When you're on Medicare, one of the biggest choices is how to fill in the gaps of Original Medicare. The two main paths are Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement, also called Medigap. They work very differently.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers and replace Original Medicare as the way you get your Part A and Part B benefits.
- Often low or $0 monthly plan premiums (you still pay your Part B premium)
- Usually include prescription drug coverage
- May include extras like dental, vision or hearing
- Usually use networks (HMO or PPO), so your doctors matter
- You pay copays as you go, up to a yearly out-of-pocket maximum
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Medigap works alongside Original Medicare and helps pay costs Medicare doesn't, like deductibles and coinsurance.
- Higher monthly premium
- Very predictable costs, with little or nothing out of pocket on some plans
- Generally lets you see any doctor that accepts Medicare nationwide
- Does not include drug coverage, so most people add a Part D plan
Important: switching isn't always easy
You generally get the best access to Medigap during your Medigap open enrollment period, the six months starting when you're 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Outside that window, insurers in many cases can ask health questions and could decline you or charge more. Think carefully before leaving Medigap for an Advantage plan.
Which fits you?
- Advantage often fits people who want low premiums and extras and are comfortable with a network
- Medigap often fits people who want predictable costs and freedom to see any Medicare doctor
Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs through December 7, so now is the time to review.
Have a question? Ask Jarvis
Jarvis is a free AI concierge open to the general public. Ask it anything about this topic in plain English, any time, at mmalifeusa.com/jarvis. When you're ready, a licensed Moving Mountains advisor can walk you through real options. No pressure, and we don't sell your data.
