Comparing Medicare Advantage plans vs. Medicare Supplement insurance plans
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans both offer coverage for out-of-pocket medical expenses
You cannot have both a Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plan. Understanding your health and how you’ll use your plan will help you determine which one may best fit your needs. Keep reading for breakdowns on each type of plan and how each works at a basic level.
Medicare Advantage plans
Medicare Advantage plans offer additional features and benefits beyond Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare). Most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans include*:
- $0 copays on most common prescriptions**
- $0 copays for primary care visits
- Vision and dental coverage
- Fitness programs
Medicare Supplement insurance plans
Since Medicare doesn’t pay for everything, Medicare Supplement plans are designed to help cover out-of-pocket expenses. Also known as “Medigap,” these plans complement your existing Original Medicare coverage.
Depending on the plan you choose, you may receive coverage for many out-of-pocket expenses that Part A (hospital) and Part B (doctor) don’t cover, such as:
- Deductibles
- Coinsurance
- Copayments (copays)
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See the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans available where you live.
Comparing Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans
Here are some of the key items people like to compare when deciding between a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap plan.
| Medicare Advantage plans | Medigap plans | |
|---|---|---|
| Doctors and hospitals | You may be required to use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. |
You can select your own doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare patients. |
| Referrals | You may need referrals and may be required to use network specialists, depending on the plan. |
You can see specialists without referrals. |
| Coverage when you travel | Non-emergency care might depend on your plan’s service area. Emergency care is generally covered for travel within the United States and sometimes abroad. |
Coverage goes with you when you travel across the United States and, depending on the plan, may cover emergency care when traveling abroad. |
| Enrollment | Generally, there are specific periods during the year when you can enroll in or switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan. And you generally can’t be denied coverage or charged more based on your health status. |
You can apply to buy a plan any time after you turn 65. However, if you apply during your Open Enrollment Period, you are guaranteed coverage at the best available rate for you, regardless of your health status.† |
| Costs | Generally, you pay a low or $0 monthly plan premium (in addition to your Part B premium). When you use services, you pay copays, coinsurance, and deductibles up to a set out-of-pocket limit. |
For Medicare-approved doctor and hospital services, you’ll pay a monthly plan premium in addition to your Part B premium. When you use services, you’ll pay low copays and coinsurance, depending on the plan selected. |
| Prescription drug coverage | Prescription drug coverage is included with most plans. |
Prescription drug coverage is not included. Consider buying a standalone Part D plan for more complete coverage. |
*Benefits and features vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply.
** These benefits are not available with all plans and may vary by plan. The “most common prescriptions” refers to Tier 1 and 2 drugs filled through a preferred mail order pharmacy.
† In New York, Open Enrollment and Guaranteed Issue is ongoing and Medicare Supplement plans are guaranteed available.
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plan information and tools
UnitedHealthcare provides information and tools to make it easier to find the plan you need, and learn as much as possible before you choose.
Medicare Advantage plans
Find out more about the benefits of Medicare Advantage plans from UnitedHealthcare.
Medicare Supplement plans
Find out more about the benefits of Medicare Supplement plans from UnitedHealthcare.
View plans and pricing
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View Important Disclosures Below
AARP endorses the AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans. Insurers of the Plans pay royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. AARP does not employ or endorse agents, brokers or producers.
You must be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement plan. If you are not a member, you can join AARP for just $16.00 a year.
Insured Insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, 185 Asylum Street, Hartford, CT 06103 (available in all states/territories except ND, NY) or UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of America, 1600 McConnor Parkway, Floor 2, Schaumburg, IL 60173 (available in AR, AZ, IL, IN, KS, MS, NC, ND, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX) or UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York, 2950 Expressway Drive South, Suite 240, Islandia, NY 11749 (for NY residents). Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its products. Policy Form No. GRP 79171 GPS-1 (G-36000-4).
In some states, plans may be available to persons under age 65 who are eligible for Medicare by reason of disability or End-Stage Renal Disease.
Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.
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THESE PLANS HAVE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS. FOR COSTS AND COMPLETE DETAILS (INCLUDING OUTLINES OF COVERAGE), CALL A LICENSED INSURANCE AGENT/PRODUCER AT THE TOLL-FREE NUMBER SHOWN/1-844-775-1729.
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