Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement: What's the Difference?

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans take two very different approaches to helping with the costs Original Medicare doesn't cover.

Medicare Advantage plans provide your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through private Medicare-approved insurance companies. They're offered by private insurers, typically include their own networks and rules, and often bundle extras like prescription drug coverage. You still pay your Part B premium.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work alongside Original Medicare. They help pay some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves to you, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. You keep Original Medicare and can generally see any provider that accepts Medicare.

Neither is universally 'better.' The right fit depends on your doctors, prescriptions, travel patterns, and budget. Plan availability, benefits, and costs vary by plan and location.