MAPD plans combine hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage all in 1 plan. PDP plans cover prescription drugs only, so a PDP may complement Original Medicare coverage. Most MAPD plans offer an affordable or even $0 monthly plan premium, although members must continue to pay the Medicare Part B premium.

While many physicians work within the Medicare Advantage networks with few problems, the plans do not come without issues. One of the primary challenges doctors face is referral and pre-authorization requirements that may impede a patient's needed medical care.

Plans are able to offer extra benefits because they are paid $2,350 per enrollee, on average, above their estimated costs of providing Medicare-covered services (known as “the rebate”). The rebate has increased substantially in the last several years, more than doubling since 2018.

All Part D plans must include at least two drugs from most categories and must cover all drugs available in the following categories:

• HIV/AIDS treatments.
• Antidepressants.
• Antipsychotic medications.
• Anticonvulsive treatments for seizure disorders.
• Immunosuppressant drugs.
• Anticancer drugs (unless covered by Part B)

One of the biggest differences between Part C plans and Original Medicare (also known as fee-for-service) is that Medicare Advantage often has limited networks of doctors and hospitals and charges you more to see out-of-network providers - if you're allowed to see them at all.

Medicare Supplement Plan G is the best overall plan that provides great coverage for seniors and Medicare enrollees. Plan G will cover almost everything except the Medicare Part B deductible, which is only $226 for 2023.

Medicare does not cover:

• Drugs used to treat anorexia, weight loss, or weight gain.
• Fertility drugs.
• Drugs used for cosmetic purposes or hair growth.
• Drugs that are only for the relief of cold or cough symptoms.
• Drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction.

Medicare Part D plans cover prescription drugs and may cover vaccines and immunizations. Medicare Advantage plans are complete health insurance plans that cover prescription drugs and medical and hospital care.

Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage. This means you don't have to purchase a separate Part D plan and pay a separate premium. With MA, you can enjoy the ease and convenience of having your hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage rolled up into a single plan.

AARP/UnitedHealthcare Best Overall AARP/UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans. UnitedHealthcare's MA plans - co-branded with AARP - earn high marks for plan quality and member experience.

Medications not covered in a formulary can include those for fertility and experimental drugs. In some cases, certain medications may be excluded from coverage due to their potential misuse or abuse. Formularies often don't cover brand-name or expensive drugs when generic or less expensive medications are available.

The average premium for a stand-alone Part D plan is $31.50 a month in 2023. But the specifics can vary a lot by plan. Average monthly premiums for the largest stand-alone Part D plans range from $6 to $111 in 2023, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.