Medigap works along side your original Medicare helping to pay Medicare covered expenses that are not paid for by Medicare due to deductibles and coinsurance. You will pay a premium for a Medigap plan but your out of pocket exposure in the event of a large claim will be less than with a Medicare Advantage plan
Medicare Advantage takes the place of Medicare. While you are still in the Medicare system and protections, responsibility for benefits and claim management are provided by the insurance company, not Medicare. You cannot have both a Medigap and a Medicare Advantage Plan since Medicare Advantage has different deductibles and copay's than Medicare. Premiums are much less than Medigap plans but you will have more out of pocket exposure in most cases.
Agent Owner, Gilmore Insurance Services, Marysville, Washington State
What is Medigap vs Medicare Advantage? Well in simplest terms, Medigap plans allow you to fire your doctor and go where you want within your area and Medicare Advantage plans require you to stay with one primary doctor for the year. If you get upset or want to make your own choices a Medigap plan might be a better selection for you. Medigap plans usually fill in what part A and B don't cover. Usually you need to purchase part D along with if you want RX coverage. A Medicare Advantage plan works in a similar way, even offering more benefits in many cases, but does require you to work through the plan's system.
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Medicare Advantage takes the place of Medicare. While you are still in the Medicare system and protections, responsibility for benefits and claim management are provided by the insurance company, not Medicare. You cannot have both a Medigap and a Medicare Advantage Plan since Medicare Advantage has different deductibles and copay's than Medicare. Premiums are much less than Medigap plans but you will have more out of pocket exposure in most cases.