Plan Comparison

A side-by-side look at Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G versus Medicare Advantage. Neither option is universally better — the right choice depends on personal circumstances.

Feature

Original Medicare + Plan G

Medicare Advantage

Monthly Premium

Part B premium + Medigap Plan G premium (varies by insurer, age, and location)

Part B premium + plan premium (many plans offer $0 plan premium)

Annual Deductible

Part B deductible (Plan G does not cover this); Part A deductible generally covered by Plan G

Varies by plan; may have separate deductibles for medical and drug coverage

Copays / Coinsurance

After Part B deductible, Plan G generally covers remaining Medicare cost-sharing

Copays and coinsurance apply for most services; amounts vary by plan

Provider Network

Any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare patients (nationwide)

Network-based (HMO, PPO, etc.); out-of-network access varies by plan type

Prior Authorization

Generally not required for Medicare-covered services

May be required for certain services, tests, or supplies

Out-of-Pocket Maximum

No formal annual cap, but Medigap limits exposure by covering most cost-sharing

Annual out-of-pocket maximum for covered Part A/B services (amount varies)

Prescription Drug Coverage

Separate Part D plan needed (additional premium)

Often included (MAPD plans); formulary and tiers vary

Best For

Those who want predictable costs, broad provider access, and freedom from network restrictions

Those who want lower premiums, bundled benefits, and can manage copays within a network

Monthly Premium

Plan G

Part B premium + Medigap Plan G premium (varies by insurer, age, and location)

Medicare Advantage

Part B premium + plan premium (many plans offer $0 plan premium)

Annual Deductible

Plan G

Part B deductible (Plan G does not cover this); Part A deductible generally covered by Plan G

Medicare Advantage

Varies by plan; may have separate deductibles for medical and drug coverage

Copays / Coinsurance

Plan G

After Part B deductible, Plan G generally covers remaining Medicare cost-sharing

Medicare Advantage

Copays and coinsurance apply for most services; amounts vary by plan

Provider Network

Plan G

Any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare patients (nationwide)

Medicare Advantage

Network-based (HMO, PPO, etc.); out-of-network access varies by plan type

Prior Authorization

Plan G

Generally not required for Medicare-covered services

Medicare Advantage

May be required for certain services, tests, or supplies

Out-of-Pocket Maximum

Plan G

No formal annual cap, but Medigap limits exposure by covering most cost-sharing

Medicare Advantage

Annual out-of-pocket maximum for covered Part A/B services (amount varies)

Prescription Drug Coverage

Plan G

Separate Part D plan needed (additional premium)

Medicare Advantage

Often included (MAPD plans); formulary and tiers vary

Best For

Plan G

Those who want predictable costs, broad provider access, and freedom from network restrictions

Medicare Advantage

Those who want lower premiums, bundled benefits, and can manage copays within a network

Ready to Compare Plans in Your State?

The tables above explain how the plan types differ in structure. When you are ready to look at specific plans and premiums where you live, our resources page links to the official Medicare Plan Finder and free state counseling (SHIP).

Go to Resources →

Costs and benefits vary by plan, insurer, and location. This comparison is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, insurance, or financial advice. Verify all details with official plan documents, Medicare.gov, and licensed professionals before enrolling.