• Home
  • /
  • Blog
  • /
  • How can I determine if a medicare supplement or an advantage is best for me?
March 12, 2024

When determining whether a Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage plan is best for you, it's important to consider your individual healthcare needs, preferences, and budget. Here are a few factors to consider:

  1. Coverage: Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, are comprehensive plans that typically include coverage for medical services, prescription drugs, and sometimes additional benefits like dental or vision. Medicare supplements, also known as Medigap plans, are designed to fill in the gaps of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
  2. Costs: Compare the costs associated with each option. Medicare Advantage plans often have lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs like copayments and deductibles. Medicare supplements generally have higher monthly premiums but often offer less out-of-pocket costs.
  3. Doctor and Hospital Choice: If you have specific doctors or hospitals you prefer to visit, check if they are included in the network of the Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare supplements allow you to see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.
  4. Prescription Medications: If you take prescription medications, check if the Medicare Advantage plan offers adequate coverage for your specific medications. Medicare Advantage plans typically include prescription drug coverage (Part D), while Medicare supplements do not. If you opt for a Medicare supplement, you may need to purchase a separate Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.
  5. Flexibility: Medicare Advantage plans may have network restrictions and require referrals to see specialists, while Medicare supplements generally offer more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers without referrals.

To help you determine which option, Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement, is better for your own situation, consider the following questions:

  1. What specific healthcare needs do you have?
  2. Do you prefer to have a wide network of doctors and hospitals available to you?
  3. Are you willing to pay monthly premiums for additional coverage?
  4. Do you take prescription medications regularly?
  5. Are you comfortable with copayments and deductibles?
  6. Do you travel frequently and need coverage outside your local area?
  7. Are you interested in additional benefits like dental, vision, or hearing coverage?
  8. Do you want the freedom to see any specialist without a referral?

Considering these questions can help guide you towards determining which option, Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement, aligns better with your individual needs and preferences.

It's recommended to carefully review the plan details, compare the costs and coverage, and consult with a licensed Medicare specialist who can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and circumstances.

Get Help

Compare Medicare coverage options with the help of one of our agents:

Talk to us: (833) 265-9655 

Top Mistakes People Make When Turning 65 (According to Reddit Users)

TL;DR – Top Medicare Mistakes to Avoid When Turning 65 Choosing a plan based only on the premium: $0 Medicare Advantage plans often come with hidden costs. Missing the Medigap open enrollment window: After 6 months, you could be denied or charged more. Thinking COBRA protects you: It doesn’t delay your need to enroll in

Read More

Plan G Is Not Cheap… But Here’s Why It Might Be the Best Deal in Healthcare

✅ TL;DR: Medigap Plan G offers the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement coverage available in 2025. It’s not the cheapest, but it helps you avoid surprise bills, see any doctor who accepts Medicare, and enjoy predictable healthcare costs. For many turning 65, it’s the safest long-term choice. Plan G costs how much?! Medicare decisions can feel

Read More

Medicare Mayhem: An Honest Look at Turning 65

It Starts the Way It Always Does…You’re turning 65. The mailbox is overflowing. Your phone won’t stop ringing. You can’t even watch Judge Judy without hearing about free flex cards and $0 premiums. Suddenly, you’re the most popular person in the Medicare universe.It’s not just confusing — it’s exhausting. Every flyer screams urgency. Every call promises savings.

Read More

Turning 65 Medicare: Avoid Costly Mistakes Now

Turning 65 Medicare: Choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medigap Plan G is a pivotal decision for individuals approaching 65. This guide aims to clarify both options, helping you make an informed choice tailored to your healthcare needs and financial situation.Medicare Plan Comparison Example: Meet Jane, Age 65If you’re turning 65 and trying to make sense

Read More

Medicare Minute: Plan G vs. Plan N – Which One Is Right for You?

