Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage
Choosing the Right Option for You
If you're looking for additional coverage beyond Original Medicare, you generally have two popular choices: Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies and Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans.
Both options are offered by private insurance companies, and both require you to be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, as well as pay your monthly Part B premium.
So, which path is right for you — filling the gaps with a Medigap policy, or bundling coverage with a Medicare Advantage plan?
Why Choose a Medigap Plan?
⦁ Freedom of Choice:
You can see any healthcare provider, specialist, or hospital nationwide, as long as they accept Medicare patients.
⦁ Travel Benefits:
Unlike most Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap policies offer coverage across the entire U.S., and some plans even cover emergency medical expenses abroad.
⦁ Predictable Costs:
While Medigap premiums are generally higher than Medicare Advantage premiums, they typically result in lower out-of-pocket expenses for frequent healthcare needs.
⦁ Stability:
Medigap plans offer consistent benefits year after year, while Medicare Advantage plans can change their coverage or leave the Medicare program annually.
Why Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan?
⦁ Convenience:
Most Medicare Advantage plans bundle medical, hospital, and prescription drug coverage into one plan, simplifying your insurance management.
(With Medigap, you would need a separate Part D plan.)
⦁ Flexible Enrollment:
Medicare Advantage plans have multiple enrollment periods each year.
If you miss your initial opportunity for Medigap enrollment, it can be hard (or more expensive) to enroll later — but Medicare Advantage plans are easier to access.
⦁ Tailored Coverage:
Many Medicare Advantage plans offer customized options to better suit individual health needs.
⦁ Extra Benefits:
Most Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits not included with Medigap or Original Medicare, like dental, vision, hearing, wellness programs, or gym memberships.
Need Help Comparing Plans?
For help comparing Medigap and Medicare Advantage options available in your area, call the Medicare Comparison Helpline toll-free at (917) 833-6421.
Or request assistance online: /speak-with-an-agent
Can I Have Both a Medigap Policy and a Medicare Advantage Plan?
⦁ No, you cannot have both at the same time.
It is illegal for someone to sell you a Medigap policy if you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
⦁ If you switch from a Medigap policy to a Medicare Advantage plan:
⦁ Your Medigap policy cannot be used to cover copayments, deductibles, or premiums under Medicare Advantage.
⦁ You should cancel your Medigap policy if you remain enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
⦁ If you join a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time and are unhappy:
⦁ You have special rights under federal law to return to Original Medicare within 12 months and buy a Medigap policy and a Part D plan.
⦁ If you had a Medigap policy before joining Medicare Advantage:
⦁ You may be able to get the same policy back if your insurance company still offers it.
⦁ If not, you can purchase another available Medigap plan.
⦁ If you first enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan when you became eligible for Medicare.
⦁ You have the right to choose any Medigap policy if you return to Original Medicare within the first year.
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