefer flexibility but could work with a broad network
I'm fine staying within a local network
Question 4 of 8
Do you have specific doctors or specialists you want to keep seeing?
If your doctors aren't in an MA plan's network, you may face higher costs or need to switch providers.
My primary doctor, cardiologist, oncologist, or other specialist matters to me
I'm open to finding new providers in a network
Question 5 of 8
What's your comfort level for monthly insurance premiums?
This is in addition to your Medicare Part B premium (~$185/month). Medigap plans average $150-$200/month for Plan G.
I prefer the lowest possible premium, even if costs vary
Moderate premium for added protection
Willing to pay more for predictable costs
Budget isn't a primary concern — coverage quality is
Question 6 of 8
How important is having dental, vision, and hearing bundled into your plan?
Original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental, vision, or hearing. Medicare Advantage plans often include these benefits — quality varies widely.
I want dental, vision, and hearing bundled — these are essential for me
Helpful, but I could buy separate coverage or use FSA funds
I have other dental/vision coverage or prefer to pay separately
Question 7 of 8
Do you use or anticipate needing durable medical equipment (DME)?
DME includes CPAP machines, wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, continuous glucose monitors, and similar devices. Prior authorization requirements vary significantly by plan.
I use a CPAP, wheelchair, oxygen, CGM, or other equipment now or soon
Conditions suggest I may need equipment in the next few years
DME isn't a significant factor in my Medicare decisions
Question 8 of 8
How do you feel about unpredictable medical costs?
With Original Medicare + Medigap, you pay more monthly but face almost no surprise bills. With Medicare Advantage, premiums are lower but cost-sharing can add up.
I sleep better knowing there won't be a $5,000 hospital bill surprise
I'll pay lower monthly costs and manage if I need more care
Side-by-Side Comparison
Based on national 2026 averages. Actual costs vary by plan, location, and health use.
| Factor | 🏥 Medicare Advantage | 🛡️ Original Medicare + Medigap G |
|---|
Cost Projections
Estimates based on your health profile and national averages. Assumes 5% annual MA cost increases, 3% Medigap premium increases.
Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare + Medigap G
* MA costs include estimated MOOP usage based on your health profile. Medigap G costs include Part B premium + Plan G premium + Part B deductible ($257/yr). Part D not included. These are estimates only — actual costs will vary.