✅ TL;DR: Plan G offers more comprehensive coverage with higher premiums, covering Part B excess charges and eliminating most copays. Plan N has lower premiums but includes copays for doctor and ER visits and doesn’t cover Part B excess charges. Choose based on your healthcare usage and budget preferences. Plan G vs Plan N is

Read More

Medicare brokers such as Lehigh Partners get paid by the insurance companies they represent. And you pay exactly the same rate for your insurance if you use a Medicare consultant (broker). There is no extra fee or cost for enrolling through a broker. You will never pay a fee for our help.


Find a Plan

Shop for coverage online. Safe, Secure, & Confidential

Call us

Call Lehigh Partners at 1-833-265-9655

Licensed insurance agents are available to help you through enrollment and beyond.

Need Help?

Get in touch with a licensed sales agent now by filling out the form - no obligations!

Get Our FREE Medicare Checklist.

Download our complimentary Medicare checklist and conveniently access all the necessary information in one place, ensuring you never miss a crucial number, deadline, or date again.

Tags


Plan G Is Not Cheap… But Here’s Why It Might Be the Best Deal in Healthcare

✅ TL;DR: Medigap Plan G offers the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement coverage available in 2025. It’s not the cheapest, but it helps you avoid surprise bills, see any doctor who accepts Medicare, and enjoy predictable healthcare costs. For many turning 65, it’s the safest long-term choice. Plan G costs how much?! Medicare decisions can feel

Read More

Turning 65 Medicare: Avoid Costly Mistakes Now

Turning 65 Medicare: Choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medigap Plan G is a pivotal decision for individuals approaching 65. This guide aims to clarify both options, helping you make an informed choice tailored to your healthcare needs and financial situation.Medicare Plan Comparison Example: Meet Jane, Age 65If you’re turning 65 and trying to make sense

Read More

Medicare Minute: Plan G vs. Plan N – Which One Is Right for You?

✅ TL;DR: Plan G offers more comprehensive coverage with higher premiums, covering Part B excess charges and eliminating most copays. Plan N has lower premiums but includes copays for doctor and ER visits and doesn’t cover Part B excess charges. Choose based on your healthcare usage and budget preferences. Plan G vs Plan N is

Read More

Medicare Part A: 9 Things It Covers, 9 Things It Doesn’t

Secure My Medicare Coverage: Book My Appointment Today!Let our experts find your ideal Medicare plan for reliable coverage schedule My Appointment Planning for Your Health Care in RetirementWhat Medicare Part A covers and what it doesn’t: Thinking about health care is very important when planning for retirement. Three months before you turn 65, you can

Read More

Medicare Supplement for Retirees Turning 65: Compare & Save

Secure My Medicare Supplement Coverage: Book My Appointment Today!Let our experts find your ideal Medicare supplement plan for reliable coverage schedule My Appointment Choosing the Right Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan for PurchaseBuy Medicare supplement insurance: When you’re about to turn 65, it’s important to pick the right Medicare supplement insurance plan for buying. Before making

Read More

Decoding the 4 Parts of Medicare

Compare Medicare Advantage plans. See plans in my area Navigating healthcare can be complicated, but knowing about Medicare can help you make informed decisions. Medicare is a federal health insurance program with four parts: Part A, Part B, Part D, and Part C. Understanding these parts can help you plan for healthcare, choose the right

Read More

Who has the Cheapest Medicare Supplement Insurance in 2025?

Discover peace of mind without breaking the bank – explore the most affordable Medicare supplement plan options todayCheapest Medicare Supplement Insurance in 2025In 2025, as healthcare costs continue to rise, finding the cheapest Medicare Supplement insurance has become a priority for many seniors seeking to cover the gaps in their Medicare coverage. With the increasing

Read More

Everything You Need to Know About Medicare Supplement Plan G

Medicare Supplement Plan G Insurance CoverageMedicare Supplement Plan G is one of the most sought-after Medicare supplement plans available. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into what Medicare supplements are, why Plan G is considered the top choice, the pros and cons, additional considerations, standardization, coverage details for each Medicare benefit, eligibility criteria for

Read More

Ready to talk to an agent about your Medicare coverage?