Healthcare Help
Which Medicare Path Fits Me?
Compare Original Medicare (with optional Medigap + Part D) against Medicare Advantage — based on your providers, travel, prescriptions, costs, and risk tolerance. Scores, flags, and a plain-language recommendation.
Analysis Level
Your Medicare Situation
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The Two Paths
Original Medicare
- • Any Medicare provider nationwide
- • No referrals required
- • Add Medigap for cost protection
- • Add stand-alone Part D for drugs
- • No annual OOP cap without Medigap
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- • Network-based (HMO or PPO)
- • Often includes Part D + extras
- • Annual out-of-pocket cap
- • Lower monthly premiums typical
- • Prior auth may be required
How this works
- • 100-point scoring across 5 dimensions
- • Provider flexibility, cost, risk, prescriptions, lifestyle
- • 7 recommendation bands from strongly original to strongly advantage
- • Every assumption is disclosed
- • Free — no registration required
SHIP Counseling
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling is available in every state through SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). Advisors can compare actual plans in your county. Find your local SHIP at shiphelp.org.