Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans provide additional coverage to supplement Original Medicare, covering copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare that are sold by private insurers and must provide at least the same coverage as Original Medicare while also offering additional benefits. The main differences are that Medicare Supplement plans only supplement Original Medicare while Medicare Advantage plans are standalone, and Medicare Supplement plans have standardized coverage across insurers while Medicare Advantage plan coverage can vary. Someone cannot have both a Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plan.

1. SUPPLEMENTAL MEDICARE
VS.
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE
Understanding the additional coverage you need to help
round out your medicare health coverage

2. WHAT IS SUPPLEMENTAL MEDICARE?
A Medicare Supplement insurance policy, also known as Medigap, is an add-on that helps augment your
Medicare coverage by providing additional coverage beyond the a regular Medicare policy.
Offered by private insurance companies, there are a total of 11 Medigap policies available. These
policies are identical from company to company. However, prices of these policies may differ from one
company to the other. Typically Medigap covers:
 Copayments
 Coinsurance
 Deductibles
 Foreign travel
Important Note: You cannot have a Medicare Supplement plan without first enrolling in Original
Medicare.

3. WHAT IS MEDICARE ADVANTAGE?
A Medicare Advantage plan is a replacement for Original Medicare sold by private insurance companies.
This type of plan, typically referred to as Medicare Part C, must by law provide all of the coverage that
Original Medicare offers.
However, most Medicare Advantage plans go a lot further, providing many additional coverage including:
 Urgently needed care
 Emergencies
 Vision
 Hearing
 Dental
Not all plans will offer uniform coverage, so make sure to research before choosing. Medicare Advantage
plans come in many forms such as Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider
Organizations (PPOs), Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS), Special Needs Plans (SNPs), and Medicare Medical
Savings Accounts (MSAs).

4. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUPPLEMENTAL
MEDICARE & MEDICARE ADVANTAGE?
Here are the basic differences between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage:
 Type: Medicare Advantage is a standalone Medicare plan, while supplemental Medicare is just an add-
on to Original Medicare.
 Coverage: While Medicare Supplement plans all offer the exact same coverage, Medicare Advantage
plans can differ.
 Scope: Medicare Advantage plans provide additional forms of coverage (dental, medical, drugs etc.),
while Medicare Supplements help pay for facets of Medicare coverage (copayments, coinsurance,
deductibles).

5. CAN I HAVE BOTH MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLANS &
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS?
In a nutshell, no. Medicare Supplement doesn’t coexist with Medicare Advantage.
While both provide different forms of coverage over and above Original Medicare, Medigap policies
aren’t compatible with Medicare Advantage Plans. Medigap plans cannot be used to cover copayments,
deductibles, and premiums of Medicare Advantage plans.
In fact, it is illegal for an insurer to sell you a Medicare Supplement plan if you are covered by a Medicare
Advantage plan.

6. HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLAN?
If you qualify for Medicare, but want a policy that is more comprehensive, you can choose between a
Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement plan. Choose the best plan for
your medical needs and lifestyle.
Consider these important factors when choosing your Medicare plan:
1. Copayments and deductibles.
2. Cost of premiums.
3. How often you require healthcare, and how regularly you visit the hospital.
4. Whether or not you are okay with restrictions on doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies.
5. How much the drugs that you require on a regular basis cost.
6. How much you can pay out of your own pocket.

7. MEDICARE ADVANTAGE & MEDICARE
SUPPLEMENT – MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE
You now have what you need to start looking at Medicare plans to decide on the best choice for you
and your family. Remember, research is key!
Start comparing plans early, so you’re not rushed to make a decision when you turn 65.
If you found this information helpful, please share it!