Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement

Two different ways to get coverage

Most people choose between two paths: (1) Original Medicare plus a Medicare Supplement plan and a Part D drug plan, or (2) a Medicare Advantage plan. Neither is right for everyone. It depends on your doctors, budget, health, and how you like to pay for care.

Original Medicare + Supplement + Part D

• See any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare — no network.
• Usually no referrals needed to see a specialist.
• Higher, steady monthly premium; lower and more predictable costs when you get care.
• Drug coverage comes from a separate Part D plan.
• In many states, after your first chance to enroll, you may have to answer health questions to buy or change a Supplement plan.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

• Often a low or $0 monthly plan premium (you still pay your Part B premium).
• Usually uses a network (HMO or PPO). HMOs generally require in-network care and referrals; PPOs let you go out-of-network for a higher cost.
• You pay copays as you use care, up to a yearly out-of-pocket maximum.
• Many plans include drug coverage and extras such as some dental, vision, or hearing benefits.
• Plan details can change every year.

Questions to ask yourself

• Are my doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network?
• Do I travel or live part of the year in another state?
• Would I rather pay more each month for predictable costs, or less each month and pay as I go?
• Are my prescriptions covered, and at what cost?