What's the best way to compare my current Medicare supplement plan to a Medicare advantage plan?

Question

Adam Simon · Accepted Answer

The best way to compare is to find an independent broker that you trust and whom others trust. Being fully independent allows us to show you most (or all) of the plans in your area and also to compare your current plan to a Medicare Advantage plan. They are very different plans with unique nuances and having a broker that doesn’t cost you anything is a smart way to shop!

Answered by Adam Simon on May 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in MI, AZ, CA & 7 other states

Answered by Adam Simon Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Graves · Answer

Great question! Comparing your current Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to a Medicare Advantage plan involves looking closely at coverage, costs, and how each fits your needs. Here’s the best way to do it:

1. List Your Priorities
Do you want freedom to see any doctor or prefer a network?

How important are extra benefits like dental, vision, or gym memberships?

What’s your tolerance for out-of-pocket costs vs. monthly premiums?

2. Compare Costs Side by Side
Monthly premiums: Medigap premiums plus Part B and Part D vs. Medicare Advantage premiums (often $0) plus copays/coinsurance

Out-of-pocket limits: Medicare Advantage plans have annual maximums; Medigap covers almost all after deductibles but has higher premiums

Drug coverage: Medigap doesn’t include prescription drugs—you’ll need a separate Part D plan, whereas many Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage

3. Check Provider Networks
Medigap + Original Medicare lets you see any provider accepting Medicare

Medicare Advantage plans usually have networks—check if your doctors and hospitals are in-network

4. Review Your Health and Medication Needs
Look at your medical history and prescriptions to see which plan covers your treatments and drugs best

Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool or consult an agent to compare plan details based on your ZIP code and medications

5. Consider Convenience and Extras
Medicare Advantage plans often include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs

Medigap plans focus on covering gaps but don’t include extras

6. Use Expert Help
Talk to a licensed Medicare agent who can run personalized comparisons based on your current plan, health needs, and budget

Would you like me to help you start a detailed comparison or connect you with a Medicare expert to walk through your options?

Medicare4USA.com    214-989-7900https://medicareagentshub.com/#

Christy Jones · Answer

Sit down with an independent Broker who is well versed in both Medicare Supplements as well as Medicare Advantage plans. Their service doesn’t cost you anything and can be very helpful when making those decisions.

Answered by Christy Jones on May 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in ID, AL, AR & 20 other states

Answered by Christy Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

Kathryn Zekas · Answer

Honestly, Medicare supplements are such good plans, but if you are wanting to compare, I would get with a LOCAL Medicare broker who knows the plans in the area. Medicare Advantage plans work very differently and you'll want to understand HOW they work and which ones will allow you to stay with your current doctors (unless you are open to changing).

Answered by Kathryn Zekas on May 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Kathryn Zekas Medicare Insurance Agent

Melissa Barton · Answer

I always tell my clients to count up the cost. Write down all the out-of-pocket cost to have a Medicare Supplement plan and what your cost will be if you sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan. If you would like to discuss and compare plans, you may give Melissa Barton a call at 473-242-8437.

Answered by Melissa Barton on March 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in NC, IL, IN & 7 other states

Answered by Melissa Barton Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Garner · Answer

You would need to focus on cost, coverage, and choice of providers.
     * Monthly premiums
          - Most Medicare Advantage plans have little to no premiums, while Medicare Supplement plans have a monthly premium
     * Out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, coinsurance, copayments
          - Medicare Advantage plans usually have a max out-of-pocket limit, coinsurance, and copayment amounts, while a few also have medical and/or prescription deductibles.
          - Medicare Supplement Plan F does not have any out-of-pocket costs, Plan G has the Part B deductible, and other plans may have the deductible as well as copayments/coinsurance amounts.
     * Benefits included
          - Medicare Advantage plans typically include prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, hearing, and some other benefits.
          - Medicare Supplement plans do not offer any additional benefits.
     * Assess provider networks
          - Medicare Advantage plans have 3 different networks
               * HMO - doctors must be in the plan's network
               * PPO - there is a network of doctors, but you can also see doctors outside the network at a higher cost.
               * PFFS - you can see any provider who agrees to the plan's terms and conditions.
          - Medicare Supplements do not operate on a network. If your provider accepts Medicare assignment, they must accept your Medicare Supplement.

