Medicare
What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?
With Original Medicare + Medigap: monthly premium, any Medicare doctor nationwide, predictable low costs, no networks. With Medicare Advantage: lower/zero premium, network required (HMO/PPO), copays apply, extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing). You cannot have both simultaneously. The right choice depends on your health, doctors, medications, and travel habits.
Key Points
- Medigap: higher premium, any Medicare doctor, predictable low costs, no network
- Medicare Advantage: lower/zero premium, network required, copays, extra benefits
- Medigap is better for frequent healthcare users and travelers
- Medicare Advantage may be better for healthy people wanting extra benefits at low cost
- Cannot have both Medicare Advantage and Medigap at the same time
- Switching from MA back to Medigap may require medical underwriting