Coverage structures • 2026 educational resource
Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Insurance—also called Medigap—are not two versions of the same product. Medicare Advantage is another way to receive Medicare-covered services. Medigap supplements Original Medicare. You cannot use them together.
| Question | Medicare Advantage | Original Medicare with Medigap |
|---|---|---|
| How coverage is delivered | Through a Medicare-approved private plan | Original Medicare pays first; Medigap helps with covered cost sharing according to the policy |
| Provider access | Plan networks and service areas may apply | Generally any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare |
| Drug coverage | Included in most plans | Usually requires a separate Part D plan |
| Prior authorization | May be required for certain services | Original Medicare generally does not require prior authorization for most services |
| Yearly medical out-of-pocket limit | Plan-specific limit applies to covered Part A and Part B services | Original Medicare has no annual limit; Medigap coverage depends on the policy |
Questions that can change the comparison
- Do your doctors and hospitals participate?
- How often do you travel or live outside your home area?
- Which prescriptions and pharmacies do you use?
- What are the combined premiums and likely cost sharing?
- Are referrals or prior authorizations important to your care?
- Do you have guaranteed-issue Medigap rights now, and could underwriting apply later?
Important Medigap timing
Federal Medigap open enrollment generally lasts six months beginning the first month you have Part B and are 65 or older. Outside protected periods, availability and underwriting can depend on federal and state rules. Medigap policies sold after 2005 do not include prescription drug coverage. If you want drug coverage, you generally need a separate Part D plan.
Official sources
- Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- How Medigap works
- Compare standardized Medigap benefits
Related resources
Important information
Wise Owl Insurance Group is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Plan availability and details vary by location, eligibility, and plan year. This staging page is educational and must receive final compliance review before production launch.