How to Choose the Best Medicare Plan
How to choose the best Medicare plan is one of the most important decisions retirees face. With Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans all offering different levels of cost, flexibility, and benefits, the right choice depends on your budget, health needs, and lifestyle. At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we help you simplify this decision so you don’t overpay—or end up with gaps in coverage.
Find the Right Medicare Plan
We compare Medicare Advantage and Supplement options side by side so you can feel confident in your choice.
Step 1: Understand Your Options
- Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Foundation of hospital and medical coverage, but leaves gaps like deductibles and no cap on out-of-pocket costs.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): Bundles Parts A & B (often D), and may include dental, vision, and hearing benefits. Lower premiums, but provider networks are limited.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Fills the gaps in Original Medicare with predictable costs. Popular choices include Plan G and Plan N. Learn more in our Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Plan N guide.
Step 2: Consider Prescription Drug Coverage
If you choose Original Medicare or Medigap, you’ll likely need a separate Part D plan for prescription drugs. Medicare Advantage often includes Part D built in. Reviewing your prescriptions annually ensures you keep costs low.
Step 3: Factor in Dental & Vision
Routine dental and vision care aren’t covered under Original Medicare. If these are important, consider a Medicare Advantage plan with added benefits, or pair Original Medicare with a stand-alone policy. See more on our Medicare Plans with Dental & Vision Coverage page.
Compare Medicare Plans Instantly
Use our Medicare calculator to compare Advantage and Supplement options side by side. Find the right balance of premiums, copays, and benefits for your retirement.
Step 4: Weigh Costs vs Flexibility
- Medicare Advantage: Lowest upfront premiums, capped annual out-of-pocket costs, but smaller networks.
- Medigap: Higher premiums, but excellent nationwide flexibility and very few surprise bills.
- Original Medicare Alone: Lowest premiums but highest risk for large, uncovered expenses.
Step 5: Review Annually
Plans, costs, and benefits change every year. Reviewing your coverage annually during Open Enrollment ensures you’re always in the best plan for your current needs.
Case Example
Robert, 68, is healthy and wanted low monthly costs. We compared Advantage plans with $0 premiums, but also showed him how a Medigap Plan N would limit his out-of-pocket exposure. After reviewing the calculator results, he chose a low-cost Advantage plan with dental and vision coverage. He knows he can revisit Medigap later if his health changes.
Read for More Medicare Help
- Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Plan N
- Low-Cost Medicare Plans for Retirees
- Medicare Plans with Dental & Vision Coverage
Why Work With Diversified Insurance Brokers?
Since 1980, we’ve helped retirees compare Medicare Advantage, Supplement, and Prescription Drug plans to avoid costly gaps in coverage. With access to multiple carriers, we ensure you choose the plan that meets your budget and care needs. Learn more about why families trust us.
FAQs: How to Choose the Best Medicare Plan
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage — which is better?
Original Medicare gives you broad access to providers, but you’ll have to buy separate drug (Part D) or supplemental (Medigap) coverage. Medicare Advantage bundles most services—and often extras like vision or dental—but usually has provider networks and more rules. The “best” depends on your health needs, preferred doctors, and willingness to trade flexibility for cost or convenience.
What costs should I look at besides premium?
Don’t just compare monthly premiums. Also check deductibles, co-payments/coinsurance, the annual out-of-pocket maximum, drug plan costs, and whether services you use often are covered.
How do I know if my doctor and hospital are covered?
Look at plan networks and provider directories. For Medicare Advantage plans, ensure your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-network, and find out whether referrals are needed for specialists.
Do I need prescription drug coverage?
Yes, if you take prescription medications or may in the future. Part D or an Advantage plan with drug coverage is essential. Missing required enrollment can result in penalties later.
How do star ratings and plan quality matter?
CMS stars give you a measure of how well a plan performs in customer service, preventive care, and other metrics. Higher-rated plans often provide better support, fewer issues, and typically reflect better reliability.
What about travel or time spent outside my home state?
Some Medicare Advantage plans limit care outside your network or state. Original Medicare plus Medigap may offer more flexibility. If you travel or spend seasonal time elsewhere, check how the plan handles out-of-network or out-of-state coverage.
When can I enroll, and what penalties do I need to avoid?
You have specific enrollment windows (Initial Enrollment, Annual Enrollment, etc.). Delaying parts like Part B or Part D beyond your eligibility period may lead to permanent penalties. It’s important to enroll on time.
Can I change plans later?
Yes. Each year during the Open Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7), you can change Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. Some benefit changes or state-special enrollment periods also allow switching under certain conditions.
Disclaimer: Medicare plan benefits, networks, and costs vary widely by state and carrier. Always review plan documents and consult an advisor for your specific situation.
Get Help Choosing the Best Medicare Plan
Book a free consultation with Tonia to compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Prescription Drug plans tailored for your retirement.
