Comparison Center

Original Medicare offers nationwide provider access and freedom from networks but has no annual out-of-pocket cap, so most beneficiaries pair it with a Medigap and Part D. Medicare Advantage bundles hospital, medical, and usually drug coverage into one plan with a MOOP and extras like dental — in exchange for using the plan's network.

HMOs generally have lower premiums and copays but require you to stay in-network and get referrals to specialists. PPOs let you see out-of-network providers at a higher cost-share and usually don't require referrals — you pay more for that flexibility.

A standalone Part D plan is designed for people who keep Original Medicare (usually with a Medigap). Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage (MA-PD) bundle everything together. Both use formularies and tiers — the right choice depends on which coverage path you're on, not the drugs themselves.

VA benefits cover care at VA facilities; Medicare Advantage covers care through the plan's civilian network. They don't coordinate, but many veterans enroll in both to get flexibility outside the VA system while keeping VA benefits intact.

TRICARE For Life is secondary coverage that pays after Original Medicare, giving military retirees very low out-of-pocket costs when they see Medicare-participating providers. Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan instead can suspend TRICARE For Life's automatic wraparound benefit — most retirees keep Original Medicare + TFL.