Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement: What's the Difference?
Both help with out-of-pocket costs, but they work very differently. A plain-language comparison of networks, costs and flexibility.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) are two different ways to get more complete Medicare coverage — but they take opposite approaches.
Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare as your coverage. They're run by private insurers, usually have lower monthly premiums, and often bundle dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage. The trade-off is networks — you may need to use plan-approved doctors and get referrals.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work alongside Original Medicare. You can see any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide, with no referrals. You pay a separate premium, and you still need Part D for prescription drugs.
There is no single 'best' choice — it depends on your doctors, your prescriptions, your budget, and how you travel. This article is general education; a consultation can help you weigh your own situation.
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Educational notice: This website provides general Medicare information for educational purposes only. It does not guarantee any savings, benefits, or coverage, and is not a substitute for personalized advice. We do not represent that any specific beneficiary will receive the same benefits. For individualized guidance, request a consultation.