How do Medicare Advantage plans compare to Original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage plans indeed differ significantly from Original Medicare, particularly in the range of benefits they offer. While Original Medicare primarily covers hospital services (Part A) and medical services (Part B), Medicare Advantage plans can include additional benefits that are not available in Original Medicare. These can encompass services such as routine dental and vision care, hearing aids, fitness programs, and even wellness programs. This additional coverage can enhance the overall healthcare experience for beneficiaries, allowing for a more comprehensive approach to managing their health needs.

The flexibility in benefits can also vary based on the specific plan chosen, which allows enrollees to customize their coverage to better fit their individual healthcare needs. This is in direct contrast to Original Medicare, which has a more standardized approach to covered services. Thus, the ability of Medicare Advantage plans to offer these additional benefits is a significant aspect that sets them apart from Original Medicare.