Should You Use Just Your Medicare Card? Pros and Cons of Skipping Additional Coverage

When you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare, you’ll receive the iconic red, white, and blue card that gives you access to Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). But here’s the question many people ask:

“Can I just use my Medicare card and skip buying extra insurance?”

The short answer is yes—you can. But the better question is: should you?

In this blog, we’ll explore what it really means to rely on Original Medicare alone, the costs involved, what’s covered (and what’s not), and how it compares to adding a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage plan.

What Is “Just Medicare”?

When someone says they’re using “just Medicare,” they typically mean they have:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance)
• Part B (Medical Insurance)
• No Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan
• No Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan
• Possibly a standalone Part D drug plan (or not at all)

This setup is referred to as Original Medicare . It’s administered by the federal government and accepted by a wide range of providers nationwide.

The Advantages of Using Just Your Medicare Card

Freedom of Provider Choice

Original Medicare is accepted by most doctors and hospitals across the U.S. If you want the flexibility to see any provider that accepts Medicare without network restrictions, this is a big plus.

No Plan Networks or Prior Authorizations

Unlike many Medicare Advantage plans, Original Medicare doesn’t require referrals to see specialists or prior approval for many procedures.

Simple and Familiar

For some individuals, especially those who travel frequently or spend time in multiple states, sticking with just Original Medicare can seem like the easiest route—especially if they’re healthy and rarely visit the doctor.

The Downsides of Using Only Medicare

This is where things get more serious—especially when it comes to out-of-pocket costs.

No Limit on Out-of-Pocket Costs

Original Medicare does not include a maximum out-of-pocket limit. This means:

• A single hospital stay could cost you thousands
• Ongoing treatments (like chemotherapy or dialysis) can lead to large, recurring bills

In contrast, Medicare Advantage plans and many Medigap plans include protections against unlimited medical expenses.

You Still Pay 20% of Most Medical Costs

Medicare Part B only covers 80% of approved services. That leaves you responsible for:

• 20% of doctor visits
• 20% of outpatient surgeries
• 20% of durable medical equipment
• 100% of excess charges (if your doctor doesn’t accept Medicare assignment)

Limited Prescription Drug Coverage Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage (except in very specific cases like medications administered in a hospital or doctor’s office). You’d need to enroll in a standalone Part D plan—or risk being on the hook for the full retail price of your prescriptions.

No Extra Benefits

Original Medicare does not cover:

• Dental care
• Vision exams or glasses
• Hearing aids
• Fitness memberships
• Transportation or over-the-counter benefits before discarding them

Many Medicare Advantage plans include these at no extra cost.

Understanding the Costs of Just Medicare

Here’s what you could expect to pay under Original Medicare in 2025:

Coverage Type	Your Cost in 2025
Part A Premium	$0 (if you worked 40+ quarters)
Part A Hospital Deductible	$1,676 per benefit period
Part A Coinsurance	$419/day (days 61–90); $838/day (after day 90)
Part B Premium	$185.00/month (standard amount)
Part B Deductible	$257/year
Part B Coinsurance	20% of Medicare-approved services
Part D Premium	Varies (if enrolled)

Important: Without supplemental coverage, you’ll be responsible for these deductibles and coinsurance amounts in full .

When Might Using Just Medicare Make Sense?

There are some specific scenarios where relying on Original Medicare alone may work:

• You are very healthy and rarely use medical services
• You have limited income and qualify for Medicaid or Medicare Savings Programs that help cover your costs
• You are eligible for VA benefits and get care through the VA system
• You are comfortable with financial risk and prefer the simplicity of Original Medicare

Even in these cases, most experts recommend at least adding a Part D plan to avoid late penalties and to protect against high drug costs.

How Do Medigap and Medicare Advantage Plans Compare?

Here’s a quick overview of how supplemental coverage compares to going it alone:

Feature	Medicare Only	Medigap + Medicare	Medicare Advantage
Monthly Premiums	Part B only ($185.00)	Part B + Medigap + Part D (typically $250–$300 total)	Often Part B only; sometimes extra plan premium
Doctor Choice	Any Medicare provider	Any Medicare provider	Network-based (HMO/PPO)
Out-of-Pocket Limit	None	Very low (some plans cover almost everything)	Yes (max $8,850 in 2025)
Covers 20% Coinsurance	No	Yes	Yes (varies by plan)
Drug Coverage	Separate Part D plan needed	Separate Part D plan needed	Often included
Extras (dental, vision, etc.)	No	No	Often included

Conclusion: Should You Stick with Just Medicare?

Relying solely on Original Medicare is legally allowed, but it comes with significant risks—especially financial ones. Without a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, you are exposed to unlimited out-of-pocket costs and gaps in drug and ancillary benefits.

For some healthy, low-risk individuals, it may seem like a simpler and less expensive option upfront. But if health needs change—and they often do with age—costs can rise quickly.

If you’re turning 65 soon or currently enrolled and considering going “bare” with just Medicare, take time to:

• Evaluate your current health and prescriptions
• Understand the full scope of potential out-of-pocket costs
• Explore your eligibility for savings programs or VA benefits
• Compare the value of Medigap and Medicare Advantage options

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there is a path that best fits you .