Medicare Advantage and Medigap might sound like two versions of the same thing, but they are actually very different. To help you make the distinction, this Medicare Supplement agency in Northwest Indiana is going to highlight some of the main differences between the two.

What should you know about Original Medicare before choosing a plan?

Before you start comparing Medicare Advantage and Medigap, you should know how Original Medicare works. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers hospital care, doctor visits, lab tests, and some preventive services. But it does not pay any deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance.

This is where people use Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap). Both cover the costs left behind by Original Medicare, but they do it in completely different ways. While one replaces Original Medicare as your primary coverage, the other works alongside it.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage (or Medicare Part C) combines your hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) coverage. It can also include prescription drug coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans even offer dental, vision, hearing, or fitness benefits.

When you sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, you usually have to stick with doctors and hospitals in that plan’s network. Many are HMOs or PPOs, so you could need a referral to see a specialist or pay more if you go out of network.

One of the main reasons people choose Medicare Advantage is the price. Many Medicare Advantage plans have low or even zero monthly premiums. You will still pay your regular Part B premium, which is around $185 in 2025.

The trade-off with this plan is flexibility. You might have to stay within your plan’s network to keep your insurance costs low, and those networks can change each year. Your out-of-pocket costs also depend on how much you use your healthcare. So, if you travel a lot or see different specialists, it can be harder to predict your total expenses for the year.

What does a Medigap plan do for you?

Instead of replacing Original Medicare, a Medigap plan partners with it. You keep your Original Medicare coverage, and your Medigap plan covers the remaining costs.

The main advantage of a Medigap plan is the freedom it offers. You can see any doctor or specialist in the country who accepts Medicare. There are no Medigap networks or referrals. If you travel regularly or if you like the idea of choosing your own doctors, that flexibility should be very valuable.

Medigap also gives you more predictable costs. Once you pay your monthly premium, most (or sometimes all) of your medical bills are covered, depending on which plan you choose. And since Medigap benefits are standardized, a Plan G in Indiana offers the same benefits as a Plan G in any other state.

The one downside can be the extra monthly premium, which is in addition to your Medicare Part B premium. Medigap does not include prescription drug coverage, so you will need to buy a separate Part D plan if you want that.

Your local Medicare Supplement agency in Northwest Indiana can explain which plans are available in your area and walk you through all of them.

How do you decide between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?

How regularly do you see doctors or specialists? Do you travel a lot, or do you spend part of the year in another state? Would you rather pay a lower premium now, or avoid surprise medical bills later?

Your answers to these questions can tell you a lot. If you like having predictable costs and the freedom to see any doctor, Medigap might be the better option. If you prefer lower monthly payments and don’t mind staying within a network, Medicare Advantage could be ideal for you.

Either way, you should discuss this with your local Medicare Supplement agency in Northwest Indiana.

Looking for a Medicare Supplement agency in Northwest Indiana?

If you are looking for a Medicare Supplement agency in Northwest Indiana that can help you compare Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans, Senior Care Insurance Services can guide you in the right direction. We can explain the costs and coverage of each plan to help you find the best balance of flexibility and value. Contact us today to get in touch with our staff.