Medicare Advantage vs. Supplement
These are the two main paths after 65. They cost differently and limit you differently. Here is what to weigh.
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The structural difference
Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that usually bundles drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing. You use the plan's network.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) sits on TOP of Original Medicare and pays your share of cost. You see any provider that accepts Medicare. You add Part D separately for drugs.
You cannot have both at the same time.
The real-world differences
- Monthly premium. Advantage is usually lower (sometimes $0 + Part B). Supplement is higher (Medigap premium + Part D premium + Part B premium).
- Out-of-pocket exposure. Supplement caps it close to zero after premium. Advantage has a federal cap, but you can hit it.
- Provider choice. Supplement lets you see any Medicare provider. Advantage restricts you to a network.
- Prior authorization. Common with Advantage; rare with Supplement.
- Extras. Advantage usually includes dental/vision/hearing. Supplement does not — you buy those separately.
- Travel. Supplement is strong nationwide. Advantage depends on plan.
See our deeper Advantage guide and Supplement guide.
How most people decide
If you travel often, have specific doctors you want to keep, and want predictable claims, Supplement + Part D is usually a better fit (but costs more monthly).
If you have stable doctors in a plan's network, want a low monthly premium, and would benefit from bundled extras, Advantage is usually a better fit.
Always check both: your top 3 doctors AND your top 3 medications.
Related guides
More plain-language guides from Medicare Plan Path.