Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap (Supplement)
Two very different ways to round out Medicare. Here's how Advantage and Medigap really differ — and who each suits.
Once you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you generally choose one of two paths to fill its gaps: a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or a Medigap Supplement plan. You can't use both at the same time, so it's worth understanding how they differ.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Advantage plans are offered by private insurers and bundle your Medicare coverage — often including prescription drugs and extras like dental, vision or hearing — usually into one plan with a low or $0 premium.
- Often $0 or low monthly premium (you still pay your Part B premium).
- Usually network-based (HMO/PPO) — you stay in-network for the best costs.
- Often includes drug coverage and extra benefits.
- You pay copays/coinsurance as you use care, up to an annual out-of-pocket max.
Medigap (Supplement)
Medigap works alongside Original Medicare and pays many of the out-of-pocket costs it leaves behind (deductibles, copays, coinsurance). You can see any provider in the country that accepts Medicare — no networks.
- Higher monthly premium, but very predictable costs when you need care.
- No networks — see any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide.
- Doesn't include drug coverage — you add a standalone Part D plan.
- Standardized plans (e.g. Plan G, Plan N) make comparison easier.
How to choose
If you value low monthly costs and don't mind a network, Advantage can be a great fit. If you travel, want to keep specific doctors, or prefer predictable bills over a low premium, Medigap often wins. Your health, budget, and the doctors you want to keep should drive the decision — and a licensed agent can compare the specific plans available in your ZIP.
Frequently asked questions
Sometimes, but it's not guaranteed — outside certain windows, Medigap insurers can use medical underwriting, which may affect eligibility or price. That's why the initial choice matters. An agent can explain the rules in your state.
No. Medigap covers medical out-of-pocket costs; for drugs you add a standalone Part D plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans, by contrast, include drug coverage.
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