Medicare Advantage · Part C
An all-in-one plan
Coverage through a private insurance company that provides your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. Many plans also include Part D prescription coverage and extra benefits.
Two different paths. One goal.
Medicare Advantage vs.
Medicare Supplement
Both options can help complete your Medicare coverage—but they work very differently. See the major differences, then decide what fits your health, doctors, medications, budget, and lifestyle.
VS.
Medicare Supplement · Medigap
Works with Original Medicare
Additional coverage from a private insurer that works alongside Original Medicare Parts A and B to help pay certain out-of-pocket costs.
Side-by-side comparison
Six differences to consider
The details below are a starting point. Plan availability, benefits, and costs vary by location and insurer.
01
Monthly premium
Medicare Advantage
$0–$100+ plan premium
Many areas offer plans with a $0 plan premium. You still pay your Medicare Part B premium.
Medicare Supplement
$100–$300+ monthly premium
You also continue paying your Medicare Part B premium. Pricing varies by plan, age, location, and insurer.
02
Provider choice
Medicare Advantage
Usually uses a network
Plans may use HMO or PPO networks, and referrals may be needed for certain specialists.
Medicare Supplement
Any Medicare-accepting provider
See any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare, without a plan network.
03
Out-of-pocket protection
Medicare Advantage
Annual maximum included
Plans have a yearly maximum for covered Part A and Part B services, though copays and coinsurance apply as you receive care.
Medicare Supplement
Predictable cost sharing
No annual out-of-pocket limit is required, but the plan may cover much of Original Medicare’s cost sharing depending on the letter plan.
04
Prescription coverage
Medicare Advantage
Usually included
Many plans combine medical and Part D drug coverage in one plan with one member card.
Medicare Supplement
Not included
You generally need to choose a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
05
Extra benefits
Medicare Advantage
Often included
Plans may offer dental, vision, hearing, fitness, transportation, or over-the-counter benefits.
Medicare Supplement
Limited or not included
The primary focus is helping with cost gaps in Original Medicare rather than added health extras.
06
Travel considerations
Medicare Advantage
Best within the service area
Non-emergency coverage outside the plan’s network or service area may be limited.
Medicare Supplement
Strong nationwide flexibility
Use any Medicare provider nationwide. Some letter plans may offer limited foreign-travel emergency benefits.
Which is right for you?
It depends on how you use your coverage.
Consider your preferred doctors, regular prescriptions, expected medical care, budget, travel habits, and comfort with provider networks.
Do you want one combined plan?
Is provider flexibility a priority?
How often do you travel?
Do you value extra benefits?
No-cost consultation
Let’s make Medicare feel manageable.
Talk with a local Wisconsin advisor about your questions, your timeline, and the coverage options available to you.
