What is the Best Medicare Plan? Choose the Right One For You
Author: Home Helpers Home Care
No single Medicare plan works for all people. The best plan is the one that meets your specific health needs, budget, and coverage preferences. With so many options available, choosing a Medicare plan can feel overwhelming. But knowing what matters most to you makes it easier to decide.
This is the final part (Part 7) of our Medicare series on Home Helpers Water Cooler Chat. It features Scott Black, a Medicare expert and the owner of Florida Health Resources. In this episode, Scott explains how to compare Medicare options and pick the best plan for YOU.
Need help or Medicare guidance? Contact Scott Black for personalized help!
Call or Text: (941) 302-0314
Email: sdblack@verizon.net
Company: Florida Health Resources
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Medicare Plan?
The right Medicare plan depends on your healthcare needs, lifestyle, and budget. Consider the following factors when comparing options:
1. Doctors & Network
• Do your preferred doctors accept the plan? Some plans restrict you to a network of providers, while others allow you to see any doctor who accepts Medicare.
• Do you need referrals for specialists? Medicare Advantage HMO plans need a referral to see a specialist. PPOs and Medigap plans let you go directly without needing one.
If keeping your current doctors is important, make sure they accept the plan you choose!
2. Prescription Drug Coverage
• Are your medications covered affordably? Each Medicare plan has a drug formulary (list of covered medications).
• How much will prescriptions cost? Copays, deductibles, and the $2,000 Medicare Part D out-of-pocket cap affect your expenses.
Starting in 2025, Medicare will cap Part D out-of-pocket drug spending at $2,000 per year, closing the Donut Hole. However, some Part D plans may have higher deductibles (up to $590 for Tier 3+ drugs).
3. Budget & Out-of-Pocket Costs
• What’s your monthly premium? Some plans have $0 premiums, while others charge higher premiums with lower out-of-pocket costs.
• What are the copays and deductibles? Medicare Advantage plans usually have copays, while Medigap covers most costs.
• What is the maximum amount you may have to pay in a year? Medicare Advantage plans cap yearly out-of-pocket costs, while Original Medicare does not.
Medicare Advantage plans to cap yearly out-of-pocket costs. In 2024, the cap was $8,850 for in-network care and $13,300 for combined in- and out-of-network care, with a slight increase expected in 2025. This cap does not cover prescription drug costs.
4. Extra Benefits
• Do you need dental, vision, hearing, or fitness coverage? Some Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits, while Medigap does not.
If you value extra benefits, make sure to compare plans before you enroll.
Medicare Plan Types: Pros & Cons
1. Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
• Freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare.
• No referrals are needed for specialists.
• 
No cap on out-of-pocket costs.
• Doesn’t include prescription drug coverage (requires a separate Part D plan).
Best for people who want maximum provider flexibility.
2. Medicare Advantage (Part C)
• Combines hospital, medical, and often prescription drug coverage in one plan.
• May include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and gym memberships.
• Lower upfront costs, but has network restrictions.
• Most HMO plans require in-network doctors for routine care (emergency and urgent care covered anywhere).
• PPO plans allow out-of-network visits but usually at a higher cost.
Best for people who want an all-in-one plan with lower monthly premiums.
3. Medigap (Medicare Supplement) + Part D
• Covers most out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles and coinsurance.
• Works with any provider who accepts Medicare.
• No network restrictions or referrals are required.
• Medicare Supplement plans sold after 2005 do not include prescription drug coverage (must purchase a separate Part D plan).
• Higher monthly premium but fewer unexpected costs.
Best for people who want predictable healthcare costs and nationwide provider access.
Who Should Choose Which Medicare Plan?
Best for Those Who Want Low Monthly Costs
Medicare Advantage (Part C) – Some plans have $0 premiums but include copays for services.
Best for Frequent Doctor Visits & Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs
- Medigap (Plan G or Plan N) – Covers most expenses, helping you avoid unexpected medical bills.
Best for Prescription Drug Coverage
- Medicare Advantage with Part D included – Most plans bundle hospital, medical, and drug coverage.
- Original Medicare + Standalone Part D – Allows more flexibility with drug plan selection.
Best for Travelers or Snowbirds
- Medigap – No network restrictions, works anywhere Medicare is accepted.
Most Medicare Advantage HMO plans only pay for care in a specific local area. Some PPO plans cover care in other states, but you may have to pay more. Some Medicare Advantage plans include travel benefits. These benefits let you use doctor networks in more than one location.
Unsure which Medicare plan best meets your needs? A Medicare broker can help you compare your options!
How a Medicare Broker Helps You Choose the Right Plan
Choosing a Medicare plan is an important part of retirement planning. The right plan helps you manage healthcare needs and costs as you age. A Medicare broker like Scott Black simplifies the process by:
Comparing multiple Medicare plans from different insurance companies.- Verifies which doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions your plan includes.
- Explaining costs, deductibles, and copays to help you budget.
- Ensuring you enroll on time to avoid penalties.
A Medicare broker makes finding the right plan EASY!
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Medicare Plan for You
The best Medicare plan depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a quick recap:
- Original Medicare offers maximum provider flexibility but requires additional coverage for prescriptions and out-of-pocket costs.
- Medicare Advantage plans often have lower monthly costs and added benefits. Just keep in mind they usually limit you to a specific group of doctors.
- Medigap helps cover more of your medical costs, but you’ll still need a separate plan for prescription drugs.
If you’re ready to enroll in Medicare, speaking with a Medicare broker can make the process smoother and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Interested in learning more? Watch the full Medicare series with Scott Black to understand your options.
HOME HELPERS OF BRADENTON
Home Helpers of Bradenton is one of the region's leading home care franchises specializing in comprehensive services for seniors. Home Helpers' sole mission is to make life easier for clients and their families. Based in Bradenton, Florida, the company serves all of Manatee County, including the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Palmetto, and Parrish. For more information or to request a free in-home care assessment, contact our office at (941) 499-5946 or visit our website at www.homehelpershomecare.com/bradenton