Part B is active. Now you have a coverage decision to make.
If you already have Medicare Part A and Part B, you have Original Medicare. That gives you hospital and medical coverage, but it does not automatically include every type of coverage you may want.
At this point, most people consider one of two main paths:
- Keep Original Medicare and add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy plus a Part D prescription drug plan.
- Choose a Medicare Advantage plan instead of receiving your Medicare benefits directly through Original Medicare.
The right direction depends on how you use health care, which doctors and hospitals you want access to, your prescriptions, your travel habits, and how you prefer to manage monthly premiums versus out-of-pocket costs.
Option 1: Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement + Part D
One option is to keep Original Medicare as your primary coverage and add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy to help with certain out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves to you.
Because modern Medigap policies do not include prescription drug coverage, people who choose this route often add a separate Medicare Part D drug plan.
This path may appeal to people who value:
- The ability to use doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare nationwide
- More predictable medical out-of-pocket costs
- Less dependence on a local provider network
- The ability to choose a Medigap policy separately from drug coverage
Option 2: Medicare Advantage
A Medicare Advantage plan is another way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, and some plans may include additional benefits that Original Medicare does not cover.
This path may appeal to people who prefer:
- One plan that combines multiple types of coverage
- Plan-specific provider networks and cost structures
- An annual limit on covered medical out-of-pocket costs
- Additional benefits that may be available with certain plans in their area
Medicare Advantage plans vary by location, provider network, prescriptions, benefits, and costs, so it is important to compare plans available where you live.
Pay attention to your Medigap enrollment window
If you are 65 or older and your Part B coverage has recently started, you may be in your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
This period generally lasts for 6 months beginning when your Part B coverage starts. During this window, you have important federal protections when buying a Medigap policy.
After this period ends, your ability to purchase a Medigap policy may depend on your health, state rules, and whether you qualify for other protections.
Do not forget prescription drug coverage
Original Medicare does not automatically include outpatient prescription drug coverage.
If you remain with Original Medicare, you can generally add a standalone Part D plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage as part of the plan.
Going without creditable prescription drug coverage for too long can result in a Part D late-enrollment penalty, so prescription coverage should be part of your decision.
Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement: how do you choose?
There is no single Medicare option that is right for everyone. A useful comparison should look at more than just the monthly premium.
Consider:
- Your doctors and hospitals
- Your prescription medications
- How often you travel
- Your monthly budget
- Potential out-of-pocket medical costs
- Whether you prefer a provider network or broader access
- Whether additional plan benefits are important to you
For a deeper side-by-side explanation, see our Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement comparison.
Your Part B next-step checklist
- Confirm your Part A and Part B effective dates.
- Decide how you want to receive your Medicare coverage: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage.
- If keeping Original Medicare, compare Medigap options and Part D prescription drug plans.
- If considering Medicare Advantage, compare provider networks, prescriptions, costs, and benefits in your area.
- Review your doctors and prescriptions before selecting a plan.
- Pay attention to enrollment deadlines, especially your Medigap Open Enrollment Period and prescription drug coverage timing.
If you already have Part B and still are not sure what comes next, that is exactly the point where comparing both paths can help.