Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap): What’s the difference?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Supplement plans help pay for costs not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). However, they provide 2 different types of coverage, but they don’t work together. Let’s compare both types of Medicare plans to see which 1 may best fit your needs.
Key Points
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement insurance plans are only available from private insurers.
Medicare Supplement plans help pay out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare Part A and Part B.
What’s the difference between a Medicare Advantage and a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan?
Medicare Advantage bundles Original Medicare Parts A and B into 1 plan and usually includes Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans may also offer extra benefits, such as routine dental, vision and hearing services.
A Medicare Supplement plan, also called Medigap, is secondary insurance—it’s extra coverage you can buy to complement your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. It helps pay out-of-pocket expenses Original Medicare doesn’t pay, like deductibles and copays.
Learn more about Medicare
Medicare basics
Enrollment & Eligibility
Medicare coverage
Medicare costs
Prescriptions and benefits
Comparing Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap
Here are some key features to compare between Medicare Advantage and Medigap:
| Plan features | Medicare Advantage | Medicare Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Includes Original Medicare Parts A and B, plus extra benefits, such routine dental, vision, hearing and fitness services | Helps fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare, covering the out-of-pocket costs Parts A and B don’t |
| Enrollment | There are specific enrollment periods during the year when you can enroll in or switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan | You can apply for a Medigap plan at any time throughout the year. Your application may be subject to underwriting. |
| Doctors and hospitals | You may be required to use in-network doctors and hospitals | You can see any doctor that accepts Medicare patients |
| Referrals | May need referrals for specialists | No referrals necessary |
| Costs | Premiums vary by company, location and plan choice, but many plans feature $0 monthly premiums | Premiums vary by company, location and plan choice |
| Prescription drug coverage | Often included in a Medicare Advantage Prescription drug plan (MAPD) | Medicare Supplement insurance plans do not provide prescription drug coverage |
| Medical underwriting | All health conditions accepted, including ESRD | Not required if applying during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period or if you qualify for a guaranteed issue right |
For a deeper understanding, let’s explore the details of each plan.
What is Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance?
Medicare Supplement plans, also known as “Medigap,” help pay your share of medical costs not paid by Original Medicare, like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Some Medigap plans may also help pay for home healthcare , durable medical equipment (DME) , hospital costs and lab costs.
Who is eligible for Medicare Supplement insurance?
You’re eligible to buy a Medicare Supplement plan if you’re:
65 years old or older
Enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B
Living in the state where the policy you want is offered
Note: In some states, you may be eligible if you’re under age 65 with a disability or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
How much does Medicare Supplement insurance cost?
The Medicare Supplement premium you pay can depend on your plan, your age and where you live. Generally, the more coverage you choose, the more your plan is likely to cost.
How much does Medicare Advantage cost?
Medicare Advantage premiums, deductibles and other costs can vary by plan and change each year. You must pay the Part B premium, ($202.90 in 2026) and keep paying it to stay in your plan. The out-of-pocket limit can also vary by plan, but once you reach it, the plan pays 100% of your covered health services for the rest of the year.
How can I change Medicare plans?
How to switch from a Medicare Supplement plan to a Medicare Advantage plan
To switch from Medigap to Medicare Advantage, you’ll have to wait for the Medicare Open Enrollment Period , which runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year.
How to switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Medicare Supplement plan
A Medicare Supplement insurance plan can only be used to help pay out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare. If you want to switch to Original Medicare and buy a Medigap policy, contact your Medicare Advantage Plan to see when you’re able to disenroll.
Once you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, you can apply for a Medigap plan but you may be subject to medical underwriting.
Note: In some cases, when you switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, you may have “guaranteed-issue” rights to buy a Medicare plan. Without these special rights, insurance companies may choose to review your medical history before selling you a plan.
Choose the best Medicare plan for you
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans each offer ways to potentially save you money and help you get more out of your healthcare. Try these tips for choosing the right Medicare coverage for you .
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