Transitioning to Medicare at age 65 requires choosing between private Medicare Advantage (Part C) HMO/PPO networks and Original Medicare with a Medigap supplement.

1. Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private managed-care plan (HMO or PPO), often featuring $0 premiums, bundled prescription drug coverage (Part D), and routine dental/vision benefits, but restricting care to local provider networks.

2. Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance)

Medigap plans (such as standardized Plan G) pay the 20% coinsurance and deductibles not covered by Original Medicare. Medigap allows policyholders to see ANY physician or specialist nationwide that accepts Medicare with zero network restrictions and predictable out-of-pocket costs.