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Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement: The Basic Difference

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They replace Original Medicare for how you get Part A and Part B coverage, and many include Part D drug coverage. Most use provider networks.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are sold by private companies and work alongside Original Medicare to help pay some out-of-pocket costs. They do not include drug coverage, so people often pair them with a separate Part D plan.

You cannot use a Medigap plan with a Medicare Advantage plan. Which fits you depends on your doctors, prescriptions, budget and where you live. A licensed insurance agent can review plans in your area, and you can compare all plans at Medicare.gov.