Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

At a glance

	Medigap + Part D	Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Works with	Original Medicare (Parts A & B)	Replaces Original Medicare
Doctor choice	Any doctor accepting Medicare, nationwide	Plan's network (HMO/PPO)
Drug coverage	Separate Part D plan required	Usually included
Monthly premiums	Part B + Medigap + Part D	Part B + MA plan (often $0)
Out-of-pocket costs	Very low after Medigap pays	Copays/coinsurance per service
Extra benefits	Typically none	Often dental, vision, hearing, fitness
Travel coverage	Some plans cover foreign travel	Limited outside service area
Referrals needed	No	Often yes (HMO plans)

When Medigap + Part D may be better

• You want maximum doctor choice — see any provider who accepts Medicare, in any state
• You value predictable costs — Medigap covers most or all of your cost-sharing
• You travel frequently or split time between states
• You have complex health needs and want to see specialists without referrals
• You're willing to pay higher monthly premiums for lower out-of-pocket costs when you use services

When Medicare Advantage may be better

• You want lower monthly premiums (many MA plans are $0 beyond Part B)
• You value extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs
• You're comfortable using a network of doctors and hospitals
• You want drug coverage bundled with your medical coverage
• You prefer a single plan managing all your coverage

How Part D fits with each option

With Medigap: You need a separate standalone Part D prescription drug plan for your medications. This gives you more flexibility to choose the Part D plan that best covers your specific drugs.

With Medicare Advantage: Most MA plans include Part D drug coverage built in. Your drug benefits are managed by the same plan as your medical benefits.

More on Part D vs. MA drug coverage →