Should I choose Original Medicare with a Medigap policy or a Medicare Advantage plan?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) plus a Medigap supplement and a standalone Part D drug plan lets you see almost any doctor nationwide and makes costs predictable, but you pay separate monthly premiums. Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles coverage, often with low or zero premiums and extras like dental or vision, but it uses provider networks, may require referrals and prior authorizations, and your out-of-pocket costs can vary. A key catch: if you start with Advantage and later want Medigap, insurers can deny you or charge more based on health in many states, so your first choice can be hard to reverse. Weigh your health, travel plans, and preferred doctors carefully.