This is the most common point of confusion. Think of it as freedom vs. bundles.

• Medicare Supplement (Medigap): You keep Original Medicare (Part A and B). The supplement acts as a secondary payer for the 20% Medicare doesn't cover. You can see any doctor in the U.S. who accepts Medicare.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C): This is an "all-in-one" alternative. Private companies manage your care through a network (HMO/PPO). It often includes "extras" like dental and vision but limits you to specific doctors.

Note: You cannot have both at the same time. If you have an Advantage plan, you cannot use a Medigap policy to pay your copays.

The absolute best time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.

• The Window: This 6-month period starts the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
• The "Why": During this time, you have "guaranteed issue rights." Insurance companies must sell you a policy at the same price as someone in perfect health, regardless of your medical history. If you wait, they can use "medical underwriting" to charge you more or deny you coverage entirely.

Generally, no. Medigap plans are strictly designed to cover the out-of-pocket costs of "medical" and "hospital" services covered by Original Medicare.

• Prescriptions: You must buy a standalone Medicare Part D plan for drug coverage.
• Dental/Vision/Hearing: These are not covered. You would need to purchase separate private insurance for these services, though some Medigap providers offer them as "add-on" discounts.

If you became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you cannot buy Plan F or Plan C.

• The Reason: Federal law changed to prohibit plans from covering the Medicare Part B deductible ({cost:part_b_deductible} in {year}). The goal was to ensure beneficiaries have some "skin in the game" for outpatient care.
• The Alternative: Plan G has become the new "gold standard." It covers everything Plan F did, except for that Part B deductible.

No. As long as you pay your premiums on time, your Medigap policy is "guaranteed renewable." Even if you develop a chronic illness or have high medical bills, the insurance company cannot cancel your plan or raise your specific rate based on your health status once you are enrolled.