Can I have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage?

No, you cannot have both. You must choose one or the other. Medigap plans only work with Original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare entirely.

Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?

No, Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs. If you have Original Medicare and a Medigap plan, you would typically need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan for your prescription drug coverage.

What about doctor networks with these plans?

Medigap plans generally allow you to see any doctor or hospital that accepts Original Medicare, with no network restrictions. Medicare Advantage plans, however, often use provider networks, meaning you may need to see doctors within their specific plan network to get the best coverage.

When can I switch between Medigap and Medicare Advantage?

You can typically switch plans during specific enrollment periods each year. The most common is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 to December 7. There are also Special Enrollment Periods for certain life events, like moving.

Which plan is generally cheaper?

Medicare Advantage plans often have lower or even $0 monthly premiums, but you pay more through copays and coinsurance when you use services. Medigap plans have higher monthly premiums but generally cover most of your out-of-pocket costs, leading to fewer surprises when you receive care.

Are all Medigap plans the same?

Yes, Medigap plans are standardized by letter (e.g., Plan G, Plan N). This means a Plan G from one insurance company offers the exact same core benefits as a Plan G from another company. However, the monthly premiums for the same plan letter can vary between different insurance companies.

Medicare Choices Simplified

Should I choose Medigap or Medicare Advantage?

Medigap plans work *with* Original Medicare to help pay for out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays. Medicare Advantage plans *replace* Original Medicare and offer all its benefits, often with extras like dental or vision, but usually have network restrictions.

By the ExplainMyBill.ai Editorial Team · Reviewed by our billing research team

Published June 5, 2026 · Updated June 5, 2026

Understanding Original Medicare First

Before we dive into Medigap and Medicare Advantage, let's quickly review Original Medicare. This is the government health insurance program for people aged 65 or older, and some younger people with disabilities.

Original Medicare has two main parts:

**Part A (Hospital Insurance):** This helps cover inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

**Part B (Medical Insurance):** This helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

It's important to know that Original Medicare does not cover everything. It has deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance that you are responsible for paying. This is where Medigap or Medicare Advantage plans come in.

What is Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance)?

Medigap is extra insurance you can buy from a private company. Its main job is to help pay some of the healthcare costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover. These are often called the 'gaps' in your coverage.

If you have Original Medicare and a Medigap policy, Original Medicare pays its share first. Then, your Medigap policy pays its share. This can include things like your Part A deductible, Part B coinsurance, or copayments.

Medigap plans are standardized. This means Plan G from one company offers the exact same benefits as Plan G from another company. Only the price can be different. You can see any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Original Medicare, and your Medigap plan will help cover the costs. Medigap plans do not offer extra benefits like dental or vision care.

What is Medicare Advantage (Part C)?

Medicare Advantage plans are different. These are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. When you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, it *replaces* your Original Medicare.

These plans must cover all the benefits that Original Medicare Part A and Part B cover. Most Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage (Part D). Many plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover. These can include dental, vision, hearing, and even gym memberships.

Medicare Advantage plans often work like an HMO or PPO plan you might have had through an employer. This means you usually need to use doctors, hospitals, and other providers who are in the plan's network. You may need a referral to see a specialist. Your out-of-pocket costs, like copayments, can vary depending on the services you use.

Key Differences: Why Your Choice Matters

The choice between Medigap and Medicare Advantage is a big one. It affects your costs, your doctor choices, and what benefits you receive.

**How they work:** Medigap *adds to* Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage *replaces* Original Medicare.

**Doctor choice:** With Medigap, you can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Original Medicare. With Medicare Advantage, you often need to stay within a specific network of providers.

**Extra benefits:** Medigap does not offer extra benefits. Medicare Advantage plans often include vision, dental, hearing, and prescription drug coverage.

**Costs:** Medigap plans have a monthly premium in addition to your Part B premium. They then cover most of your out-of-pocket costs when you use services. Medicare Advantage plans often have low or even $0 monthly premiums (beyond your Part B premium). However, you will usually pay copays and coinsurance each time you use a service.

**Prescription drugs:** Medigap does not cover prescriptions. You would need a separate Part D plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.

Common Confusions and Important Considerations

It's easy to get these plans mixed up. Here are some key points to remember:

**You cannot have both:** You must choose either Original Medicare plus a Medigap plan (and often a separate Part D plan) OR a Medicare Advantage plan.

**Enrollment periods are vital:** You can only join or switch plans during specific times of the year. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7 is a common time to make changes.

**Your health matters for Medigap:** During your initial enrollment period for Medicare Part B, you have 'guaranteed issue rights' for Medigap. This means an insurance company cannot deny you a Medigap policy or charge you more due to your health. If you try to buy a Medigap policy later, after this period, you may be denied coverage or charged more based on your health.

**Travel:** If you travel a lot, especially outside the U.S., some Medigap plans offer limited emergency foreign travel coverage. Medicare Advantage plans may only cover emergency care within the U.S., or have specific rules for out-of-area care.

How to Choose the Right Plan for You

There's no single 'best' plan. The right choice depends on your personal health needs, financial situation, and preferences.

**Consider your health:** Do you visit doctors often? Do you have many prescriptions? Do you prefer a predictable monthly cost or lower premiums with variable costs?

**Think about your doctors:** Do you want to keep your current doctors? Are they part of a Medicare Advantage plan's network?

**Look at your budget:** Can you afford a higher monthly premium for Medigap to have fewer out-of-pocket costs? Or do you prefer lower premiums and are comfortable with copays for each service?

**Review extra benefits:** Are dental, vision, or hearing benefits important to you?

**Do your homework:** Compare plans available in your area. Look at total costs, including premiums, deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums. Always check the plan's formulary (list of covered drugs) if you take prescriptions.

Talking to a trusted Medicare advisor or using official Medicare resources can help you make an informed decision.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage?: No, you cannot have both. You must choose one or the other. Medigap plans only work with Original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare entirely.
Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?: No, Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs. If you have Original Medicare and a Medigap plan, you would typically need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan for your prescription drug coverage.
What about doctor networks with these plans?: Medigap plans generally allow you to see any doctor or hospital that accepts Original Medicare, with no network restrictions. Medicare Advantage plans, however, often use provider networks, meaning you may need to see doctors within their specific plan network to get the best coverage.
When can I switch between Medigap and Medicare Advantage?: You can typically switch plans during specific enrollment periods each year. The most common is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 to December 7. There are also Special Enrollment Periods for certain life events, like moving.
Which plan is generally cheaper?: Medicare Advantage plans often have lower or even $0 monthly premiums, but you pay more through copays and coinsurance when you use services. Medigap plans have higher monthly premiums but generally cover most of your out-of-pocket costs, leading to fewer surprises when you receive care.
Are all Medigap plans the same?: Yes, Medigap plans are standardized by letter (e.g., Plan G, Plan N). This means a Plan G from one insurance company offers the exact same core benefits as a Plan G from another company. However, the monthly premiums for the same plan letter can vary between different insurance companies.

This article is educational information, not medical, legal, or financial advice. Billing rules change and individual situations vary — always confirm details with your provider or insurer.