Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement
No need to be confused! Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement insurance policies provide different types of Medicare coverage. We’re here to help you better understand their similarities and differences, and determine which option is better for you.
What are the big differences between Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement insurance policies?
Medicare Advantage plans combine Medicare Part A and B in one plan, providing more comprehensive coverage. They often include Part D Prescription Drug coverage, too. These are called Part C plans.
Medicare Supplement insurance policies, also called Medigap, help pay some out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare (Part A and B). It is not part of the government’s Medicare program but provides coverage in addition to it.
Below are the main differences between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage:
| Plan Features | Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Medicare Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part A Hospital Coverage | Yes | No, but provides some out-of-pocket expense coverage in addition to it1. |
| Medicare Part B Medical Coverage | Yes | No, but provides some out-of-pocket expense coverage in addition to it1. |
| Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage | Usually included | No, but you can buy separate coverage. |
| Out-of-pocket expenses covered (deductibles, copays, coinsurance) | No | Yes—how much coverage you have depends on the policy you choose. |
| Other coverage included (vision, dental, hearing) | Yes—most plans include additional coverage. | No, but you can buy separate coverage. |
| Provider network | Yes—your costs are lower when you visit in-network doctors and hospitals. (Some plans may allow you to see doctors and hospitals outside the network, for a higher cost). | No—you can choose any doctor or hospital you’d like that accepts Medicare. |
| Free programs and services | Often includes no additional cost programs and services not covered by Original Medicare. | Often includes programs and services at no additional cost. |
| Offered through | Private insurance companies. | Private insurance companies. |
| Works with | Part D Prescription Drug coverage, if not included | Original Medicare and Part D Prescription Drug coverage |
Which is better for you? Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement (Medigap)?
Whether you choose to apply for a Medicare Advantage plan vs. a Medicare Supplement insurance policy depends on your specific health care needs. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding whether Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement is better for you:
Do you prefer to have all your coverage rolled into one plan? If so, a Medicare Advantage Plan may be the way to go. Many include Part D drug coverage, as well as vision, dental, and hearing, depending on the plan.
Do you want financial protection from unexpected out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance? If yes, Medicare Supplement plans work with Original Medicare and can help cover some of the remaining out-of-pocket expenses that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
Do you need a plan that provides coverage for disabilities or long-term care facilities? If so, Medicare Advantage offers Special Needs Plans that provide this type of coverage.
Do you want the freedom to see any doctors you choose? If so, Medicare Supplement policies have no required network and you can see any doctor that accepts Medicare, even if you’re away from home or traveling. Some Medicare Advantage plans may also allow you to see doctors and hospitals that are not in the plan’s network, giving you additional freedom to choose your doctors.
Can you have a Medicare Advantage plan and Medicare Supplement policy?
No, you cannot have both at the same time.
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement provide different types of Medicare coverage and are two different types of insurance.
Can you switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Medicare Supplement policy?
Yes, during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, you are free to reconsider and change your Medicare coverage. If you decide you want to try a Medicare Supplement policy vs. Medicare Advantage plan, you can make that change during this period.2
When considering Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement, please know that one is not better than the other. Finding the right option for you depends on what kind of Medicare coverage you’re seeking, as well as your health care needs. Review all details of plans when shopping and don’t hesitate to consider alternatives when your needs change.
1 Original Medicare (Part A and B) coverage is required in order to purchase a Medicare Supplement plan.
2 Medicare Supplement plans may be subject to medical underwriting, and coverage may be denied.