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Follow six simple steps to compare Medicare plans by doctors, prescriptions, and total yearly costs, with free help from NC SHIIP.
Last updated October 2026
The Short Answer: There is no single best Medicare plan for everyone. The right plan for you covers your doctors and prescriptions, fits your budget for total yearly costs, and matches how you like to get care. Compare plans using the Medicare Plan Finder, or get free, unbiased help from NC SHIIP or a trusted broker at Hopscotch.
Choosing a Medicare plan can feel overwhelming, especially with ads and mailers everywhere this time of year. The good news: you do not have to figure it out alone, and a few simple steps can make the choice much clearer.
As your primary care provider, Hopscotch does not recommend specific plans. We want you to choose the coverage that works best for you. Here is how to compare.
Write down your primary care provider, specialists, and preferred hospital. If you want to keep them, make sure any plan you consider includes them in its network for 2027. Original Medicare lets you see any provider who accepts Medicare.
Write down every medication, the dose, and how often you take it. Enter them in the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov to see which plans cover them and what they will cost. Drug lists change every year, so check even if you are happy with your current plan.
The monthly premium is only part of the picture. Add up:
A $0 premium plan is not always the lowest-cost choice once you add everything up.
Some plans require you to stay in a network and get referrals. Others cost more but offer more freedom. Learn the difference between HMO and PPO plans and between Medicare Advantage and Medigap.
Many Medicare Advantage plans include dental, vision, hearing, or transportation. Think about which of these you would really use. You can also check each plan's Star Rating (1 to 5 stars) on Medicare.gov, which reflects quality and member experience.
Do you travel or spend part of the year somewhere else? Do you have both Medicare and Medicaid? Are you managing a chronic condition? Your answers can point you toward certain types of plans.
You should never feel rushed. Be cautious of anyone who calls you without your permission, asks for your Medicare number, or says you must decide today. Medicare and legitimate plans will not call you out of the blue asking for personal information.
What is the best Medicare plan?
There is no single best plan. The best plan for you covers your doctors and medications, fits your budget for total yearly costs, and matches how you like to receive care.
Where can I get free help choosing a Medicare plan?
NC SHIIP offers free, unbiased counseling for North Carolinians with Medicare. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE or use the Plan Finder at Medicare.gov. Alternatively, Hopscotch has trusted brokers we work with that can help at no cost. Call your Hopscotch care team to get connected with a broker to find a plan that works for you.
Can my doctor tell me which plan to choose?
Doctors can share information about which plans they accept, but they generally should not steer you to a specific plan. For side-by-side comparisons, NC SHIIP is a great free resource or one the trusted brokers we work with.
What if I choose a plan and change my mind?
If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make one change between January 1 and March 31. Other situations, like moving, may also allow a change.
If you want help comparing plans side by side, these free resources are not tied to any insurance company:
Hopscotch Primary Care is a primary care provider, not an insurance company or agent. We do not sell, recommend, or endorse any Medicare plan. This article is for general education and is not insurance, legal, or medical advice. Plan details, costs, and availability vary by plan and location and can change each year.
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