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Compare Medicare Options

In addition to Medigap, Medicare Advantage (MA) can also enhance your Medicare coverage. Medicare Advantage plans take the place of Medicare Parts A & B, as well as offer some additional benefits above and beyond Original Medicare. MA plans are not supplemental like Medigap.

Medigap plus Part D vs. Medicare Advantage

Both Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans require that you be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
All Medigap plans have a premium. You must pay both the Medigap and Medicare Part B premiums.
Medicare Advantage plans usually (but not always) have a premium. You must pay both the Medicare Advantage and the Medicare Part B premiums.
With Medicare Advantage, your Medicare coverage is provided through one plan, which is managed by a private insurance company.
Most Medicare Advantage plans also include Medicare Prescription Drug coverage, known as Part D.
Medigap plans do not include Part D coverage. You can add a stand-alone Part D plan to Medigap, providing coverage for both medical and drugs costs.

Compare Your Options Chart

The following chart compares Medicare only, Medicare with Medigap, Medicare with Medigap plus Part D, and the two most popular Medicare Advantage options. The chart shows various factors you may consider when selecting your plan and whether or not the plan meets your needs.

What Do You Want in Your Plan?	Medicare Only (Parts A & B)	Medicare with Medigap	Medicare with Medigap & Part D	Medicare Advantage HMO*	Medicare Advantage PPO*
Choice of Doctor and Hospitals (coverage available out-of-network)
PCP Coordinates Your Care
No Referrals Required
Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs
Predictable Copays
Coverage Away from Home
Care Management
Extra benefits**
Part D Outpatient Prescription Drug Coverage
No Precertifications beyond Original Medicare
KEY:
Plan may meet your needs Look carefully & ask questions Plan may not meet your needs

* Medi-CareFirst does not offer MA plans.

** Extra benefits include things like vision and health and wellness programs

Next, What Part D Covers

Plan Resources

Additional Information

Medicare Advantage plans (MA) do not always include prescription drug coverage
If you are enrolled in an MA plan, you may not enroll in either a Medigap or Part D plan, even if your MA plan does not include Part D coverage.
For more information, visit Medicare.gov.

Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program

We administer Maryland's SPDAP program

Find out what it is and if you're eligible.