- Medicare Questions Answered
What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies. It often includes prescription drug coverage and extras like dental or vision, and typically uses a network of doctors. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare and helps pay for costs like deductibles and coinsurance, usually with more freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare.
Key things to know
- Advantage plans bundle hospital, medical, and often drug coverage into one plan.
- Supplement plans pay for many of the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare leaves behind.
- Advantage generally has lower premiums with network rules; Supplement has higher premiums with more predictable costs.
Important factors to consider
- Think about your current doctors, medications, and how often you travel.
- Advantage plan networks and benefits can change each year.
- The best fit depends on your budget, health needs, and how much predictability you want.
Every person’s situation is different — your individual circumstances may vary. This information is educational only and is not legal, tax, or medical advice.
