Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement insurance policies provide different types of Medicare coverage. What are the similarities and differences, and which is better for you?
What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Advantage combines Medicare Part A and B for comprehensive coverage, all in one plan. It often includes Part D Prescription Drug coverage, too. These are also called Part C plans.
Medicare Supplement, also called Medigap, insurance policies help pay the out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare (Part A and B). It is not part of the government’s Medicare program, but provides coverage in addition to it.
Here are the main differences between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage:
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Plan Features
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Medicare Advantage (Part C)
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Medicare Supplement
|
|---|---|---|
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Medicare Part A Hospital Coverage
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Yes
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No, but provides out-of-pocket expense coverage in addition to it1.
|
|
Medicare Part B Medical Coverage
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Yes
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No, but provides out-of-pocket expense coverage in addition to it1.
|
|
Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage
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Usually included
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No, but you can buy separate coverage.
|
|
Out-of-pocket expenses covered (deductibles, copays, coinsurance)
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No
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Yes—how much coverage you have depends on the policy you choose.
|
|
Other coverage included (vision, dental, hearing)
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Yes—most plans include additional coverage.
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No, but you can buy separate coverage.
|
|
Provider network
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Yes—your costs are lower when you visit in-network doctors and hospitals. (Some plans may allow you to see doctors and hospitals outside the network, for a higher cost).
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No—you can choose any doctor or hospital you’d like that accepts Medicare.
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|
Free programs and services
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Often includes no additional cost programs and services not covered by Original Medicare.
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Often includes no additional cost programs and services.2
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Offered through
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Private insurers like Cigna Healthcare®
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Private insurers like Cigna Healthcare3
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Works with
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Part D Prescription Drug coverage, if not included
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Original Medicare and Part D Prescription Drug coverage
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Explore Cigna Healthcare Medicare Supplement Insurance or learn more about Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans.
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Cigna Healthcare has Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.
Is it better to have Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement (Medigap)?
Whether you choose to apply for a Medicare Advantage plan vs. a Medicare Supplement insurance plan depends on your needs. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding whether Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement is better for you:
- Do you prefer to have all your coverage rolled into one plan? If so, a Medicare Advantage Plan may be the way to go. Many include Part D drug coverage, as well as vision, dental, and hearing, depending on the plan.
- Do you want financial protection from unexpected out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance? If yes, Medicare Supplement plans work with Original Medicare and can help cover some of the remaining out-of-pocket expenses that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
- Do you need a plan that provides coverage for disabilities or long term care facilities? If so, Medicare Advantage offers Special Needs Plans that provide this type of coverage.
- Do you want the freedom to see any doctors you choose? If so, Medicare Supplement plans have no required network and you can see any doctor that accepts Medicare, even if you’re away from home or traveling. Some Medicare Advantage plans may also allow you to see doctors and hospitals that are not in the plan’s network, giving you additional freedom to choose your doctors.
Learn more about Choosing a Medicare Plan
Can you have a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement plan?
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement are different types of Medicare coverage. You cannot have both at the same time. Medicare Advantage bundles Part A and B often with Part D and other types of coverage. Medicare Supplement is additional coverage you can buy if you have Original Medicare Part A and B.
Learn more about Medicare Supplement
Can you change from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Medicare Supplement plan?
During the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, you are free to reconsider your Medicare coverage. If you decide you want to try a Medicare Supplement plan vs. Medicare Advantage plan, you can make that change during this period.4
Considering Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement? One is not better than the other. They provide different types of coverage. Finding the right fit for you depends on what kind of Medicare coverage you’re seeking, as well as your health care needs. Review all details of plans when shopping and be open to considering alternatives when your needs change.
Explore articles related to your Medicare journey
What is Medicare?
Understand what Medicare is, how it works and what you need to know to find the plan that's right for you.
Types of Medicare Plans
Explore the many different Medicare plan options so you can be ready to enroll in the plan that's right for you.
Choosing a Medicare Plan
No matter your needs or budget, Cigna Healthcare offers a wide range of plan options to choose from.
View Medicare Supplement state disclosures, exclusions, and limitations
¹Original Medicare (Part A and B) coverage is required in order to purchase a Medicare Supplement plan.
²These programs are NOT insurance and do not provide reimbursement for financial losses. Some restrictions may apply. Programs and services may be added or discontinued at any time. Customers are required to pay the entire discounted charge for any discounted products or services available through these programs. The Healthy Rewards program is provided by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company. Programs are provided through third party vendors who are solely responsible for their products and services. Program availability may vary by location, and are not available where prohibited by law.
³Insured by American Retirement Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Cigna Insurance Company, Cigna National Health Insurance Company or Loyal American Life Insurance Company. In Kansas, insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Cigna National Health Insurance Company, and Loyal American Life Insurance Company. American Retirement Life Insurance Company is not available to residents of Kansas and Kentucky. In Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, and Utah, insured by Cigna National Health Insurance Company domiciled in Ohio. In Pennsylvania, insured by Cigna Insurance Company. In Idaho and New Mexico, insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company.
4Medicare Supplement plans may be subject to medical underwriting, and coverage may be denied.
View Kansas disclosures, exclusions, and limitations
Notice for persons eligible for Medicare because of disability:
In the following states, all Medicare Supplement plans are available to persons eligible for Medicare because of disability: California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
Tennessee Medicare Supplement Policy Forms
Plan A: CHLIC-MS-AA-A-TN; Plan F: CHLIC-MS-AA-F-TN; Plan High Deductible F (HDF): CHLIC-MS-AA-HDF-TN; Plan G: CHLIC-MS-AA-G-TN; and Plan N: CHLIC-MS-AA-N-TN
