Side-by-side comparison
| Medicare Advantage | Original Medicare + Medigap | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Often $0 plus your Part B premium | Medigap premium plus Part D premium plus Part B |
| Costs when you get care | Copays and coinsurance up to a yearly cap | Low or none, depending on the plan letter |
| Doctors and hospitals | Plan network, usually local | Any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare |
| Referrals and approvals | Often needed | Not needed |
| Drug coverage | Usually included | Separate Part D plan |
| Dental, vision, hearing | Often some coverage | Not included |
| Travel in the U.S. | Emergency care covered; routine care limited | Covered anywhere Medicare is accepted |
| Switching later | Can switch plans each year | Changing plans may require health questions |
Who tends to pick Medicare Advantage
People who are comfortable with a local network, want a low monthly premium, value extras like dental, and like having a hard cap on yearly costs. If your doctors are all in one health system that your plan covers, Advantage can work very well.
Who tends to pick Medigap
People who want to see any doctor without referrals, travel or split the year between states, expect to need specialist care, or want to budget around a steady premium with few surprise bills.
Next steps
List your doctors, your drugs and how often you travel. Then compare real plans in your county. Our local sites show what is sold where you live, or you can request a free plan review.
Common questions
Is Medicare Advantage cheaper than Medigap?
Usually on premium. In a year with heavy medical use, an Advantage plan can cost more out of pocket, up to its yearly cap.
Can I have Medigap and Medicare Advantage at the same time?
No. Medigap only works with Original Medicare, and it is illegal for anyone to sell you one if you are in an Advantage plan.
Can I switch from Advantage to Medigap later?
You can try, but outside special situations most states let Medigap insurers ask health questions and decline you.