The answer
What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare is the government-run program made up of Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical), letting you see any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare, with no network.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) delivers those same benefits through a private plan, usually within a provider network, and often bundles prescription drug coverage plus extras like dental and vision. With Original Medicare you typically pay the Part B premium ($202.90 per month in 2026), the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), and 20 percent of many costs with no annual out-of-pocket cap, which is why many people add a Medigap (supplement) policy and a separate Part D drug plan. Medicare Advantage usually has a lower or $0 plan premium and a yearly out-of-pocket maximum, but uses networks and may require prior approval. Which fits depends on your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.