5 Things to Consider When Choosing Between a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Plan

For individuals nearing age 65, making decisions about Medicare can feel overwhelming. One of the most important choices you’ll face is deciding between a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan and a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan. Both options can offer valuable benefits, but the right fit depends on your unique health needs, lifestyle, and financial situation.

This blog will walk you through five thoughtful considerations to help you make a calm, informed decision. Whether you’re researching for yourself or helping a loved one, we hope this guide brings clarity and confidence to your Medicare journey.

1. Provider Access and Flexibility

Medicare Advantage Plans

These plans typically use a network of providers, similar to an HMO or PPO. While they may offer lower costs for in-network services, they often require referrals for specialists and may limit out-of-network care unless it’s an emergency.

Medicare Supplement Plans

Also known as Medigap, these plans work with Original Medicare and allow you to see any provider that accepts Medicare nationwide. This can be especially helpful for those who travel frequently or live in multiple states during the year.

Ask yourself: Do I value provider flexibility and nationwide access, or am I comfortable with a local network of doctors and hospitals?

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2. Monthly Premiums and Out-of-Pocket Costs

Medicare Advantage Plans

Often, these plans have lower or $0 monthly premiums, but you may be responsible for copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles when you receive care. Many plans have an annual out-of-pocket maximum, which helps limit your total spending.

Medicare Supplement Plans

These typically come with a higher monthly premium, but they help cover many of Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs, including copays and deductibles. With Medigap, your healthcare costs are often more predictable.

Ask yourself: Would I prefer lower monthly premiums with potential out-of-pocket costs, or am I more comfortable paying more monthly for greater cost predictability?

3. Additional Benefits Beyond Original Medicare

Medicare Advantage Plans

These plans often include extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships, and prescription drug coverage (Part D). They can be a good choice if you prefer bundled benefits in one plan.

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medigap plans do not include additional benefits like dental or vision. You would need to purchase standalone coverage or pay out-of-pocket for those services. Medigap also does not include Part D prescription drug coverage, so you’ll need to enroll in a separate drug plan.

Ask yourself: Are extras like dental and vision important to me? Would I prefer all my coverage in one plan or manage them separately?

4. Health Status and Frequency of Care

Medicare Advantage Plans

If you are generally healthy and don’t see doctors often, a Medicare Advantage plan might offer lower costs and convenient access to routine care. However, if your health needs change, you could face higher out-of-pocket expenses.

Medicare Supplement Plans

If you have chronic conditions or require frequent medical attention, a Medigap plan may help you avoid unexpected bills by covering more of your out-of-pocket costs.

Ask yourself: Do I have ongoing health conditions? How often do I visit doctors, specialists, or require lab work or imaging?

5. Long-Term Coverage and Enrollment Flexibility

Medicare Advantage Plans

You can enroll or change Medicare Advantage plans each year during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) or during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31).

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31).

Medicare Supplement Plans

The best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins when you are 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. After this window, you may have to go through medical underwriting and could be denied coverage based on your health.

Ask yourself: Do I want the flexibility to change plans each year, or am I looking for a more permanent, stable solution?

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Medicare Path That Fits You

Both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans have their strengths. There is no one-size-fits-all answer—and that’s okay. The most important thing is choosing the path that fits your lifestyle, health status, and financial goals.

If you’re turning 65 soon, we encourage you to start your research early. Talk to a licensed Medicare advisor, use Medicare.gov, or connect with a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to explore your choices in a calm, supportive environment.

When you understand the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medigap, you can make a confident decision that gives you peace of mind about your healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I Change Between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement at any Time?
Yes, but only during certain enrollment periods during the year. Care must be taken because some states will require Medical Underwriting for the Supplement. Some states such as NY are Guarantee Issue with no underwriting.
No, because your Medicare Supplement coverage is based on your Medicare Card which does not cover those services.
Possible not. Medicare Advantage plans have Doctor and Hospital networks so great care should be taken when choosing them.

Mike Miligi- Owner

For over 10 years, Mike has been assisting Seniors and other Medicare-eligible individuals in understanding the ins and outs of Medicare and Medicare Health Insurance options, including Medicare Advantage Plans(Part C), Medicare Supplement Plans(Medigap), Prescription Drug Plans(PartD), and Dental and Vision programs.
Mike is Licensed in seven States and Certified with 11 Insurance Carriers. He has helped thousands of individuals decide on the best course of action for their particular Health Insurance needs. Because Mike is an Independent Medicare Health Insurance Broker, he works for the client, not the Insurance Carriers, and is able to provide his clients with accurate and unbiased Health Insurance options.
Mike recertifies with CMS(The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) annually, regularly completes Continuing Education Courses required by individual State Insurance Departments, and keeps abreast of industry trends and standards to offer his clients the most up-to-date information.

Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage

Selecting the best Medicare coverage depends on factors like your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred providers. You can choose between:
  • Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Allows you to see any doctor or
    hospital that accepts Medicare but does not include prescription drug
    coverage (Part D) or additional benefits.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Offers bundled coverage with
    potential extra benefits but may require using a network of providers.
  • Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance): Helps cover
    out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as
    copayments and deductibles.

Key Medicare Enrollment Periods

It is crucial to enroll in Medicare at the right time to avoid penalties and ensure continuous coverage:
  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A seven-month window starting
    three months before your 65th birthday month.
  • General Enrollment Period (GEP): From January 1 to March 31
    each year for those who missed their IEP.
  • Annual Election Period (AEP): From October 15 to December 7,
    allowing you to switch or enroll in Medicare Advantage and Part D
    plans.
  • Open Enrollment Period(OEP): From January 1 to March 31 for
    those who missed AEP and want to make certain changes.
  • Special Enrollment Period(SEP): Can be used anytime during the
    calendar year for those that meet certain criteria such as moving to a
    new service area.

Finding Help with Medicare

Understanding Medicare can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Licensed Insurance Brokers, Medicare.gov, and state health assistance programs can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.
By taking the time to explore your Medicare options, you can make informed decisions that ensure you receive the healthcare coverage that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Do I have to sign up for Medicare?
It depends upon your current coverage. If you are employed and your employer has over 20 employees then you can delay signing up for Medicare and avoid penalties.
No, You will have to enroll in a stand alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan(Part C) to get coverage.
There are no networks with Medicare and most doctors and hospitals accept it. However, Medicare does not cover 100% of services so a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans is advisable.

Mike Miligi- Owner

For over 10 years, Mike has been assisting Seniors and other Medicare-eligible individuals in understanding the ins and outs of Medicare and Medicare Health Insurance options, including Medicare Advantage Plans(Part C), Medicare Supplement Plans(Medigap), Prescription Drug Plans(PartD), and Dental and Vision programs.
Mike is Licensed in seven States and Certified with 11 Insurance Carriers. He has helped thousands of individuals decide on the best course of action for their particular Health Insurance needs. Because Mike is an Independent Medicare Health Insurance Broker, he works for the client, not the Insurance Carriers, and is able to provide his clients with accurate and unbiased Health Insurance options.
Mike recertifies with CMS(The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) annually, regularly completes Continuing Education Courses required by individual State Insurance Departments, and keeps abreast of industry trends and standards to offer his clients the most up-to-date information.
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