Explore the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage so you can choose the best Medicare plan for you.
Medicare coverage
What is a Medicare Part D formulary (drug guide)?Explore 2025 Humana Medicare Advantage plans today
Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare: Which option should I choose?
Explore the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage so you can choose the best Medicare plan for you.
Compare Medicare Advantage plans
Decide which type of Medicare Advantage plan is right for you by comparing options side-by-side.
Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period: What you need to know
From Oct. 15—Dec. 7 each year, people with Medicare can make changes to their coverage for the following year.
Original Medicare
Let’s explore both types of coverage, so you can choose the best Medicare plan for you.
The main difference is Original Medicare is administered by the federal government and Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies. Here’s a deeper look into what makes them unique.
Medicare is our country’s federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, as well as some younger people with disabilities, or any age with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). There are 2 parts:1
There are some things Original Medicare won’t cover, including
Medicare Advantage plans help expand your Medicare coverage beyond Original Medicare. Explore Humana's Medicare Advantage plans in your area today!
Medicare Advantage is an alternative to traditional Medicare offered by private health insurance companies. Medicare Advantage plans cover all the same services under Original Medicare Part A and Part B, but often include prescription drug coverage and extra benefits. Some benefits may provide coverage for:2
Medicare Advantage plans can also include prescription drug coverage. To get the same coverage with Original Medicare, you’d have to buy a separate prescription drug plan and pay a separate premium.
Let’s compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage side-by-side to help you better understand each one’s advantages.
Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage (MA) | |
---|---|---|
What it covers | Original Medicare helps cover hospital and doctor visits. | MA plans bundle Part A and Part B benefits, and some include prescription drug coverage. Many MA plans also include routine dental, vision and hearing care—benefits not offered by Original Medicare. |
Maximum out-of-pocket cost guarantee | There is no maximum out-of-pocket cost guarantee with Original Medicare. | MA plans have a yearly limit on out-of-pocket costs for medical services, after which members pay nothing for covered services for the rest of the plan year. |
Doctors and hospitals | If you are enrolled in Original Medicare, you can go to any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. | MA plans generally require you to use doctors and facilities in the plan's network. If you see an out-of-network provider, your costs may be higher. |
Monthly premiums | You usually don't pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A (hospital) coverage if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for a certain amount of time while working. You do need to pay a premium for Part B coverage. In 2025, the Medicare Part B premium is $185 or higher, depending on your income. | Many Medicare Advantage plans offer an affordable or $0 monthly plan premium. As with Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage members must continue to pay a monthly Part B premium ($185 in 2025), along with any MA plan premium. |
Deductibles and coinsurance | The 2025 Part A deductible for inpatient hospital coverage is $1,676. The 2025 annual deductible for Part B medical coverage is $257. | Deductibles and copays vary depending on the Medicare Advantage plan. |
Prescription drug coverage | Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage. You may choose to purchase a stand-alone prescription drug plan from a private company. | Most Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for prescription drugs, although there are also MA plans that cover medical services only. |
Can I change my plan if I don’t like it? | Yes. You can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa, each year during the | Yes. You can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa, each year during the |
When reviewing your options, here are some important things to remember:
You have choices—and that’s a good thing! As you continue exploring your options, take some time to
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