Medicare Advantage vs Original Calculator
Compare the total annual costs of Medicare Advantage plans versus Original Medicare with a Medigap supplement.
Results
Visualization
How It Works
Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles hospital, medical, and usually drug coverage into one plan with an out-of-pocket maximum. Original Medicare plus Medigap provides more provider choice but typically costs more in premiums.
The Formula
MA Total = MA Premium × 12 + min(Costs × 20%, OOP Max)
Original Total = (Medigap + Part D) × 12 + Deductible + Costs × 5%
Original Total = (Medigap + Part D) × 12 + Deductible + Costs × 5%
Variables
- MA Premium — Many MA plans have $0 monthly premiums
- OOP Max — MA plans cap your annual out-of-pocket costs
- Medigap — Monthly premium for supplemental coverage
Worked Example
$0 MA premium with $5,000 OOP max vs $180 Medigap + $33 Part D: at $8,000 in expenses, MA costs $1,600 vs Original costs $3,000.
Practical Tips
- Medicare Advantage is often cheaper in low-cost years but can be expensive in high-cost years up to the OOP max.
- Original Medicare + Medigap gives you access to any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide.
- MA plans have networks — check that your doctors and hospitals are in-network before enrolling.
- If you travel frequently or split time between states, Original Medicare offers more flexibility.
- You can switch between MA and Original during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 - Dec 7).