Advantage vs. Medigap Guide
Use one guided comparison to evaluate access, cost, prescriptions, travel, and flexibility.
Two different systems
A Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan (MA-PD) delivers A/B benefits through a private Medicare plan and includes drug coverage when offered. Medigap instead supplements Original Medicare and generally requires a separate Part D choice for prescriptions. You cannot use Medigap to pay Advantage cost sharing.
Official source: Medicare: Original versus Advantage ↗ · Medicare: How Medigap works ↗
Provider access
Compare actual doctors and hospitals in a specific MA-PD network, including the out-of-network rules of HMO or PPO plans. With Original Medicare, verify that the provider accepts Medicare and, if comparing Medigap, whether it accepts assignment.
Official source: Medicare: Provider network fact sheet ↗ · Medicare: How Medigap works ↗
Cost and enrollment rights
Price the annual premium, medical maximum where applicable, drug deductible and formulary costs. Medicare Advantage has an annual medical out-of-pocket limit varying by plan; Original Medicare has no such A/B limit without other protection. A federal Medigap purchase right is not guaranteed anew every fall.
Official source: Medicare: Original versus Advantage ↗ · Medicare: Buying Medigap ↗
Drug and travel checks
Enter your own medicines and pharmacies in Medicare Plan Compare. For extended travel compare service-area rules, domestic provider access and foreign emergencies; a Medigap foreign-emergency benefit is limited by letter and policy.
Official source: Medicare: Compare plans ↗ · Medicare: Travel outside the U.S. ↗ · Medicare: Medigap plan benefits ↗