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.
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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.
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