Medicare Advantage or Medigap?
Medicare Advantage or Medigap?
The right plan depends on what you want from your coverage
The right plan for you depends on what you want from your coverage
Personalized Medicare Guidance a free, no-obligation service by GoMedigap
Explore your options with the assistance of a knowledgeable licensed insurance agent
Your Plan Should Work for You
Choosing between a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap insurance plan (also known as a Medicare Supplement insurance plan) is easier when you know what you want out of your coverage. What's most important to you? For example:
- Predictable expenses
- A network that lets you keep your doctor
- Dependable coverage
- A plan that covers the benefits you need
What Should You Know Before Choosing Between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?
The decision you make can impact you down the road in ways you might not expect. Here are two details to keep in mind before you select your plan:
- Medicare Advantage plans have strict enrollment periods. If your doctor leaves the network, you don't have the benefits you want, or you don't like your plan for any other reason, you'll most likely need to wait until the next enrollment period to change your coverage
- You may not be able to switch to a Medigap plan in the future. Outside of when you first begin Medicare, Medigap insurance companies can often accept or reject your application based on your health. If you have pre-existing conditions, you may not be able to purchase a Medigap plan later on down the road.
There's a lot to consider when deciding between Medigap & Medicare Advantage. If you'd like some assistance, we're here to help. Consult with a GoMedigap licensed insurance agent and get the answers you need today!
How Does Medicare Advantage Compare With Medigap?
Medicare Advantage and Medigap both have a variety of plans available on the market. Here's a general overview of how the two stack up against each other.
| Medicare Advantage Medigap | |
|---|---|
| Primary or Secondary Insurance | Acts as primary insurance instead of Original Medicare Original Medicare remains primary |
| Premiums | Premiums are usually lower Premiums are usually higher |
| Claims-Paying Process | Less straightforward, but you can appeal denied claims Automatically paid once approved by Original Medicare |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | May have greater risk of high out-of-pocket costs Typically lower risk of high out-of-pocket costs |
| Benefits | Must offer benefits considered at least equal to what Original Medicare offers Covers benefits offered under Original Medicare |
| Part D Prescription Drug Plan | May include a plan Doesn't include prescription drug coverage; you can choose your own plan |
| Doctor Network | Varies by plan Any provider, nationwide, who accepts Medicare |
| Medicare Advantage | Medigap | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary or Secondary Insurance | Acts as primary insurance instead of Original Medicare | Original Medicare remains primary |
| Premiums | Premiums are usually lower | Premiums are usually higher |
| Claims-Paying Process | Less straightforward, but you can appeal denied claims | Automatically paid once approved by Original Medicare |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | May have greater risk of high out-of-pocket costs | Typically lower risk of high out-of-pocket costs |
| Benefits | Must offer benefits considered at least equal to what Original Medicare offers | Covers benefits offered under Original Medicare |
| Part D Prescription Drug Plan | May include a plan | Doesn't include prescription drug coverage; you can choose your own plan |
| Doctor Network | Varies by plan | Any provider, nationwide, who accepts Medicare |
Wondering Which Plan Is Right for You?
It's typically easier to choose whether Medigap or Medicare Advantage is better for you if you're able to compare specific plans. However, there are some general guidelines that you can use to determine which option may be the right fit for you.
You may prefer a Medicare Advantage if:
- You prefer lower monthly premiums, and don't mind potentially high out-of-pocket costs
- You don't currently have a preferred doctor or hospital network you want to stay in
- You want additional benefits
- You don't mind being hands on with your coverage, as you're more likely to need to obtain prior authorization for covered services
You may prefer a Medigap plan if:
- You don't mind higher premiums if they reduce your risk of having to pay high out-of-pocket costs
- You want consistent coverage nationwide, from providers who accept Medicare
- You prefer to choose your own prescription drug coverage
- You want an easy and hands-off claims-paying process
Why Work with GoMedigap?
Whether you choose a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap insurance plan, GoMedigap licensed insurance agents are experienced in helping people with their coverage.
Experience
We provide you with insightful advice on your options so you can choose the plan that's right for your needs
Guidance
We're here to assist you throughout your transition to Medicare, and answer any questions you may have along the way
Peace-of-Mind
Our dedicated team will continue to check in with you year-after-year to ensure that you're satisfied with your coverage
What Insurance Companies Does GoMedigap Represent?
We work with over 30 top-rated* insurance companies so you can choose the plan that's right for you, with a carrier you can trust. Here are a few of our reputable partners:
*Ratings are based on scores provided by A.M. Best
Medicare Supplement
Company
eHealth's GoMedigap website is a non-government website operated by eHealthInsurance Services, Inc., a licensed health insurance agency that sells Medicare products and does business as eHealth, (or eHealthInsurance Agency in NY and OK) for the solicitation of insurance. Contact may be made by an insurance agent/producer or insurance company. GoMedigap, eHealth, and Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We offer plans from a number of insurance companies.