Terry Turner, writer and researcher for RetireGuide
  • Written by
    Terry Turner

    Terry Turner

    Senior Financial Writer and Financial Wellness Facilitator

    Terry Turner has more than 35 years of journalism experience, including covering benefits, spending and congressional action on federal programs such as Social Security and Medicare. He is a Certified Financial Wellness Facilitator through the National Wellness Institute and the Foundation for Financial Wellness and a member of the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE®).

    Read More
  • Edited By
    Lamia Chowdhury
    Lamia Chowdhury, editor for RetireGuide.com

    Lamia Chowdhury

    Financial Editor

    Lamia Chowdhury is a financial content editor for RetireGuide and has over three years of marketing experience in the finance industry. She has written copy for both digital and print pieces ranging from blogs, radio scripts and search ads to billboards, brochures, mailers and more.

    Read More
  • Reviewed By
    Christian Worstell
    Christian Worstell, Medicare expert

    Christian Worstell

    Medicare Expert

    Christian Worstell is a licensed health insurance agent and an established writer in the sector, with articles featured in Forbes, MarketWatch, WebMD and more. His work has positively impacted beneficiaries nationwide and empowers them to make strong health care decisions.

    Read More
  • Published: July 13, 2020
  • Updated: October 23, 2023
  • 16 min read time
  • This page features 13 Cited Research Articles
Fact Checked
Fact Checked

A licensed insurance professional reviewed this page for accuracy and compliance with the CMS Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines (MCMGs) and Medicare Advantage (MA/MAPD) and/or Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) carriers’ guidelines.

Cite Us
How to Cite RetireGuide.com's Article

APA Turner, T. (2023, October 23). Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap. RetireGuide.com. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://www.retireguide.com/medicare/compare/medicare-advantage-vs-medigap/

MLA Turner, Terry. "Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap." RetireGuide.com, 23 Oct 2023, https://www.retireguide.com/medicare/compare/medicare-advantage-vs-medigap/.

Chicago Turner, Terry. "Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap." RetireGuide.com. Last modified October 23, 2023. https://www.retireguide.com/medicare/compare/medicare-advantage-vs-medigap/.

Why Trust RetireGuide.com
Why You Can Trust Us

Content created by RetireGuide and sponsored by our partners.

Key Principles

RetireGuide’s mission is to provide seniors with resources that will help them reach important financial decisions that affect their retirement. Our goal is to arm our readers with knowledge that will lead to a healthy and financially sound retirement.

We’re dedicated to providing thoroughly researched Medicare information that guides you toward making the best possible health decisions for you and your family.

RetireGuide LLC has partnerships with Senior Market Sales (SMS), GoHealth, Tranzact and CoverRight.

Our partners are able to be reached through the phone numbers and/or forms provided on our website.

The content and tools created by RetireGuide adhere to strict Medicare and editorial guidelines to ensure quality and transparency.

Editorial Independence

While the experts from our partners are available to help you navigate various Medicare plans, RetireGuide retains complete editorial control over the information it publishes.

We operate independently from our partners, which allows the award-winning RetireGuide team to provide you with unbiased information.

Visitors can trust our inflexibility regarding our editorial autonomy. We do not allow our partnership to influence RetireGuide’s editorial content whatsoever.
Key Takeaways
  • Medicare Advantage is a money-saving choice if you are in good health with few medical expenses. Otherwise, Medigap is generally better for those with serious medical conditions.
  • Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare Part A and B coverage and includes additional benefits — which usually includes prescription drug coverage.
  • Medigap supplements Original Medicare, helping with some out-of-pocket costs but does not cover prescription drugs nor anything else Original Medicare does not cover.
  • You cannot have Medicare Advantage and Medigap at the same time. But you are able to switch between the two plans should your health care costs change.
  • Medicare Advantage covers dental and vision. Medigap doesn’t help with these services.

What Coverage Gaps Does Medicare Have?

Original Medicare — Medicare Part A and Part B — has several gaps in coverage. These include services and items that Original Medicare does not cover as well as cost sharing for certain services that require out-of-pocket spending for what is covered.

Medicare Advantage or Medigap plans are designed to fill in some of the gaps.

