What do most people choose when they first get Medicare?
The short answer
Most people start with Original Medicare (Parts A and B), then add either a Medigap supplement plan or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan for additional coverage. A separate Part D plan covers prescriptions if they stay with Original Medicare.
The full explanation
When people first get Medicare, they generally go one of two directions. The first is Original Medicare, which is the federal program that covers hospital stays (Part A) and doctor visits (Part B). Most people who go this route also add a Medigap plan, which is private insurance that helps pay costs Original Medicare doesn't cover, like deductibles and coinsurance. They also add a standalone Part D plan for prescription drugs. The second direction is Medicare Advantage, sometimes called Part C. This is a private insurance plan that bundles hospital, doctor, and usually drug coverage into one plan. Medicare Advantage plans often include extras like dental, vision, and hearing benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover. Which path makes more sense depends on your health, your doctors, your prescriptions, and your budget. There is no single right answer for everyone. Many people don't realize they have a real choice here, and making the wrong call early can be expensive or hard to undo later, especially when it comes to Medigap eligibility.
Related Medicare Resources
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In Utah, Medicare Advantage plans are offered by carriers like SelectHealth, Regence BlueCross, UHC, Humana, Aetna, and others. If you live in a rural county like Garfield or Kane, your plan options may be more limited than someone in Salt Lake or Utah County. The free counseling service through Utah's Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) can help you compare what's actually available in your zip code.
What this means for you
For you, this means the first decision you make with Medicare, choosing between Original Medicare with supplements or a Medicare Advantage plan, sets the foundation for your coverage and costs, so it's worth understanding both options before you enroll.
Related Questions
What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare?
What is Medicare Advantage?
What is Medigap and how does it work with Original Medicare?
What kind of person is usually better off with Medicare Advantage?
What kind of person is usually better off with Medigap?