Joseph Peck · Answer

I put the numbers side by side to see what is covered and how, to make sure you are on the correct plan for you.

Chad Watkins · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/whats-the-best-way-to-compare-my-current-medicare-supplement-plan-to-a-medicare-advantage-plan#chad-watkins

Walt Smith · Answer

A Medicare supplement in a Medicare advantage plan or two entirely different plans. The best way to compare them is a sit down with a professional, who has experience in both and have explained the difference. First tribute the Medicare supplement, then review all the provisions of a Medicare Advantage plan. And also consider your most likely medical needs based on past years then you make a decision.

Answered by Walt Smith on May 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in NJ, PA & VA

Answered by Walt Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Brenda Trejos · Answer

I would suggest you meet with an experienced Medicare Agent/Broker to discuss the pros & cons of each Plan as well as go through the nuances that a change would cause. There are options to try out a Advantage Plan for the 1st time called a "trial right." This would allow you to experience having an Advantage Plan for up to 12 months and if you do not like it you can return to your original Supplement Plan. Again, talk to an experienced Agent/Broker that can guide you and talk through the details.

Answered by Brenda Trejos on May 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, AR, AZ & 28 other states

Answered by Brenda Trejos Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

To effectively compare a Medicare supplement plan (Medigap) with a Medicare Advantage plan, focus on understanding your individual needs and comparing key aspects like coverage, cost, and network restrictions. Use resources like Medicare.gov and consult with a qualified insurance agent or advisor for personalized guidance.  Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Understand Your Needs:
Coverage: Consider your typical healthcare needs (prescription drugs, specialist visits, etc.) and how each plan addresses them. 
Cost: Evaluate premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance for both plan types. 
Provider Network: If you have specific doctors or hospitals you prefer, verify their participation in the Medicare Advantage network. 
2. Compare Coverage and Benefits:
Medicare Advantage:
Generally offers a broader range of benefits, including prescription drug coverage, dental, and vision, but may have network restrictions. 
Medigap: Typically has fewer added benefits but allows you to see any doctor who accepts Medicare. 
3. Assess Cost:
Medicare Advantage: Often has lower premiums but may have higher out-of-pocket costs due to copays and coinsurance.
Medigap:  May have higher premiums, but you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare and have less out-of-pocket expenses. 
4. Consider Network Restrictions:  Medicare Advantage: May have network restrictions, meaning you can only see doctors and hospitals within the plan's network for non-emergency care.  Medigap: Allows you to see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare nationwide. 
5. Use Comparison Tools:  Medicare.gov: Utilize the Medicare Plan Finder tool to compare plans available in your area.  Third-Party Websites: Consider using websites like eHealth or NerdWallet to compare plans. 
6. Consult with Professionals:  Insurance Agents: Seek guidance from licensed insurance agents who specialize in Medicare plans.  State Health Insurance Assistance Programs:  Contact your local SHIP for free, non-biased advice.

Steve Brauer · Answer

Its actually pretty easy.....lean on the expertise of your INDEPENDENT Medicare Adviser, they can break it down pretty easy and show you the differences. Here is a good rule of thumb using generalities: a Medicare Advantage Plan covers EVERYTHING that a Supplement covers (by law) and also includes a lot of extra benefits like dental, vision, etc... The Medicare Supplement and Drug plan associated with it, costs money each month...depending on your age and where you live. The Medicare Advantage Plans usually have no monthly premium and "bundles" the Part D Prescription Drug plan within the medical coverage. Advantage Plans are more of a "pay as you go" model, since all of the services have a copay, where the Medicare Supplement or MediGap plans are a pre-pay model....costing money each month whether you use Medicare services or not and there are little to no fees when you obtain services.

