Medicare Fit Check · From The Clearing
Understand the tradeoffs before anyone tries to sell you anything.
Two broad paths sit under Medicare: Original Medicare with a Supplement and Medicare Advantage. Neither is better in the abstract — they simply trade different things. Eight short questions, and we’ll show you which tradeoffs your answers make most important to look into.
This is an educational starting point, not advice and not a plan recommendation. The Clearing does not sell insurance, recommend or rank specific plans, enroll anyone, or earn commissions. When you’re ready to decide, verify the details on Medicare.gov or with qualified, unbiased help.
Your Fit Check
A lean, not a verdict — it reflects how your answers weighed up, nothing more.
What your answers lean toward
What to compare before choosing
The two paths, side by side
General differences to weigh. Exact costs, networks, and benefits vary by plan, year, and where you live — always confirm the current specifics for your area.
| Factor | Medicare Supplement (Plan G) | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Higher, steadier — typically $100–$200+/mo depending on age and state | Often lower — many plans at $0–$50/mo, but varies widely by county |
| Cost when you use care | Generally very low — Plan G covers most of what Medicare doesn’t | Varies — copays, coinsurance, and an annual out-of-pocket maximum apply |
| Annual out-of-pocket risk | Minimal — Part B deductible (~$257/yr in 2026) is typically your main exposure | Up to the plan’s annual maximum — can be $3,000–$8,000+ in a serious year |
| Doctor choice | Any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare — nationwide, no referrals needed | Usually in-network only — out-of-network care can cost significantly more |
| Referrals for specialists | Generally none required | Often required for specialists, depending on plan type (HMO vs. PPO) |
| Prior authorization | Rarely required — Medicare sets the coverage rules | Common for procedures, imaging, and specialist visits — plan decides approval |
| Travel coverage | Nationwide — works anywhere Medicare is accepted across all 50 states | Mostly local to the plan’s service area — emergencies covered away, routine care often not |
| Dental, vision, hearing | Not included — arranged separately (standalone dental/vision plans) | Often bundled — but scope is typically limited; read the details carefully |
| Drug coverage (Part D) | Separate Part D plan required — lets you match a plan to your exact medications | Usually included in the plan — convenient, but formulary varies by plan |
| Switching plans later | After your initial enrollment window, insurers in most states can use health history to deny or price coverage | Can switch plans each Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) without health questions |
Where to verify and decide
These sources have no stake in your decision. Use them to confirm the details and make the final call.
Medicare.gov Plan Finder
Compare actual plans and costs in your ZIP code — the official government tool.
Open the Plan Finder ›SHIP
State Health Insurance Assistance Program — free one-on-one counseling from trained volunteers. No sales, no commissions.
Find your local SHIP ›Medicare Rights Center
An independent nonprofit with a free helpline and plain explanations of how each path works.
Visit the Rights Center ›AARP
Educational guides that walk through the tradeoffs between Original Medicare and Advantage at your own pace.
Read AARP’s guides ›Want a copy of your results?
Optional. We’ll keep a copy of this summary on file so Dan can send it to you and answer questions if you’d like. No sales call, ever. You can ignore this and your results stay right here on the page.
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Your summary is on file, and Dan will send your copy by email. No sales call, no pressure — just your results and an open door if you have questions. In the meantime, everything above stays right here for you to read or screenshot.
This Fit Check is an educational starting point only — not insurance advice and not a plan recommendation. The Clearing does not sell insurance, recommend or rank specific plans, enroll anyone, or earn commissions. Confirm any details on Medicare.gov or with a qualified, unbiased professional before you decide.