Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement
Understand the key differences between these two Medicare options to choose the coverage that best fits your healthcare needs and budget.
What Is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies and combine your hospital and medical coverage into one plan.
These plans often:
- Bundle hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) coverage
- May include prescription drug coverage
- May offer additional benefits like dental, vision, or hearing
- Use provider networks
Costs and coverage details vary by plan and location.
What Is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan?
Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
Instead of replacing Medicare, they help cover certain out-of-pocket costs such as:
- Deductibles
- Copayments
- Coinsurance
With a supplement plan:
- You typically have more flexibility in choosing providers
- Coverage is standardized by plan type
- A separate Part D plan is usually needed for prescriptions
How Are They Different?
Here are a few key differences at a high level:
Medicare Advantage
- Combines coverage into one plan
- Often includes additional benefits
- Typically uses networks
Medicare Supplement
- Works with Original Medicare
- Helps reduce out-of-pocket costs
- Greater provider flexibility
Neither option is “better” for everyone — it depends on what matters most to you.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement depends on factors like:
- Your current doctors and whether you want flexibility
- Your comfort with networks
- Your budget and premium preferences
- How often you expect to use healthcare services
This is where personalized guidance makes a big difference.
