Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: The Real Difference

They sound like they should be similar. They're not. One lets you see any doctor who accepts Medicare, anywhere in the country, no referrals needed. The other trades some of that flexibility for a lower monthly cost and extra perks like dental and vision.

There's no one-size-fits-all here. Truly! The right fit depends on your budget and your priorities, and I'm here to help you sort out what matters most.

Swipe left or right to compare.
  Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Medicare Advantage
Doctors and hospitals Any doctor in the U.S. who accepts Medicare A defined network
Providers can drop out at any time
Referrals Never needed Often required,
especially with an HMO
Monthly cost Higher premium, but predictable Lower or $0 premium,
but you pay as you use services
Coverage changes Locked in
Benefits never change once you're on a plan 		Reviewed every year and can change (ANOC)
Extra benefits
(dental, vision, hearing) 		Not included
Part D is separate 		Often bundled in
Switching later Switching to a different Medigap plan later may mean health questions Switch plans every year, but coming back to Medigap may mean health questions

When Medicare Advantage Can Fit

Advantage can be a great fit if you want a lower monthly cost, like having dental, vision, and hearing bundled in, and you're comfortable staying in a network. If you're generally healthy and watching your budget, it's worth a serious look. Just check the plan's out-of-pocket maximum, which doesn't include prescription drugs."

See Who You Want.
Go Where You Want.

With Medigap, there's no network to think about, none! If a doctor or hospital accepts Medicare, you're covered. It's your choice, plain and simple.
No Restrictions

No restrictions on which doctors or hospitals you can see, as long as they accept Medicare.

Financially Strong

I work with an insurance company rated A (Excellent) by AM Best, built to stand behind your plan.

AM Best Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent), affirmed November 2025.
Guaranteed

Your plan is guaranteed renewable as long as premiums are paid on time and there are no material misrepresentations on your application.

Real Person

You get a real person on the other end. Me! No call centers, no chatbots, no “your call is very important to us” while you wait 45 minutes. I return calls and messages within one business day.

Either way, this is exactly the kind of decision where the small print matters. Let's go through it together before you commit for the year!
BOOK A FREE EDUCATION SESSION