Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare in Florida
Choosing between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare is one of the most important decisions Medicare beneficiaries make. Neither is right for everyone. Here’s how they differ.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical). It allows you to see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare nationwide.
It does not include prescription drug coverage or most dental and vision services. Many people add a separate Part D drug plan, and some buy a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy to help with out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They combine Parts A and B, often include Part D prescription coverage, and may include additional benefits depending on the plan.
Most plans use a provider network. Costs, networks, and benefits vary by location.
Side by side
| Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) | Parts A and B combined in one plan |
| Prescription drugs | Not included; you can add a separate Part D plan | Often included (MAPD plans) |
| Doctors & hospitals | Any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare | Usually a plan network (HMO or PPO); rules vary by plan |
| Referrals | Generally not required | Some plans, often HMOs, require referrals to see specialists |
| Yearly out-of-pocket limit | No yearly limit on your share of costs | Plans have a yearly maximum out-of-pocket limit for covered medical services |
| Extra benefits | Most routine dental, vision, and hearing care isn’t covered | Many plans include some dental, vision, hearing, or OTC benefits |
| Supplemental coverage | You may buy a Medigap policy to help pay costs | You can’t use a Medigap policy with a Medicare Advantage plan |
You generally continue to pay your Part B premium with either option. Costs, networks, and benefits vary by location.
Which is right for you?
It depends on what matters most to you. When we review your options, we talk about:
- The doctors and hospitals you want to keep using
- How often you travel, or spend part of the year outside Florida
- Your prescriptions and preferred pharmacy
- Your budget, and how predictable you want your costs to be
- Whether extra benefits like dental or vision matter to you
Compare Medicare options available in your ZIP code
Get a free, no-pressure review with a licensed Florida agent.