Examples of What’s Not Covered by Original Medicare
  • Coinsurance
  • Copay
  • Cosmetic Surgery
  • Deductibles
  • Dentures
  • Hearing aids and exams
  • Long-term care
  • Massage therapy
  • Most dental care
  • Most prescription drugs
  • Routine physical exams
  • Routine vision exams, glasses and contact lenses
Source: U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Medicare Advantage or Medigap work in different ways to address some of these gaps. You cannot have both a Medicare Advantage and a Medigap plan at the same time. So, it’s important to consider how each may work for your particular needs and budget.

An easy way to think about the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage is that Medigap supplements your Original Medicare coverage while Medicare Advantage replaces it. Both types of plans are great options, but it’s important to determine which one is best for you.

What Is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare. Sold by private insurers, these plans cover everything covered by Original Medicare but may also offer extra benefits for things that Medicare doesn’t. Additional benefits may include prescription drug coverage along with hearing, dental and vision care.

Most Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, so there usually isn’t a need to enroll in a separate Part D plan.

You can purchase a Medicare Advantage plan after enrolling in Medicare Part A hospital insurance and Medicare Part B medical insurance. When you enroll, your Medicare Advantage plan takes the place of your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage.

Average Medicare Advantage Costs

The average monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan in 2024 is around $18.50 per month, according to AHIP — a trade association representing health insurance companies. But the average varies widely based on where you live.

Individual state averages range from $0 per month in Alaska to $70.77 in Minnesota, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Premiums vary on the plans available where you live, the amount of coverage and other factors.

Premiums are not the only cost to consider when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan.

In addition, you typically have to continue paying your monthly Medicare Part B premium — which in 2024 is $174.70 or higher depending on your income. This is in addition to any premium you have to pay for your Medicare Advantage plan.

Your maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs also vary by state — from just above $2,600 in Nevada to more than $7,200 in New Jersey.

Pros of Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage plans usually have lower monthly premiums than Medigap plans. They may also include prescription drug coverage. You have to enroll in a separate drug plan if you choose Medigap.

If dental or vision coverage is important to you, you might choose Medicare Advantage because Medigap doesn’t help with these services. Medicare Advantage may also be better for you if you are flexible on which doctors you are willing to see, since you will have to use in-network health care providers to cut out-of-pocket costs.

Cons of Medicare Advantage

One of the biggest disadvantages of a Medicare Advantage plan is that it limits your choice of doctors, hospitals and other health care providers. Medicare Advantage plans rely on health care provider networks — if you go to a doctor or other provider not in your network, you typically have to pay more of the cost.

While Original Medicare is the same across the United States, Medicare Advantage plans may only cover your health care in a specific area. If you move to a new state, you may have to replace your plan.

There are a wide variety of Medicare Advantage plans available — but they are not available in all areas. You may have a confusing number of Medicare Advantage plans to choose from if you live in a densely populated area, such as a major city. But you are more likely to have limited options in rural areas.

Medicare Advantage Pros & Cons

What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?

Medigap is intended simply to cover some of the gaps that Original Medicare doesn’t pay for — coinsurance, copayments and deductibles, for instance.

Original Medicare only pays 80% for Medicare-covered services such as your doctors’ services and any outpatient medical services and supplies. A Medigap plan can help cover some or all of that 20% gap that you have to pay for out-of-pocket.

Medigap cannot be used to pay for anything that Medicare Part A and Part B does not cover. This means you can’t use Medigap to cover prescription drugs or the hearing, vision and dental services that Original Medicare does not cover.

If you have Original Medicare and a Medigap policy, you may also benefit from a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to help cover prescription drug costs.

Average Costs

The average cost of a Medigap plan varies widely by ZIP code and depends on which plan you choose, along with your age and gender.

When shopping for a Medigap policy, compare the prices of the same plans from different insurers. For instance, compare Plan G from one insurer to a Plan G from another insurer. This will give you a clearer picture of different prices for the same coverage.

Ask the insurer about how the plan is priced or “rated.”

Medigap Plan Rating Systems
Community-rated
Everyone is charged the same price. Premium prices may rise over time due to inflation, but they will not increase based on your age.
Issue-rated
The premium is based on your age when you buy the Medigap plan. You’ll pay less if you buy it when you’re younger. Premiums may rise due to inflation, but not because of you getting older.
Attained-age-rated
Premiums are lower for younger buyers, but they increase as you get older. They may also increase due to inflation or other factors.

Different Medigap plans cover different out-of-pocket expenses associated with Original Medicare. If you qualified for Medicare after Jan. 1, 2020, you can no longer buy a plan that covers your Part B deductible.

