Senior Health

Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement: What Is the Difference?

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans are two different ways to handle costs and coverage after Original Medicare. The right direction depends on doctors, prescriptions, budget, travel habits, and coverage preferences.

Medicare Advantage basics

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and provide Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through the plan. Many include extra benefits and may include prescription drug coverage, but networks and plan rules matter.

Medicare Supplement basics

Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, work with Original Medicare and help pay certain out-of-pocket costs. These plans generally do not include prescription drug coverage, so many people pair them with a separate Part D plan.

Key comparison points

Important differences may include monthly premium, provider access, referrals, travel flexibility, prescription drug coverage, maximum out-of-pocket protection, and how predictable costs feel.

How HealthSecure helps

HealthSecure can explain the tradeoffs in plain language and help compare available options based on your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.