To choose a Medicare plan, you need to consider whether you want Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage and whether or not you need coverage for prescription drugs, among other factors such as cost.

Today, people age 65 and older have more choices in Medicare coverage than previous generations. Most Americans have more than 25 plans to choose from, each with different premiums, copays, and alliances with medical providers and pharmacies.

With all of these choices, you need to review all of your options and choose what will work best for you.

Whether you’re enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or Medicare Advantage (Part C), reviewing your coverage options and expected costs is a good idea to ensure you get the best coverage for your needs. This also includes reviewing your coverage and anticipated costs for prescription drugs.

For most people, Medicare Part A, which covers hospital care, is free. Part B, which covers medical care, is an elected plan that involves a monthly premium. The breakdown of the costs for Part A and B for 2025, is available on Medicare.gov.

If you get Social Security, Railroad Retirement Board, or Office of Personnel Management benefits, your Part B premium will be deducted automatically from your benefit payment. You’ll get a bill if you don’t get these benefit payments.

While Original Medicare offers the same coverage everywhere, Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans are administered by private insurance plans. This means your coverage and cost will change depending on the specific plan and where you live. You can see what plans are offered in your area on Medicare.gov.

You may also want to consider any anticipated medical appointments or services. If you expect a lot, you’re likely to meet your deductible rather quickly and may benefit from a lower-deductible plan. However, it may have a larger premium.

Compare the premiums and deductibles of Original Medicare with those of the Medicare Advantage plans in your area to make the best decision.

In addition, if you take prescription drugs, you’ll need to purchase the Medicare Part D plan or combined coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan. It’s important to check whether your chosen plan’s formulary includes any drugs you take.

Considering a few other factors can be helpful, especially if you’re just starting to enroll in Medicare.

These include:

  • Supplemental insurance (Medigap): Medigap can help you pay for Original Medicare costs, but you can’t use it to pay for Medicare Advantage. If you decide you want to purchase a Medigap plan, review our guide on available Medigap plans.
  • In-network providers: With Original Medicare, you should be able to keep your current provider. On the other hand, HMO Advantage plans require using a primary care physician from their list, while PPO Advantage plans allow more freedom but with higher fees if not using network doctors.
  • Travel: Will you travel regularly and need medical coverage outside of your home state or internationally? With Original Medicare, you’re covered in every state so long as you use a Medicare-participating provider. However, with some exceptions, Medicare won’t cover you outside of the United States. With Medicare Advantage, your coverage will depend on your specific plan.

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When deciding between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, it’s also a good idea to consider what might not be covered.

Medicare Advantage has to offer the same coverage as Original Medicare, but some plans may offer coverage for additional things that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.

These include:

  • eye exams for prescription eyeglasses
  • long-term or custodial care
  • cosmetic surgery
  • massage therapy
  • routine physical exams
  • hearing aids and exams to fit them
  • concierge medicine
  • most dental care

In addition, Medicare won’t cover any services from a provider who doesn’t accept Medicare.

Original Medicare coverage is standard across the United States. According to a Healthline review, the best overall Medicare Advantage plan is Humana Gold Plus (HMO). It provides both health and drug coverage and includes a wide range of additional benefits like preventive and comprehensive dental services, vision and hearing care, and coverage for over-the-counter medications.

For those needing prescription hearing aids, certain brands are covered at an in-network rate with a copay of several hundred dollars. The plan also covers eyeglass frames and lenses. Additionally, it offers benefits for non-emergency medical transportation, overseas medical emergency care, and fitness activities.

That said, everyone’s needs are different. Learn more about other plan options In addition, check out our Medigap plans comparison chart.

When deciding on a Medicare plan, weighing your options between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is important. Additionally, consider whether you need coverage for prescription drugs and compare costs among different plans.

To find the right Medicare plan for you or someone else, check eligibility and coverage outlines through Medicare.gov or contact your local healthcare insurance agent or benefits representative.