But you can find plans that cover your Part A and Part B coinsurance, additional hospitalization and skilled nursing facility stays and other out-of-pocket costs.

Most Medigap plans do not have maximum out-of-pocket limits since they effectively cover the gaps in Medicare that cause out-of-pocket spending for things like hospitalization, doctors visits and other services. You seldom have out-of-pocket costs if you have Medigap.

Two plans — Plan K and Plan L — do have maximum out-of-pocket limits. Plan K’s is $7,060 and Plan L’s is $3,530 for 2024.

Pros of Medigap

Medigap helps cover your out-of-pocket expenses if you decide to stick with Original Medicare.

The biggest advantage of Medigap may be your choice of doctors. You have more doctors and hospitals to choose from since you can go to any provider that accepts Medicare.

If your doctor is not in a Medicare Advantage plan you’re considering and you don’t want to switch doctors, you may want to consider Medigap.

While Medigap premiums are generally higher than those of Medicare Advantage, Medigap will likely charge you lower out-of-pocket expenses. You’ll need to calculate how much you expect to pay for health care over a year and compare that to your annual premium cost.

Finding a Medigap plan that works for you can be less confusing because there are only eight types to choose from. This can simplify enrolling in Medicare.

Cons of Medigap

Costs are the leading disadvantage of Medigap. Medigap plans tend to have higher monthly premiums than Medicare Advantage plans. You also still have to pay your Medicare Part B monthly premiums.

If you didn’t become eligible for Medicare before Jan. 1, 2020, Medigap can no longer pay for your Medicare Part B deductible.

To be eligible for a Medigap plan, you have to be 65 years or older and be enrolled in both Medicare Part A hospital insurance and Medicare Part B medical insurance.

You are not guaranteed that your application for a Medigap policy will be accepted if you don’t purchase a plan when you are first eligible for Medicare. Even if you are accepted after the initial enrollment period, you may have to pay more for a Medigap policy.

Medigap policies are standardized in 47 states and the District of Columbia. But costs may vary state-to-state for the same plan.

Medigap vs Medicare Advantage
Expand

Comparing Medicare Advantage and Medigap

With a Medigap plan, you have access to any doctor or provider who accepts Medicare. By contrast, you may have fewer choices in terms of doctors and health care providers with a Medicare Advantage plan.

Legally, you cannot have Medigap coverage with a Medicare Advantage plan. However, you may be able to switch between the two plans.

Biggest Differences Between Medicare Advantage and Medigap

Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans can provide different options to best suit your circumstances. You should compare Medicare plans carefully to make sure you’re getting the best coverage for your particular financial situation and health care needs.

Comparing Plans: Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap
Choice of Doctors

Medicare Advantage: Requires you to use doctors in the plan’s network or you have to pay more out-of-pocket.

Medigap: You can use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.

Costs

Medicare Advantage: An average $18.50 a month premium (for 2024) on top of your Medicare Part B premium.

Medigap: The average Medigap cost is $1,860 per year ($155 per month) in 2023.

Coverage

Medicare Advantage: Covers Medicare Parts A and B, but most plans provide extra benefits, including vision, dental, hearing and prescription drugs.

Medigap: You still have Original Medicare Parts A and B, and the choice of eight different Medigap plans each providing different levels of coverage

Out-of-Pocket Limit

Medicare Advantage: Plans must cap annual out-of-pocket costs at $8,850 for in network services and $11,300 for in- and out-of-network services combined.

Medigap: A Medigap policy can ease concerns about Medicare's lack of caps or limits. Each plan has specific benefits with specified out-of-pocket costs. Most plans do not have maximum limits.

Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare Advantage: Plans may include prescription drug coverage.

Medigap: You have to buy separate Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

Referrals

Medicare Advantage: You may be required to get a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist

Medigap: Referrals from your primary care doctor are not required.

Cost and Coverage Differences

Typically, average monthly premiums for Medicare Advantage coverage tend to be lower than the average for someone with Original Medicare, a Medigap plan and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. But premiums are just one part of the cost and coverage equation.

Medicare Advantage plans frequently provide benefits that Medigap doesn’t. These include vision, hearing and dental services. Most plans also include prescription drug coverage.

If you have Original Medicare with a Medigap plan, you will have to buy an additional Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to help with medication costs. You will also have to buy separate dental and vision insurance or pay out-of-pocket for those services.

Medicare Advantage plans may require you to use doctors and hospitals within their networks. With Original Medicare and Medigap, you are covered so long as the doctor accepts Medicare — regardless of where you are or where you travel in the U.S.

