Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: How do they compare?

Oct. 26, 2026

A growing number of people – more than half of eligible Medicare beneficiaries – are choosing Medicare Advantage.¹ So what’s the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage when it comes to coverage and costs?

Check out this chart for a helpful overview.

More than 35 million people choose Medicare Advantage for their health care coverage.¹ Visit UHCMedicareHealthPlans.com to learn more about UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans in your area.

Footnote

Medicare Advantage in 2026: Enrollment Update and Key Trends, KFF

Disclaimer

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies. For Medicare Advantage and/or Prescription Drug Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. For Dual Special Needs Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare.Benefits, features and/or devices may vary by plan/area. Limitations, exclusions and/or network restrictions may apply. Out-of-pocket maximum excludes premiums, prescription costs, and non-Medicare covered benefits.

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: How do they compare?
Original Medicare	vs.	Medicare Advantage
Medicare Parts A and B	*Also known as*	Medicare Part C
Federal government	*Who offers the coverage*	Medicare-approved private insurance companies
Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. Part A: Inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities Hospice care and some home health care Part B: Provider visits Outpatient hospital services Durable medical equipment Preventive services	*What it covers*	Medicare Advantage (MA) combines your hospital (Part A) and provider visits (Part B) into one plan and often includes prescription drug coverage (Part D). Plans may also offer additional benefits and programs Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like: Routine vision, hearing and dental care Credits for over-the-counter products Fitness program, including free gym membership Disease management programs Rewards for healthy activities
Part A is $0 for most people. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees is $202.90 in 2026; the 2027 premium will be announced later this year. Medicare also charges deductibles, copays and coinsurances.	*What it costs*	Each MA plan sets its own premium, with many offering a $0 or low premium, in addition to your Medicare Part B premium. Plans have predictable copays and coinsurances. Some may have deductibles.
No. Generally speaking, Part B covers about 80% of a person’s health care costs, leaving them to cover the remaining 20% out of pocket.	Annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses?	Yes. MA plans set an annual out-of-pocket maximum to help limit how much you may have to pay for health care covered services each year. The limit depends on the plan but can’t be more than $9,850 in-network in 2027.

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: How do they compare?

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