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Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement: Compare Plans and Find Your Fit
Choosing between a Medicare Advantage and a Medicare Supplement plan is a major decision. If you’re not sure where to start, SelectQuote is here to serve as your trusted advocate, walking you through your options with unbiased guidance and support.
What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are an alternative to Original Medicare sold by private insurance companies, while Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are meant to work alongside Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs like copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans
Medicare Advantage insurance plans, also known as Medicare Part C plans, include the coverage of Part A, Part B, and typically include Part D coverage as well. Some Medicare Advantage plans may also include additional benefits not available with Original Medicare, such as hearing, dental, and vision coverage. Medicare Advantage plan availability varies greatly based on location, but a SelectQuote licensed insurance agent can help understand your options by comparing plans in your ZIP code.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance works alongside Original Medicare to help pay for out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. It is considered secondary coverage and gives you the freedom to see any doctor or specialist in the U.S. that accepts Medicare, without being restricted to a provider network.
While Medigap benefits are standardized by the federal government—meaning each plan type offers the same core coverage regardless of the insurer—monthly premiums can vary significantly between insurance companies. Because pricing differences can be substantial, working with an unbiased broker like SelectQuote can help you compare rates and find a plan that fits your budget and coverage needs.
Medicare Advantage vs. Supplement Comparison Chart
Feature | Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Medicare Supplement (Medigap) |
Monthly Premium | Low to $0/monthly may be available (Must continue paying Part B premium) | Additional monthly premium (Must continue paying Part B) |
Doctor Network | Restricted to HMO/PPO network | Any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare |
Specialist Referrals | Often required | Not required |
Out-of-Pocket Costs | Copays and coinsurance as you go | Highly predictable; covers most copays and deductibles |
Prescription Drugs (Part D) | May be included (MAPD plans) | Not included (Must purchase separately) |
Additional Benefits | May be included (i.e., routine dental, hearing, or vision) | Not included |
Which is right for you? (Pros and Cons by Lifestyle)
The best Medicare choice often comes down to how you like to manage your healthcare, your budget, and how much flexibility you want when seeing doctors. Here’s how each option typically fits different lifestyles.
When to Consider Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage is often a strong fit if you want a simpler, all-in-one plan that bundles hospital, medical, and usually prescription drug coverage. These plans typically appeal to people who:
Want lower monthly premiums
Prefer an all-in-one plan that may include prescription drug coverage through
Like added benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, or wellness extras
Are comfortable using a local provider network (HMO or PPO) for most care
When to Consider Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are often better suited for those who want maximum flexibility and more predictable healthcare costs. These plans are commonly chosen by people who:
Travel frequently or spend time in multiple states
Want the freedom to see any doctor that accepts Medicare, without network restrictions
Prefer more predictable out-of-pocket medical costs, regardless of how much care they need during the year
Don’t mind paying a higher monthly premium in exchange for reduced surprise medical bills
A SelectQuote licensed insurance agent can help you compare both options side by side so you can choose the plan that best matches your lifestyle and budget.
Important Enrollment Rules: Can you switch plans?
Medicare Advantage plans can typically be changed during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, you can switch between Medicare Advantage plans, return to Original Medicare, or make other coverage changes. Outside of this window, changes are generally limited to specific qualifying events.
Switching from Medicare Advantage to a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can be more complex later in life, because Medigap plans often require medical underwriting in many states. This means your health history may affect approval or pricing if you apply after your initial eligibility period.
Because timing can significantly impact your options and costs, many people choose to review their coverage carefully each year. SelectQuote is here to help you understand key enrollment windows so you can avoid any missteps and stay confident in your coverage.
How SelectQuote Helps You Compare Medicare Options
As an independent broker, SelectQuote puts you first—not the carriers. We offer unbiased plan comparisons from recognized insurance companies to help you find coverage that fits your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and lifestyle needs.
Rather than calling multiple insurance companies yourself, let SelectQuote handle the heavy lifting. Our licensed agents will compare plans on your behalf, explaining plan differences clearly and helping you evaluate costs, networks, and benefits side by side. Our goal is to make it easier to understand your options and confidently choose the Medicare plan that works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Medicare Advantage plan?
A Medicare Advantage plan provides an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). These plans are offered by private health insurance companies that are approved by Medicare.
Can I go to the doctor with a Medicare Advantage plan?
You can go to the doctor with a Medicare Advantage plan, but you typically are required to stay in-network for care.
Are my prescription drugs covered with a Medicare Advantage plan?
Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.
How much does a Medicare Advantage plan cost?
Typically, Medicare Advantage plans have lower monthly premiums than Original Medicare. In fact, some plans may even be $0/month premiums. In addition to a monthly premium, you’ll typically have a copay when you go to the doctor or hospital.
When can I make changes to my Medicare Advantage plan?
You can make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan each year during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). There are also special situations, such as losing coverage or moving, that allow you to select a new plan.
Do Medicare Advantage plans have any other benefits?
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover—like vision, hearing or dental. These plans have a yearly limit on what you pay out-of-pocket for Medicare Part A and B covered services. Some plans even offer fitness and wellness benefits.
Who needs Medicare Advantage coverage?
Anyone looking to pay lower monthly premiums and paying a copay when they go to the doctor or hospital could benefit from a Medicare Advantage plan.
What does Medicare Supplement coverage look like?
Medicare Supplement insurance helps cover gaps in coverage from Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare Supplement plans are also standardized by the government.
When is the best time to buy a Medicare Supplement policy?
The best time to buy a Medicare Supplement policy is during your Initial Enrollment Period.
Can I still see my doctor with a Medicare Supplement plan?
With a Medicare Supplement plan, you can choose any doctor who accepts Medicare patients; there are no networks.
Do Medicare Supplement plans cover prescription drugs?
No, but Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan coverage can be purchased in addition to a Medicare Supplement plan to help cover these expenses.
How much does a Medicare Supplement plan cost?
Medigap plans commonly have higher premiums, but these costs can be offset by much lower annual out-of-pocket costs for healthcare services. Some plans don’t even require you to pay a copay when you visit the doctor or hospital.
When can I make changes to my Medicare Supplement plan?
You are able to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan during your initial enrollment period. As long as you continue to pay your premium, you can never lose coverage.
Who needs Medicare Supplement Insurance coverage?
Individuals who benefit most from Medicare Supplement coverage are looking to pay minimal to no co-pays when going to the doctor or hospital, but keep in mind, this is often offset by higher monthly premiums.
SelectQuote Senior Insurance Services is a division of SelectQuote Insurance Services. © 2026 SelectQuote Senior Insurance Services. All rights reserved.
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