What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

Original Medicare is the federal program (Parts A and B) that lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare nationwide. Most people pair it with a Medigap supplement and a stand-alone Part D drug plan for predictable costs. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a private alternative that bundles A, B, and usually D into one plan, often with a $0 premium but a network of providers and pay-as-you-go copays.

Will I always pay the Part B premium?

Yes. Even if you choose a $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan, you must continue paying your Part B premium to Medicare. Some Advantage plans give back a portion of that premium, but the underlying obligation remains.

Why does Medigap Plan G cost more upfront?

Plan G charges a higher monthly premium because it picks up almost all out-of-pocket Part A and Part B costs after you meet the small annual Part B deductible. In exchange you get predictability, no copays for doctor visits, no coinsurance for hospital stays, and freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider in the country.

What is MOOP (Maximum Out-of-Pocket)?

MOOP is the most you will pay in a calendar year for in-network covered services on a Medicare Advantage plan. Once you reach it, the plan pays 100% of in-network covered medical costs for the rest of the year. MOOPs typically range from $4,500 to $8,850 in 2025.

Medicare Total Cost Estimator - Childs Insurance Agency

Medicare Total Cost Estimator

See your projected annual out-of-pocket: Original Medicare + Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage.

How to use this calculator

Enter your filing status and MAGI from your most recent tax return so we can include any IRMAA surcharges in your Part B premium.
Estimate how much healthcare you will use this year — primary care visits, specialists, ER trips, hospital days, and your annual prescription cost (use what you would pay without insurance, e.g. GoodRx prices).
Adjust the plan premium estimates if you already have quotes. Otherwise the defaults are typical Arizona rates for someone turning 65.
Compare the two cards on the right. The orange-bordered one is cheaper for your scenario, but read the breakdown — predictability vs. lower premium is a personal choice.

Tip: Original Medicare + Plan G means very predictable bills (small deductible, then your supplement pays the rest). Medicare Advantage usually has a $0 premium but you pay copays for every doctor visit, ER trip, and hospital stay. Most people who can afford the higher Medigap premium prefer the predictability.

Income (for IRMAA)

Filing Status Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)Most retirees fall in the standard tier (no IRMAA).

Expected Healthcare Use

Primary care visits / year Specialist visits / year

ER visits / year Hospital inpatient days

Annual prescription drug cost (retail)What your meds would cost without insurance.

Plan Premiums (Arizona)

Medigap Plan G premium /mo

Stand-alone Part D /mo Medicare Advantage /mo

Your Estimated Annual Cost

Option A

Original Medicare + Plan G

$0/yr

~$0/mo average

Part B premium$0

Medigap Plan G$0

Part D premium$0

Part B deductible$283

Rx out-of-pocket$0

Option B

Medicare Advantage

$0/yr

~$0/mo average

Part B premium$0

MA plan premium$0

Doctor / specialist copays$0

ER + hospital copays$0

Rx out-of-pocket$0

Part B Plan / MA Part D Deductibles Copays / Rx

Enter your details to see which option saves you more.

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Disclaimer: Estimates use 2026 CMS figures and typical Arizona plan structures. Actual premiums, copays, and Maximum-Out-of-Pocket vary by carrier, county, and plan. This tool is educational and is not insurance, financial, or medical advice. Confirm exact numbers with the carrier or a licensed broker before enrolling. We do not offer every plan available; please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local SHIP for help with all options.