One card. Low premium. A network.
Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private plan. Often $0 a month, often with dental, vision and a gym. Copays when you use it, and a network of doctors.
How it works.
What you get.
Parts A and B in one plan, usually Part D too, and often extras like dental, vision, hearing or a gym membership.
What you pay.
A low or $0 premium, a copay each time you use care, and an annual out-of-pocket maximum. That maximum is your worst case for the year.
What changes.
A network of doctors and hospitals, sometimes referrals or prior approvals, and benefits that can change every January.
Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
Medicare’s own three-minute explainer (CMS) on the difference. Neutral, no sales pitch. Then the table below puts numbers on it.
Plan G or Advantage, side by side.
| Medicare Supplement Plan G | Medicare Advantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | About $130 to $220 at 65, plus Part B | $0 to $100+, plus Part B |
| Doctors | Any doctor in the country who takes Medicare | The plan’s network |
| Bills when you use care | The Part B deductible once a year, then nothing | Copays per visit, up to the plan’s out-of-pocket maximum |
| Prescriptions | A separate Part D plan | Usually included |
| Dental, vision, hearing | Not included | Often included |
| Changing later | Any time. Health questions may apply after your first six months | Every fall, October 15 to December 7, and January 1 to March 31 |
| Year to year | Benefits fixed by federal law | Benefits, network and costs can change |
Ten minutes on the phone usually settles it.
Who it fits.
You want the lowest monthly cost.
The premium is low or zero. You pay as you go, with a cap on the year.
Your doctors are in the network.
We check every one of them before you enroll, and the hospital you’d want.
You’re comfortable with copays and approvals.
Most people are. Some aren’t. Both are fine, and we’ll say which one you are.
And who it doesn’t fit
If you travel a lot, split the year between two states, or want any specialist without a referral, Plan G usually fits better.
We’ll tell you that on the call. The insurance company pays us the same either way.
When you can enroll.
Initial Enrollment. Three months before your 65th birthday month, the month of, three after.
Annual Enrollment. Join, switch or drop a plan for January 1.
Advantage Open Enrollment. Switch to another Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare.
Special Enrollment. Moving, losing employer coverage, and other life events.
Ready when you are.
Licensed, independent Medicare help. No cost to you, ever.
Independent Medicare guidance for people turning 65 and anyone shopping their plan. Plan G and Medicare Advantage, nationwide.
Mon to Fri 9 to 12:30, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 ET. Sat 10 to 3 ET
info@medsupsforme.comMedSups For Me is a privately owned website and is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. We are an independent insurance agency licensed to sell Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance and Medicare Advantage plans. 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, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program to get information on all of your options.