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WHAT YOU’LL PAY WITH ORIGINAL MEDICARE, MEDICARE ADVANTAGE ​Even though original Medicare and Medicare Advantage must cover the same Part A and Part B services, you may have different

out-of-pocket costs.   ORIGINAL MEDICARE. The federal government sets Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurance amounts for Part A and Part B. For example, you’re responsible for 20

percent of a doctor visit or lab test bill under Part B. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. But they do pay

Part B premiums, which are $174.70 a month for most people in 2024; high earners pay more. Often, those with original Medicare also purchase a supplemental Medigap policy to help defray

out-of-pocket costs. While a Medigap policy doesn’t have an annual cap on out-of-pocket costs, it may pay for most of your deductibles and copayments. MEDICARE ADVANTAGE. You’ll still pay

the government-set annual Part B premium and the Part A premium, if required. Sometimes you’ll pay an additional premium for the MA plan although about three-quarters of Medicare Advantage

enrollees in 2024 are in plans with no additional premiums. But instead of paying the 20 percent coinsurance for doctor visits and other Part B services, most Medicare Advantage plans have

set copay amounts for a physician visit, such as $20 or $50. Advantage plans have an annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses: In 2024, it’s $8,850 for in-network services and $13,300 for

in-network and out-of-network services when both are covered in the plan. Some plans have lower maximums. WHERE YOU LIVE AND TRAVEL MATTERS ​ORIGINAL MEDICARE. You can access care anywhere

in the United States as long as the provider accepts Medicare.​​ MEDICARE ADVANTAGE. Plans are based around provider networks usually limited to specific geographic areas. So if you travel a

lot or have a vacation home where you spend time, your care may not be covered if you go to an out-of-network provider — or you’ll pay more for care. In addition, while Advantage plans are

pretty much available throughout the U.S., the choice of plans is more limited in rural areas.​​ Neither original Medicare nor Medicare Advantage pays for your health care abroad.  _This

story, originally published July 1, 2020, has been updated to reflect the most current information._