Around half of people with Medicare get their health coverage from Original Medicare and the other half from Medicare Advantage, also known as a Medicare private health plan or Part C. Individual needs, preferences, and priorities typically guide these enrollment choices. This fact sheet outlines key considerations beneficiaries often keep in mind when deciding between the two coverage pathways.

This work was supported in part by Arnold Ventures. Medicare Rights Center maintains full editorial control over all of its policy analysis and communications activities.