Out-of-pocket costs may be a significant difference to compare when choosing between Medicare Advantage or Medigap. Depending on your health care needs, they can be significantly higher with Medicare Advantage than with Medigap.

Why Doesn't Medicare Cover Dental?
Medigap can be a more sustainable choice over time because the more comprehensive plans (such as G) can protect you from high out-of-pocket spending. Medicare allows Medicare Advantage plans to charge enrollees up to $8,000 for annual out-of-pocket spending just for in-network healthcare. This is not affordable when the average Social Security benefit is only $1,660 or so. As people age, high out-of-pocket costs year after year could drain retirement savings, leaving little when one is older and needs healthcare the most.
Mary Johnson Social Security and Medicare Policy Analyst, The Senior Citizens League
Have you selected your 2024 Medicare plan?
Maximize your Medicare savings by connecting with a licensed insurance agent. Annual Enrollment is open until December 7th.

How To Decide Between Medicare Advantage and Medigap

If you are in good health with few medical expenses, Medicare Advantage can be a suitable and money-saving choice. But if you have serious medical conditions with expensive treatment and care costs, Medigap is generally better.

Speaking with a licensed insurance agent about your particular health situation can help you decide which is best for you. Since you are not allowed to have Medicare Advantage and Medigap at the same time, you have to choose carefully to make sure you have suitable coverage for your specific situation.

Weighing what options are most important to you and talking with a licensed insurance agent about your particular wants and needs can help you make an informed choice between Medicare Advantage and Medigap.

Terry Turner, senior financial writer and financial wellness facilitator, talks through the differences between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare with Medigap coverage.

Factors To Consider

Deciding which type or combination of Medicare plans is right for you depends on your health care needs now and in the future. There are several factors you should consider. Talking with one or more Medicare advisors may help you make a more informed decision on the best coverage for you.

Medicare Brokers vs. Agents
Factors To Consider When Comparing Medicare Advantage & Medigap Plans
Monthly premiums
You’ll still have to pay Medicare Part B premiums, but Medicare Advantage plans will typically cost less per month than the Original Medicare, Medigap and Part D plan required to give you similar benefits.
Out-of-pocket costs
You’ll typically have lower out-of-pocket costs with Medigap plans than with Medicare Advantage plans.
Plan availability
Not all plans — either Medicare Advantage or Medigap — are available in all areas. Make sure you are comparing the plans that are available where you live.
Your medical conditions
If you have health conditions that can generate large out-of-pocket costs, Medigap may be a better route. Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNP) may be a better alternative for people who are institutionalized, are dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid or have certain health conditions. Talking with a Medicare advisor can help you understand your options.
Extra benefits
Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits you don’t get with Original Medicare and Medigap. These include built-in Part D prescription drug coverage, vision, hearing and dental care and even fitness club access. These benefits differ between plans so ask about exactly what a plan includes.
Flexibility
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans offer annual open enrollment periods. This lets you change plans once a year. You have only one open enrollment period with Medigap — around the time you enroll in Medicare Part B. After that — in most states — insurers can require health exams, charge you more to enroll or deny you coverage.
Networks
You can also use Original Medicare and Medigap at any health care provider in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans have national networks, but some may rely on regional networks. You can ask about network coverage when shopping for a plan.
Travel
Six of the 10 Medigap plans provide some coverage if you need health care while traveling abroad.

Questions To Help You Decide Between Medicare Advantage and Medigap

There are several questions you can ask yourself to help narrow down whether Medigap or Medicare Advantage might be a better fit for you.

If you’re considering Medicare Advantage, these are some questions you should ask yourself.

Medicare Advantage Questions To Ask Yourself
  1. Am I willing to accept a limited choice of doctors or other health care providers who I can see?
  2. Do I want insurance to cover dental, hearing or vision care, all included in my premiums?
  3. Am I relatively healthy and seldom need a doctor’s visit?
  4. Am I at low risk of developing a chronic or serious medical condition?
  5. Am I unlikely to move to another state?
  6. Do I want prescription drug coverage included in my coverage?
  7. Are low monthly premiums more important than higher coinsurance or copayments when I get health care?

If you answered “Yes” to the majority of these questions, you may want to focus mainly on Medicare Advantage plans.

You may want to ask yourself the following questions if you are considering a Medigap plan.

