2026 Medicare Plans

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage (Part C) are two different ways to get more coverage beyond Original Medicare (Parts A and B), but they work in opposite ways.

A Medicare Supplement plan works alongside Original Medicare. You keep Parts A and B, and the Supplement plan acts as a secondary payer — covering most or all of the 20% that Original Medicare leaves behind, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. You can see any doctor who accepts Medicare, anywhere in the U.S., with no network restrictions.

A Medicare Advantage plan replaces Original Medicare. One private plan takes over your Part A and Part B coverage, usually includes Part D prescription drug coverage, and often adds extras like dental, vision, and hearing. The trade-off is that you typically use a network of doctors (HMO or PPO), and coverage may vary when you travel outside your plan's service area.

Both paths have pros and cons — your choice depends on how you use healthcare, where you live, and what you value most. Our Medicare Recommendation Tool can help match you to the right path in about 2 minutes.

No. You must choose one path or the other — you cannot have both at the same time. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, your Medicare Supplement plan will not pay benefits. If you want to switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare with a Supplement plan, you may need to go through medical underwriting depending on your state and the timing of your switch.

This is one of the most important decisions in Medicare planning, which is why we recommend speaking with a licensed agent who can walk you through the implications for your specific situation.

The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the 6-month window that starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you more because of pre-existing health conditions. This is your strongest enrollment right.

Outside of Open Enrollment, you may still be able to enroll, but carriers in most states can use medical underwriting — meaning they can review your health history and potentially decline coverage or charge higher premiums. Some states offer additional protections, so the rules vary depending on where you live.

Not sure if you're in your enrollment window? Talk to one of our licensed agents — they can review your timeline and find the best options available in your area.

Yes. Medicare Supplement plans do not include prescription drug coverage. If you go the Original Medicare + Supplement route, you'll want to add a standalone Part D Prescription Drug Plan to cover your medications.

Choosing the right Part D plan matters — each plan has its own formulary (list of covered drugs), and costs vary significantly based on which medications you take. Our agents can help you compare Part D plans based on your specific prescriptions to make sure you're not overpaying.

By contrast, most Medicare Advantage plans bundle Part D drug coverage into the plan itself, so you typically don't need a separate policy.

Monthly premiums for Medicare Supplement plans vary based on your age, location, tobacco use, and the plan letter you choose (Plan G and Plan N are the most popular). In many areas, premiums range from roughly $80 to $300+ per month.

However, the premium only tells part of the story. Because Supplement plans cover most or all of your out-of-pocket costs — copays, coinsurance, and deductibles — your total annual healthcare spending is often more predictable and sometimes lower than a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 premium but significant cost-sharing at the point of care.

The best way to compare real costs is to get personalized rates based on your age, zip code, and coverage preferences. Our agents compare plans from top carriers so you can see side-by-side pricing in minutes.

It depends on how you use healthcare, what doctors you want to see, how much you travel, and what you're comfortable spending. Here's a quick framework:

Consider Original Medicare + a Medicare Supplement plan + Part D if you:

• Want to see any doctor who accepts Medicare, anywhere in the country
• Travel frequently or split time between states
• Prefer predictable costs with minimal surprises
• Value long-term rate stability and guaranteed renewal

Consider a Medicare Advantage plan if you:

• Want one plan that bundles hospital, medical, drug, and extra benefits
• Are comfortable using a provider network (HMO or PPO)
• Prioritize low monthly premiums
• Want extras like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs

Still not sure? Our Medicare Recommendation Tool asks a few questions about your health, budget, and preferences, then points you toward the plan type that's the best fit. Or you can connect with a licensed advisor for a free, no-obligation consultation.