What it is
Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, is sold by private insurance companies. It works alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). It may help pay some costs Original Medicare leaves behind, such as certain deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a different path. Private companies offer plans that replace Original Medicare for how you get your benefits. Many include drug coverage and extras, and they usually use provider networks. You still have Medicare, but the plan manages your coverage.
You generally cannot use both at once. Medigap works with Original Medicare only. Medigap plans are labeled by letter. Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N (and high-deductible Plan G) are sold to people newly eligible for Medicare. Plans C and F are available only to people who became eligible before January 1, 2020. Plans E, H, I and J were discontinued and are not sold today. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Many people who want freedom to choose doctors have looked at Medigap. It lets you see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, with no network and no referrals. Cost-sharing tends to be predictable. The trade-offs are that monthly premiums are generally higher, and drugs need a separate Part D plan. Medigap also does not include routine dental, vision or hearing.
Many people who want lower monthly premiums and extra benefits have looked at Medicare Advantage. Premiums are often lower, and plans have an annual out-of-pocket maximum. Many include drug coverage plus extras like dental, vision or hearing. The trade-offs can include networks, prior authorization and copays for services.
Neither choice is right for everyone. Health needs, budget, travel habits, preferred doctors and comfort with uncertainty all matter. Timing matters too. Outside open enrollment or guaranteed issue situations, Medigap may involve medical underwriting. Rules vary by state and change over time, so confirm current details with Medicare.gov, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), or a licensed agent.
How the right licensed agent may help
A Medigap agent is a licensed professional who may help you sort through the options. They can explain how the plan letters differ and which carriers sell in your state. An independent agent may be able to show choices from more than one company. Agents are not Medicare and cannot promise a particular result.
A conversation is usually simple. You may be asked about your doctors, prescriptions, travel, budget and when you became eligible. It can help to bring a list of your providers and medicines. You can also ask about your enrollment timing and whether underwriting could apply.
Good questions to ask include: Will my doctors and hospitals accept this coverage? How do drugs fit in? What happens if I want to switch later? What rules apply in my state? Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
The bigger picture
Choosing between these paths is about more than numbers. It can affect how secure you feel when you need care. Some people value knowing they can see nearly any Medicare provider. Others value lower monthly costs and added benefits. Both are valid ways to look for peace of mind.
Take your time and ask questions. Stress about coverage can weigh on your wellbeing, and a clear understanding may help you feel more settled. If you are also looking for health providers, Providers.plus is one place to explore.
Keep in mind
- 1-800-MEDIGAP is an independent educational directory, not Medicare.gov, CMS, Social Security or any government agency. Official information is at Medicare.gov.
- This page is insurance education only. It is not insurance, legal, tax or medical advice.
- Open enrollment, guaranteed issue and switching rules vary by state and change over time. Confirm them with Medicare.gov, your SHIP, or a licensed agent.
- Switching between Medicare Advantage and Medigap may involve underwriting, so consider timing before you change coverage.
Take the next step
- Talk with a Medigap agent ↗Jeff Cline on contacts.plus — a person, not a call center.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to help with some of the costs it leaves behind. Medicare Advantage replaces how you receive Original Medicare through a private plan, often with a network. Each has its own strengths and trade-offs.
Can I have Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage at the same time?
Generally, no. Medigap is designed to work with Original Medicare, not with a Medicare Advantage plan. If you are thinking about changing, ask a licensed agent or your SHIP about timing and rules before you act.
Which has more provider freedom, Medigap or Medicare Advantage?
Medigap generally lets you see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, with no network or referrals. Medicare Advantage plans often use networks and may require referrals or prior authorization. Some Advantage plan types are more flexible than others, so check the details of any plan.
Is Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage cheaper?
It depends on your situation. Medicare Advantage often has lower monthly premiums and an annual out-of-pocket maximum, but may have copays. Medigap generally has higher monthly premiums but more predictable cost-sharing. A Medigap agent may help you compare.
Do I need a separate drug plan with Medigap?
Yes, Medigap does not include prescription drug coverage, so people usually add a separate Part D plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage. Check each option's drug list before deciding.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to a Medigap plan?
Sometimes, but it depends on your state and timing. Outside open enrollment or guaranteed issue situations, a Medigap carrier may use medical underwriting and could decline coverage. Confirm current rules with Medicare.gov, your SHIP, or a licensed agent. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
Educational resource. 1-800-MEDIGAP shares general information and connects people with independent licensed agents. It is not professional advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your own situation.