Medicare Decision Navigator

Compare Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare + Medigap with IRMAA surcharge awareness. National-average estimates only — no plan-specific quote or recommendation. Discuss your specific situation with a licensed Medicare broker before enrolling.

Your Medicare Profile

Educational estimates only. Not personalized financial advice or a plan recommendation. Numbers are national averages based on CMS and KFF data. Consult a licensed Medicare broker for your actual options.

Planning guide

How to use the Medicare decision navigator

Medicare is both a coverage decision and a retirement cash-flow decision. The navigator helps compare premium, out-of-pocket, travel, provider, and IRMAA considerations so the choice is not reduced to the lowest monthly premium.

Inputs to gather first

Age and Medicare timing
Estimated MAGI for IRMAA lookback years
Plan preference and expected usage
Travel, provider, and prescription needs

Common planning mistakes

Choosing only by monthly premium
Forgetting the two-year IRMAA lookback
Assuming plans and networks work the same after relocation

Example use case

A retiree moving states may find that a low-premium plan does not fit their doctors or travel pattern. Modeling plan style and out-of-pocket ranges before moving can prevent a budget surprise.

Related RetireFree resources

Useful source checks

RetireFree provides educational planning estimates only. It is not financial, tax, legal, healthcare, or investment advice. Use the output to prepare better questions for a qualified professional. See the methodology and editorial policy.