Medicare Supplement (Medigap) vs. Medicare Advantage
Here's a quick overview of these two types of plans and how they compare. We can help you decide which type of plan best suits your specific needs.
Comparison
Eligibility
❋ Must have Medicare A & B.❋ Must have Medicare A & B.❋ Applicants may have guaranteed issue rights during certain enrollment periods. Otherwise, they may be required to pass a health questionnaire and/or physical.❋ Plans are guaranteed issue as long as you do not have ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease).❋ Must live in service area 6 months of the year.Costs
❋ Premiums for the same plan differ from company to company.❋ Premiums differ based on unique plan designs from private insurers.❋ Typically more expensive than Medicare Advantage plans.❋ Typically less expensive than most Medicare Supplement plans.Medicare Advantage
Medicare Supplement
also referred to as Medigap
Benefits
Provider Network
❋ Foreign travel ER coverage limited to $50,000 per lifetime.Prescriptions (Rx)
❋ You will need to purchase a separate Medicare Part D Rx plan.❋ Most plans include Part D Rx coverage as part of the plan's standard monthly premium.❋ Does not include Part D Rx coverage.Extras
❋ These standardized plans do not offer the "extras" that Medicare Advantage plans often deliver.❋ Some plans offer benefits that Originial Medicare does not cover, such as Vision, Dental, and Hearing coverage.❋ Plans may change on an annual basis and members may change plans during Annual Enrollment Period.❋ Plans are standardized and generally do not change.❋ Plans may have a deductible, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket limits❋ Plans use defined network of providers (HMOs, PPOs, etc.) that may require referrals to see specialists.❋ Most plans cover any provider in the USA who accepts Original Medicare.❋ Will cover ER visits anywhere n the US and usually worldwide.❋ Referrals to access specialists are typically not required.❋ Many plans offer health and wellness benefits, such as free fitness memberships.❋ Many plans offer free fitness memberships.