Medicare Advantage Basics
Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are offered by private insurance companies as an replacement to Original Medicare. These plans combine Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage and often include extra benefits like prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing. However, each plan has its own network of doctors, rules, costs, and coverage options, which can make choosing the right one complicated.
A knowledgeable Medicare agent can be incredibly helpful in navigating these choices. We can compare plans, explain benefits and restrictions, ensure your doctors and prescriptions are covered, and help you avoid costly mistakes—all at no cost to you. The right agent ensures you pick a plan that fits both your health needs and your budget.
For a concise Medicare 101 review, please download a copy of our brochure Unraveling the Mysteries of Medicare.
Take a look at the brochure then schedule your free appointment to go over this information, answer any questions you have, and help you enroll in the plan or plans best for you. Personalized attention is yours, free, just for connecting with us.
Supplement and Drug Plan vs. Medicare Advantage
Choosing between a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide:
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
- Works with Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
- Covers "gaps" like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles
- Nationwide coverage – see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare
- Predictable costs – higher premiums but fewer surprise bills
- No extra benefits – does not include dental, vision, or drug coverage (Part D must be purchased separately)
Best for: People who want freedom to choose providers by going to any provider in the country who accepts assigned Medicare and prefer stable, predictable healthcare costs.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- All-in-one coverage – combines Parts A & B and usually Part D
- Extra benefits – often includes dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships
- Lower monthly premiums – but with copays and network restrictions
- Network-based – usually HMO or PPO, which may limit your provider choices
- Out-of-pocket limits – offers a cap on yearly spending
Best for: People who want additional benefits and are comfortable using a specific provider network for potentially lower costs
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.