Medigap Questions To Ask Yourself
  1. Is my choice of doctors or other health care providers important to me?
  2. Am I willing to skip having insurance for hearing, vision and dental care?
  3. Do I go to the doctor frequently or require health care services frequently?
  4. Do I have — or am I at risk of developing — a chronic or serious medical condition?
  5. Am I likely to move to another state?
  6. Am I willing to pay extra for a prescription drug insurance plan?
  7. Am I willing to pay higher monthly premiums to avoid higher copayments or coinsurance when I get health care?

If you answered “Yes” to a majority of these questions, you may want to learn more about Medigap options.

When making a decision, it’s important to consider your financial situation and the quality of your health. Talking with a Medicare advisor can help guide you to a clearer understanding of what type of Medicare coverage is best for you.

Learn whether or not you can switch between Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans from Tom Parkin, a Medicare expert who has more than a decade of experience in the insurance industry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Advantage and Medigap

Can you switch between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Insurance?

It may be possible to switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare with Medigap — but you have to go through multiple steps.

First, you’ll have to drop your Medicare Advantage plan and enroll in Original Medicare. You can do that by contacting your Medicare Advantage plan administrator or calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4273.

Then you’ll have to buy a Medigap plan. That may be difficult or costly if you’ve missed your open enrollment period. Outside that six-month period, you may have to pay more or pass a medical exam. And insurers may be able to deny you coverage.

What is the biggest difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
One of the biggest differences between Medigap and Medicare Advantage is that with Medigap, you can see any doctor or go to any hospital that accepts Medicare. That’s about 93% of the health care providers in the country. With Medicare Advantage you are limited to doctors, hospitals and other health care providers in your plan’s network.
Do Medicare Advantage and Medigap have the same benefits?
Medigap and Medicare Advantage offer different benefits. Medicare Advantage plans often include additional benefits such as vision, dental and hearing coverage that Medigap does not include. Medicare Advantage plans usually include built-in Medicare Part D drug benefits. Medigap, on the other hand, typically offers lower out-of-pocket costs for the things Medicare does cover.

Editor Samantha Connell contributed to this article.

3 Minute Quiz: Can You Retire Comfortably?
Take our free quiz & match with a financial advisor in 3 easy steps.
Tailored to your goals. Near you or online.
Last Modified: October 23, 2023

13 Cited Research Articles

  1. Centers for U.S. Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2023, October 12). 2024 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2024-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles
  2. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2023, September 26). Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Programs to Remain Stable in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/medicare-advantage-and-medicare-prescription-drug-programs-remain-stable-2024?wpisrc=nl_health202
  3. Centers for U.S. Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2023, October 12). 2024 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2024-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles
  4. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2023, September 26). Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Programs to Remain Stable in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/medicare-advantage-and-medicare-prescription-drug-programs-remain-stable-2024?wpisrc=nl_health202
  5. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2023). Costs of Medigap Policies. Retrieved from https://www.medicare.gov/costs-of-medigap-policies
  6. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2020, April 8). Final Contract Year 2021 Part C Benefits Review and Evaluation. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/guidance/sites/default/files/hhs-guidance-documents/final%20cy%202021%20part%20c%20bid%20review%20memorandum_4-8-2020_7.pdf
  7. White, J. (2020, January 24). Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: What's the Difference? Retrieved from https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/insurance/health-insurance/medigap-vs-medicare-advantage
  8. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2019, April 1). Announcement of Calendar Year (CY) 2020 Medicare Advantage Capitation Rates and Medicare Advantage and Part D Payment Policies and Final Call Letter. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Health-Plans/MedicareAdvtgSpecRateStats/Downloads/Announcement2020.pdf
  9. Curto, V. (2017, October). Pricing Regulations in Individual Health Insurance: Evidence from Medigap. Harvard University. Retrieved from https://www.ntanet.org/wp-content/uploads/proceedings/2017/NTA2017-411.pdf
  10. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Costs of Medigap Policies. Retrieved from https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/whats-medicare-supplement-insurance-medigap/medigap-costs/costs-of-medigap-policies
  11. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Medigap & Medicare Advantage Plans. Retrieved from https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/whats-medicare-supplement-insurance-medigap/medigap-medicare-advantage-plans
  12. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). What’s Not Covered by Part A & Part B? Retrieved from https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/whats-not-covered-by-part-a-part-b
  13. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). What’s Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)? Retreived from https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/whats-medicare-supplement-insurance-medigap