Next Avenue: The pros and cons of Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

It’s that season again. No, not for planning holiday meals or hauling decorations out of the basement. Medicare’s 2024 open-enrollment period is in full swing, through Dec. 7.

If you are currently enrolled in any Medicare plan, this is your opportunity to update portions of your coverage or totally change it for the coming year.

While that may not seem as exciting as upcoming holiday festivities, taking the time to review your existing coverage and shop around for a better fit for your needs can pay off with lower costs and improved coverage.

Also read: A new senior-housing project will tackle the ‘middle ground’ between living alone and needing a nursing home

Purpose of open enrollment

Here is a simple review of what you can and cannot do during the annual Medicare open-enrollment period.

If you are currently enrolled in Original Medicare, you can change your Part D coverage or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan.

If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can move to a different plan or switch to Original Medicare.

You cannot enroll in Medicare at this time. There is a 7-month window before and after your 65th birthday for initial enrollment.

Trying to evaluate all the particulars of the many different plans being touted in insurers’ annual advertising blitz can seem so overwhelming that it is easy to throw your hands up and say, “I will just stick with what I have.”

That may in fact be your best choice, but make sure by first understanding the basic differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

Choice, cost and caps

The federal government has offered Original Medicare to people 65 and older since 1965. It consists of two mandatory parts: Part A for inpatient hospital care and Part B for doctor visits, outpatient care and other medical services not included in Part A.

Private companies sell Part D policies to pay some of the costs of prescription drugs, and they sell Medigap policies to pay some or all of your out-of-pocket costs — such as deductibles, copayments and co-insurance — that are not covered by Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, became available in 2003. These plans offered by private insurers combine Parts A, B and D. Some of them also include dental, hearing and vision care, which are not covered by Original Medicare.

The advantage — hence the name — is that all of the separate parts are bundled into one package and managed by a private health-insurance company. There is no charge for Part A and D coverage, and some even provide a give-back benefit that covers all or a portion of the Part B premium you are responsible for.

Medigap is not offered (or needed) because these plans cap annual out-of-pocket expenses. In one suburb of New York City, the caps on out-of-pocket expenses range from $3,400 to $8,850 for 2024, according to Medicare Wire, a private news and information site. The average is $7,243.

Next Avenue

Pros and cons of Original Medicare

Original Medicare costs and coverage are pretty straightforward. If you are seeking expanded coverage beyond basic Parts A and B, it is important to compare plans for privately issued Part D prescription-drug coverage based on the number and price of medications you currently take.

Note: If you need a Medigap plan, it is best to sign up during your Medicare initial enrollment period, as you will be charged higher premiums or possibly denied enrollment altogether later.

Pros

Coverage with any doctor and hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare

No referrals needed to see a specialist

Cons

Maximum coverage requires enrolling in four different plans: Parts A, B and D, and Medigap

Without Medigap, you are responsible for 20% of all charges beyond your annual deductible

Coverage is limited to the U.S.

Medigap premiums increase each year

No coverage for vision, hearing and dental

No extra benefits like over-the-counter purchases and gym memberships

Learn more: How to compare Medicare plans and pick the best one for you

And: 6 places to turn for help with Medicare enrollment

Pros and cons of Medicare Advantage

By offering lower costs (members report spending nearly $2,000 less on out-of-pocket costs and premiums annually) and increased benefits while focusing on preventive health, these plans have attracted almost 50% of all Medicare recipients.

The details of Medicare Advantage plans can differ considerably, so taking the time to analyze specifics is the key to choosing the optimal match for your healthcare needs. Start with an online search of plans available in your state, then compare provider networks, costs and benefits.

Pros

Zero-premium plans may be available in your area

Co-pays are generally lower than the 20% co-insurance charged with Original Medicare

Maximum annual out-of-pocket amount

Coverage for vision, hearing and dental

Worldwide emergency care often available

Quarterly allowance for over-the-counter items such as vitamins, teeth-whitening kits, sunscreen and foam rollers

Free gym memberships and online fitness classes, although some gym chains limit the number of hours for Medicare Advantage clients

Cons

Generally limited to doctors and hospitals within the network (some plans now allow coverage outside of network at no additional cost)

May require referrals to see a specialist

Which plan is better for you?

Beyond the comparisons of premiums, coverage and co-pays, the most important factor in choosing a Medicare plan is you: your health, your budget, your satisfaction with the coverage you have now and your willingness to research options. Being honest with yourself is the essential first step toward determining if this is the time to make a change during the open-enrollment period.

In summary:

Original Medicare is for those who:

Want maximum flexibility

Need specialist care not available through Advantage plans in your area

Have chronic health problems and are comfortable paying the monthly premiums for Parts A, B and D, and Medigap

Medicare Advantage is a good choice for those who:

Are generally healthy

Are willing to accept fewer choices and possible delays in coverage approval in exchange for lower premiums and extra benefits

Have chronic health problems and cannot afford the monthly premiums for Parts A, B and D, and Medigap

Do not worry if you want to change coverage but don’t feel capable of navigating all the details. Certified independent insurance brokers are widely available to provide unbiased assistance.

Plus: Don’t make these mistakes when shopping for Medigap

Even if you are currently satisfied with your health insurance, remember that Medicare open enrollment is an annual event. Should your circumstances change, you will have an opportunity each year to adjust your coverage.

Edd and Cynthia Staton write about retirement, expat living and health and wellness. They are the authors of three bestselling books and thecreators of Retirement Reimagined!, an online program to help people considering the retirement option of moving abroad. Visit them at eddandcynthia.com.