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July 16th, 2026

Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage: Which is Best? 🧐 #Medicare #Retirement

Is Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage better for you? In this short, we break down why Original Medicare plus a supplement might be your best choice.

The biggest upside? Ultimate flexibility. You can see any doctor in the United States that accepts Medicare—with no network limits or restrictions on treatment options, which is a lifesaver if you are traveling or need a specialized research hospital. The downside? You will have to pay monthly premiums for your Medigap (Medicare Supplement) and Part D prescription drug coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

– What is the main advantage of Original Medicare over Medicare Advantage?
The main advantage of Original Medicare combined with a supplement is freedom of choice. There are no provider networks, meaning you can visit any doctor or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare without needing a referral or worrying about out-of-network costs.

– Why would someone choose Medicare Advantage instead of Original Medicare?
Many people choose Medicare Advantage plans because they often feature lower monthly premiums and may include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage. However, these plans require you to use a specific network of doctors and require prior authorization for certain treatments.

– What are the additional costs associated with Original Medicare?
While Original Medicare gives you more freedom, it does require you to pay separate premiums for your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy as well as your Part D prescription drug plan to cover out-of-pocket costs and medications.

Contact Us
Questions? Email us at [email protected], call us at (919) 535-8261, or visit our website at https://cardinalguide.com/.

Hans Scheil Hans “John” Scheil, CFP®

Hans “John” Scheil is the author of The Complete Cardinal Guide and has over 40 years of experience specializing in helping individuals at or near retirement. John’s insurance career began at the age of 18, when he sold insurance while attending college full time. His years in the insurance industry included positions as a Branch Manager, National Sales Director, and Senior Vice President for several nationally recognized insurance companies. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Illinois University (1980) and a Master of Science in Management from The American College (2007).

John resides in Cary, North Carolina, with his wife, Ronda, and dog, Ellie, and has two grown sons. He is involved locally with StepUp Ministries and the Alzheimer’s Association. John enjoys golf, traveling the world, and leadership.