Which Medicare plan is better A or B?

Asked by: Loma Johnson Jr.  |  Last update: October 18, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (52 votes)

Each part of Medicare is designed to help pay for different aspects of treatment. Parts A and B make up Original Medicare. Part A covers many costs of inpatient care. Part B primarily covers the costs of outpatient treatment and preventive care, such as doctor visits, medical equipment, and some prescriptions.

Does everyone pay $170 for Medicare Part B?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

What is the best medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?

Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.

What is the difference between Medicare Part A and B coverage?

Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). Original Medicare covers things like inpatient hospital care, doctors' services and tests, and preventive services. You pay for services and items as you get them.

Do I need both Medicare A and B?

No. If you aren't eligible for free Part A, you don't have to enroll. However, if you want to buy Medicare coverage and you want Part A, you also have to buy Part B.

8 Reasons to DELAY Medicare Past 65 That Will Save You Thousands and Avoid ALL Penalties

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What are the top 5 Medicare supplement plans?

💬 From our Nerds: What are the top five Medicare supplement plans? "Based on NerdWallet's Medigap rubric, I picked five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

Is there a Medicare plan that pays 100%?

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C):

Deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments vary based on which plan you join. Plans also have a yearly limit on what you pay out-of-pocket. Once you pay the plan's limit, the plan pays 100% for covered health services for the rest of the year.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Why is Social Security no longer paying Medicare Part B?

There could be several reasons why Social Security stopped withholding your Medicare Part B premium. One common reason is that your income has exceeded the threshold for premium assistance. Another reason could be that there was a mistake or error in your records.

How do I avoid paying Medicare Part B?

You may refuse Part B without penalty if you have creditable coverage, but you have to do it before your coverage start date. Follow the directions on the back of your Medicare card if you want to refuse Part B.

Why do people say not to get a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans can include difficulty switching out of the plans later, restrictions on care access, limited provider networks, and limitations on extra benefits.

Is Medicare free at age 65 for seniors?

People age 65 or older, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, are eligible for Medicare Part A. You're eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if 1 of the following applies: You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?

To be eligible for the Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit, you must:
  1. Be enrolled Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
  2. Pay your own Part B premium.
  3. Live in the service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

Why are seniors losing Medicare Advantage plans?

Medicare vs Privatized Medicare Advantage

Beneficiaries are tossed aside because they live in an unprofitable market for their insurer or because they are actually using the insurance they signed up for to access services.

What is the biggest disadvantage of the Medicare Advantage plan?

Medicare Advantage Plan Pros And Cons

One disadvantage is that some Medicare Advantage plans may offer fewer options when it comes to doctors and hospitals, as they may have smaller plan networks than Original Medicare.

Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Between January 1 and March 31 of each year, if you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) you can: Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage). Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.

Is there a Medicare Supplement that covers everything?

With Medicare Supplement Plan F, you get the most complete coverage available. And because Plan F also covers costs in excess of Medicare-approved amounts, you may have no out-of-pocket costs for hospital and doctor's office care.

Is AARP UnitedHealthcare the same as UnitedHealthcare?

AARP® Medicare Supplement insurance plans for retirees. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (UnitedHealthcare) is the exclusive insurer of AARP Medicare Supplement insurance plans.

What is the best insurance company for Medicare?

Best Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance
  • Best Overall, Best Plan G: AARP/UnitedHealthcare.
  • Lowest Cost: Anthem.
  • Most Plan Types, Best Plan F: Blue Cross Blue Shield.
  • Best for Financial Strength, Best for Customer Satisfaction: State Farm.
  • Best High-Deductible Plan G: Humana.