Compare Medicare Part C, Part D, and Medigap
Choosing the right combination of Medicare coverage can feel confusing—but once you understand how the parts fit together, it starts to make sense.
The Basics
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) covers hospital care and doctor visits, but it doesn’t include prescription drug coverage or limit your out-of-pocket costs.
That’s where Parts C, D, and Medigap come in. These options can help you manage costs, expand coverage, or both.
Start by Thinking About Your Priorities
Ask yourself:
- Do I want broader coverage even if it means staying in a provider network?
- Or do I prefer the flexibility to see any doctor who accepts Medicare?
Most people enhance their Original Medicare in one of two ways:
- Part C (Medicare Advantage) — a single plan that replaces Original Medicare and bundles hospital, doctor, and usually prescription drug coverage.
- Part D + Medigap — keeps Original Medicare but adds separate plans for prescriptions and extra cost protection.
Part C: Medicare Advantage
Also known as Medicare Advantage, Part C replaces your Original Medicare coverage with a private plan that combines:
- Hospital care (Part A)
- Doctor coverage (Part B)
- Prescription drugs (Part D) — in most cases
Every Medicare Advantage plan includes an annual out-of-pocket limit, and many add extra benefits.
This may be a good fit if you want all-in-one coverage and don’t mind using in-network providers.
Just know: if you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you can’t also have Medigap, and you usually don’t need a separate Part D plan.
Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
If you stay with Original Medicare, you can add a Part D plan to cover your prescription drugs.
Each plan has a formulary (a list of covered drugs). Check that your medications are included before enrolling, since coverage and prices can vary from plan to plan.
Medigap: Medicare Supplement Plans
Medigap (also called Medicare Supplement) helps cover the gaps Original Medicare doesn’t—like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
Many people combine Original Medicare + Part D + Medigap for broad, predictable coverage and the freedom to see almost any doctor nationwide.
Medigap doesn’t include prescription coverage, so if you need that, you’ll also want to enroll in a Part D plan.
And remember—you can’t have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage at the same time.
Quick Reference: What You Can (and Can’t) Combine
Coverage Option — What It Includes — Can You Combine It?
Original Medicare + Part D — Doctor, hospital, and prescriptions — ✅ Yes
Original Medicare + Medigap — Doctor, hospital, and cost protection — ✅ Yes
Original Medicare + Part D + Medigap — Doctor, hospital, prescriptions, and cost protection — ✅ Yes
Part C (Medicare Advantage) — Combines A, B, and usually D in one plan — ✅ Yes, after enrolling in Original Medicare
Part C + Part D — ❌ No, if the Part C plan is an HMO or PPO
Part C + Medigap — ❌ No, they can’t be used together
In Short
If you want one plan that covers nearly everything and includes a spending cap, Medicare Advantage (Part C) might be the way to go.
If you prefer flexibility and nationwide coverage, Original Medicare with Part D and Medigap might fit better.
Either way, ALEX can help you compare options and understand your total costs before you enroll.
Keep Exploring
Still deciding what mix of coverage makes sense for you?
ALEX® can walk you through your options step by step, showing how each plan type works, what it covers, and what fits your needs best.
👉 Use ALEX to find out which plan combination is right for you
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We work with multiple Medicare plan carriers including:
- Aetna Inc.
- Devoted Health, Inc.
- Humana Inc.
- Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company
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Enrollment in a plan may be limited to certain times of the year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or you are in your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period. Enrollment depends on plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.
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Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are insured by a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment depends on plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 4 organizations which offer 1056 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.
Not all carriers offer these benefits. Plans vary by region and state. Limitations and exclusions may apply.
Every year, Medicare evaluates Medicare Advantage and Part D plans based on a 5-star rating system.
Estimated annual costs are based on the usage you provided + yearly premiums. Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plan calculations include the standard Part B premium + any Part B premium reductions. Actual annual costs depend on your usage, along with your Part B premium and the date you enroll.
Medicare Supplement insurance is generally available to individuals age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Availability for beneficiaries under age 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability or End Stage Renal Disease varies by state. Benefits, eligibility, and premiums may vary by state.
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