Answered by Steve Brauer on May 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Henry · Answer

Make sure your Dr and hospital is on the advantage plan. Also how are your meds covered. Most advantage plans have prescriptions covverrd

Sam Silva · Answer

is to evaluate them side by side across the areas that matter most to your health and financial situation.
Medicare Supplement, Works with Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
Medicare Advantage. Replaces Original Medicare.

Jaye Maxx Alexander II · Answer

You must compare the plans side by side for various reasons. The best way to do this is very easy: You must make sure that your PCP and the hospitals and urgent care centers in your community will accept the MAPD or MA plan. MAPD plans have a lower upfront cost,but they can be more expensive long-term based on life. You must also choose a MAPD plan that will allow you to meet and fit into your lifestyle.

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II on May 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AK, AL & 47 other states

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II Medicare Insurance Agent

Glenn Alterman · Answer

Need to know your specific needs as this comparison is apples and oranges.   Also there are many types of supplements as well

Mel Stevens · Answer

The best way to compare your Medicare Supplement plan with a Medicare Advantage plan is to physically sit down face to face to discuss and compare options and benefits because there is a lot to discuss regarding the topic. Many people like the Medicare Supplement plans because it's an open network meaning virtually every provider across state lines accept a Medicare supplement as long as they accept Medicare as payment. Medicare supplement is a very good option for snowbirds that have a second home where they live half of the year. Medicare Advantage plans are network and generally county based and in general your network resides in the state of your primary residence. That being said, if you are visiting Aunt Mary and Uncle Bob and have an emergency out of network, you will still have effective coverage. Some networks are larger than other based on the plan and provider. Medicare Advantage plans are either (HMO) Health Maintenance Organization or (PPO) Preferred Provider Network. Some Medicare Advantage providers have a passport program that would allow in network coverage if you were to travel outside your state for a prolonged period of time. The Medicare would just need to be notified ahead of time. Open Network plans with Medicare Supplement plans are nice but insureds will pay a premium for the flexibility. In addition, in general Medicare Supplements cover medical care but no extras. Prescription drug plans, dental, vision, hearing and other benefits aren't available with a Supplement plan. Medicare Advantage plans may not have as much flexibility; however most plans are at a zero monthly premium and in general they also have additional benefits such as Dental, Vision, Hearing, OTC card and other various benefits attached.

Answered by Mel Stevens on April 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Mel Stevens Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Remin · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/whats-the-best-way-to-compare-my-current-medicare-supplement-plan-to-a-medicare-advantage-plan#robert-remin

Glenn Soucek · Answer

My current Medicare plan has a very small deductible for Part B, which covers doctors' visits. This plan does not have any co-payments, and I can choose any doctor who accepts Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans, on the other hand, may have deductibles, co-payments, and higher out-of-pocket maximums for the year. With these plans, you can only choose and see doctors within the Medicare Advantage network. If you select a doctor who is outside this network, you will be responsible for the payments.

Jamie Herrick · Answer

Reaching out to an agent to discuss the differences and what is the best option for you:) Feel free to call me!

Louanne Allison · Answer

I will develop a side-by-side comparison for each prospect to help them with the decision. I will need zip code, lists of medications and doctors, and other specifics that may be important like include a dental quote or how much the Over-the-counter benefit is.

Answered by Louanne Allison on April 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in MI, FL, IL & OH, TN, TX & UT

Answered by Louanne Allison Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Vitale · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans often have lower monthly premiums than Medigap plans, but this may be offset by higher out-of-pocket costs like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medicare Advantage plans typically include prescription drug coverage, while Medigap plans do not. If you take prescription drugs, factor in the cost of a separate Part D plan if you choose Medigap.

Answered by Robert Vitale on May 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & OH

Answered by Robert Vitale Medicare Insurance Agent

What's the best way to compare my current Medicare supplement plan to a Medicare advantage plan?

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