Medicare in Beaverton, OR: Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage – Which Is Better for You?
Choosing the right Medicare plan is one of the most important healthcare decisions you’ll make as you turn 65. If you’re living in Beaverton, Oregon, you may be wondering which plan is best suited for your needs: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
In this blog, we’ll break down both options, compare their pros and cons, and explain how trusted Medicare supplement brokers in Beaverton can guide you in making an informed decision.
✅ What Is Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is the traditional federal Medicare program that includes:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance) – covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and limited home healthcare.
- Part B (Medical Insurance) – covers doctor visits, outpatient care, lab tests, preventive services, and durable medical equipment.
Pros of Original Medicare:
- Nationwide coverage (any provider that accepts Medicare)
- No need for referrals to see specialists
- Can be paired with Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans for more coverage
Cons:
- Does not cover most prescription drugs (you’ll need a separate Part D plan)
- No dental, vision, or hearing coverage
- 20% coinsurance with no out-of-pocket cap (unless you have a supplement)
✅ What Is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and include Part A and B, plus usually Part D (prescription drugs) and sometimes extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and wellness.
Pros of Medicare Advantage:
- All-in-one coverage, often with low or $0 premiums
- Extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare
- Annual out-of-pocket spending limit
Cons:
- Limited to a provider network (mostly local)
- May require referrals to see specialists
- Coverage can vary significantly between plans
🆚 Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage – Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage |
| Provider Choice | Any nationwide provider | Limited to plan network |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Not included (requires Part D) | Usually included |
| Extra Benefits | Rare | Often includes dental, vision, hearing |
| Out-of-Pocket Limit | No limit (unless with supplement) | Annual maximum cap |
| Monthly Premium | Part B premium only | May have low or $0 premium plans |
| Referrals Required | No | Often yes |
📍 Medicare Options in Beaverton, OR
Beaverton residents have access to many Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans, each with different benefits, costs, and provider networks. But with so many options, making the right choice can feel overwhelming.
That’s where Medicare supplement brokers come in — they provide personalized advice to help you compare plans side-by-side based on your health needs and budget.
🤝 Why Work with Medicare Supplement Brokers?
Licensed Medicare supplement brokers in Beaverton can:
- Help you compare Original Medicare + Medigap vs Medicare Advantage
- Explain plan networks, copays, and hidden costs
- Enroll you in the best plan with ongoing support
- Provide updates when plan changes occur each year
Most importantly, their services are usually free of charge to you.
