What is the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
The short answer
Medigap is a supplement that works alongside Original Medicare to cover costs like copays and deductibles. Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare entirely with a private plan that bundles your coverage, often with extras, but usually within a provider network.
The full explanation
These two options solve different problems, and you cannot have both at the same time.Medigap, sometimes called Medicare Supplement insurance, sits on top of Original Medicare. You keep Parts A and B, and Medigap picks up some or all of the costs Original Medicare leaves behind, things like your 20 percent share of doctor bills or hospital deductibles. You still see any doctor who accepts Medicare, anywhere in the country. Most Medigap plans have a predictable monthly premium, which makes budgeting easier, but you will also still pay your Part B premium on top of that. Medigap does not include prescription drug coverage, so you would need a separate Part D plan.Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private plan. Instead of paying Medicare directly, you use your Advantage plan for everything. These plans usually include prescription drug coverage and often add dental, vision, or fitness benefits. Many have low or even zero monthly premiums beyond your Part B premium, but your costs can vary more depending on how much care you use. You are also generally limited to the plan's network of doctors.Medigap tends to suit people who want predictable costs and full flexibility on providers. Medicare Advantage can work well for people who want extra benefits and are comfortable staying within a network. Plan details vary, so comparing current options is important.
Related Medicare Resources
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In Utah, Medigap plans are sold by carriers like Regence BlueCross, SelectHealth, and others. If you rely on both Intermountain Health and University of Utah Health providers, a Medigap plan with Original Medicare may give you the most flexibility since you are not locked into one health system's network.
What this means for you
For you, this means Medigap prioritizes predictability and access, while Medicare Advantage prioritizes bundled benefits and potentially lower upfront costs, and the tradeoffs are real enough that it is worth talking through your specific situation with someone who knows both options.
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