Does Medicare Advantage really provide an advantage?
Make the Right Decision For Your Healthcare.
The time to select your Medicare coverage is now. Your choices are Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage sponsored by insurance companies, or Medicare Advantage sponsored by Hospitals.
Before you decide, use this site to guide you through important checkpoints and speak with your doctor or provider so you get the Medicare coverage that is right for you.
“My hospital sponsors a Medicare Advantage plan that has some perks I like. My doctor said it may be a good choice for me.”
Original Medicare
(Administered by the U.S. Government Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)
Nearly all providers participate in Original Medicare. Prior authorization for services is rarely required and your doctor decides the care you need. Insurance brokers will not try to sell you Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage Sponsored by Private Insurance Companies
Offers plans that vary widely regarding benefits, costs and has a “network” of doctors and hospitals that accept your particular plan. Insurance brokers sell these plans and advertise them widely. The plan requires preapproval requirements for many specialized services (i.e., advanced imaging, certain procedures). You can either choose Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage – not both.
Medicare Advantage Sponsored by Hospitals
The sponsoring hospital ensures you receive the care you need and reduces additional costs and coordination for that care. You can either choose Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage – not both.
Medicare vs Medicare Advantage
Did You Know?
Original Medicare allows you to visit any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that takes Medicare and typically makes it easier to access higher level, specialty care such as hospital care, skilled nursing or rehabilitation. Visit Medicare.gov for more info.
Hospital-sponsored Medicare Advantage plans typically have a more concentrated network focused primarily on the hospital’s providers and can potentially facilitate better communication and coordination between different specialists within the hospital system.
Private Insurance Company-sponsored Medicare Advantage plans cover only care inside their network and usually require prior authorization and referrals, even for some outpatient services. Medicare Advantage creates a network of providers, restricting which providers you can see in a non-emergency situation, and may deny specialty services such as rehabilitation and nursing home care based on plan requirements for authorization and approval.
Medicare Open Enrollment for 2026 happens Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2025, with coverage starting Jan. 1, 2026.
Now is the time to make sure you’re choosing the best Medicare option for you in 2026.
Click here to learn more, or visit Medicare.gov for more information.