What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement are two distinct options that provide different types of coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare Advantage, often referred to as Medicare Part C, is a type of private insurance plan that replaces Medicare Parts A and B. It typically offers additional benefits, such as vision, dental, and sometimes even prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans generally have a network of providers and may require patients to pay copayments or coinsurance for services received. On the other hand, Medicare Supplement, also known as Medigap, is designed to fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage. It helps pay for out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance that are not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. Medigap plans are standardized and vary by state, which means that benefits are similar, but prices can differ among insurance companies. In summary, the primary difference lies in the structure and purpose of the plans. Medicare Advantage combines coverage in a single plan with additional benefits, while Medicare Supplement complements Original Medicare by covering additional costs but does not provide standalone benefit coverage. For more detailed information on these options, one might consider exploring the current web page related to Medicare resources or coverage options.