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Medicare Video Series
Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement
Plan Feature | Medicare Advantage | Medicare Supplement |
|---|---|---|
Costs | Lower premiums but has copays | Higher premiums but little to no copays |
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 |
Doctors and Hospitals | You may be required to use in-network doctors and hospitals | You can see any doctor nationwide that accepts Medicare |
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 to buy a Medigap plan any time after you turn 65 and join Part B |
Medical Underwriting | All health conditions accepted, including ESRD | No medical underwriting if you apply during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the first month you have Medicare Part B and you’re 65 or older |
Prescription Drug Coverage | Can be included in a Medicare Advantage Prescription drug plan (MAPD) | Not included, you’ll need to buy a Part D plan |
Referrals | May need referrals for specialists | No referrals necessary |
For a deeper understanding, let’s explore the details of each plan.
What is Medicare Supplement 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 assist in paying 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:
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65 years old or older
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Enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B
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Living in the state where the policy you want is offered
Note: In some states, you can be 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 can cost. Some Medicare Supplement plans set a maximum out-of-pocket limit.
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare, and it is offered by private insurance companies to Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare Advantage plans include Part A and Part B coverage, and some include Part D prescription drug coverage as well. Some Medicare Advantage plans also offer extra benefits that aren’t available with Original Medicare, such as routine vision, hearing and dental care .
Who is eligible for Medicare Advantage?
To join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must:
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Be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B
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Live in the plan’s service area
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Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the U.S.
Note: You may also be eligible if you’re under 65 and have Medicare because of a disability.
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 ($185 in 2025) 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?
Switching from a Medicare Supplement plan to a Medicare Advantage plan
Medicare Supplement plans help cover some costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay, but they don’t include routine dental, vision, hearing or prescription drug benefits. If you’re interested in those extra benefits, learn about switching to an all-in-1 Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan .
However, you can’t switch from Medigap to Medicare Advantage at any time. You’ll have to wait for the Medicare Open Enrollment Period , which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. Be sure to contact your Medigap insurance company to tell them you’re cancelling before you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Switching from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Medicare Supplement plan
If you want to switch to Original Medicare and buy a Medigap policy, contact your Medicare Advantage Plan to see if you're able to disenroll. If you’re able to disenroll and return to Original Medicare, you can only leave a Medicare Advantage plan during 2 enrollment periods:
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The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) between Jan. 1 and March 31.
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The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7.
Once you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, you’re generally eligible to apply for a Medigap plan.
Note: In most cases, when you switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, you lose your “guaranteed-issue” rights for Medigap. You generally have guaranteed-issue rights for 6 months when you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. Without guaranteed-issue rights, insurance companies may require medical underwriting before selling you a plan.