No, Original Medicare (Part A & B) alone is generally not enough, as it leaves significant gaps like prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing, and high out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, 20% coinsurance), putting savings at risk, which is why most people supplement with Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medigap (Supplement) and Part D (drugs).
While Medicare A and B provide essential health coverage, many beneficiaries find that Original Medicare alone doesn't offer enough protection against potential healthcare costs. Understanding what Medicare covers and what it doesn't is crucial for making an informed decision about your healthcare coverage.
Here are some of the biggest Medicare mistakes to avoid:
Supplemental insurance is advisable for those with Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs and gaps in coverage, offering financial protection for deductibles, coinsurance, and other medical expenses not fully covered by Medicare.
The "best" secondary insurance for Medicare depends on your needs, but Medigap Plan G and Plan N are top choices for most new enrollees, offering comprehensive coverage for costs Original Medicare doesn't cover, with Plan G covering nearly everything (except the Part B deductible) and Plan N being more affordable with small copays. Top providers known for Medigap include UnitedHealthcare (AARP), Aetna, Humana, and Mutual of Omaha, offering nationwide networks and strong customer satisfaction.
A "good" Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan costs roughly $90 to $300+ per month, with popular plans like Plan G averaging around $140-$180 and Plan N being slightly cheaper ($110-$140), though costs vary significantly by location, age, tobacco use, and the specific plan chosen. High-coverage options (like Plan G) are pricier, while plans with copays (like Plan N) or high-deductible versions (like HD Plan G) offer lower premiums for less upfront coverage.
The "best" Medicare plan for seniors depends on individual needs, but top-rated providers for Medicare Advantage (Part C) in 2026 include Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), offering nationwide coverage, large networks, $0 premium options, and extra benefits like dental/vision, while Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans like Plan F provide comprehensive Original Medicare cost coverage. Key factors are your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and preference for network flexibility (MA) or broad coverage (Medigap).
If you have a Medicare Supplement plan, Part D plan, or both, you may want to purchase an Individual plan to cover dental and vision care. Most Anthem Medicare Advantage plans include built-in coverage for routine dental and vision care.
Starting in 2025, there is an annual limit on what you pay out-of-pocket for prescription medications through Medicare and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans. All prescription medications, including specialty medications, covered by Part D plans are included under this cap.
The Medicare "3-Day Rule" requires a beneficiary to have a qualifying 3-day inpatient hospital stay (admission day counts, discharge day doesn't) before Medicare will cover services in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) for rehabilitation or skilled care, though this rule can be waived in certain Medicare Advantage plans or through specific Accountable Care Organization (ACO) initiatives. Time spent in observation or the Emergency Department doesn't count towards these 3 days, but new demonstration projects and waivers are emerging to offer more flexibility for patients needing SNF care.
With Original Medicare, you can:
Go to any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S. Find providers that work with Medicare. Join a separate Medicare drug plan (Part D) to get drug coverage. Buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy to help lower your share of costs for services you get.
There are several reasons to delay enrolling in Medicare. One involves monthly premium costs. If you're still working past 65, it may be cheaper to keep your employer-sponsored health plan.
Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Part C plans) may give you added coverage and act as comprehensive all-in-one plans. They include Original Medicare Part A and Part B coverage plus many have additional benefits such as: Most Part C plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D)
The most popular Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan for new enrollees is Plan G, offering comprehensive coverage for nearly all Original Medicare costs (except the Part B deductible) at a predictable price, while Plan N is popular for lower premiums with some copays, and Plan F remains popular for those eligible for Medicare before 2020, covering everything, including the Part B deductible, notes Boomer Benefits.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has set the standard monthly Part B premium at $202.90 in 2026, an increase of $17.90, or just under 10 percent, from the 2025 premium of $185.00.
UHC Medicare Advantage star ratings
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans are rated at about the industry average, receiving an average rating of 4.1 stars out of 5 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for 2026, weighted by enrollment.
No single Medicare plan pays 100% of everything, but Medigap Plan F (for those eligible before 2020) and Medigap Plan G (most newer enrollees) cover nearly all gaps in Original Medicare after the Part B deductible, paying 100% of approved costs, while Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans have an out-of-pocket maximum, after which they pay 100% of covered services. Other Medigap plans like K, L, or N offer lower premiums in exchange for sharing some costs until an annual limit is met, after which they cover 100%.