Medigap
Medicare Advantage
How it relates to Original Medicare Parts A and B
Out-of-pocket costs
Choice of doctors and hospitals
When you can buy
Part D coverage
Quality/rating information available
Cards to carry/required proof of coverage
Paperwork
Private supplemental coverage that pays all or most Part A and B out-of-pocket costs.
Some may be required, because you are responsible to pay deductibles and copays directly to providers.
Little to none. Medigap typically cuts a check to providers after Medicare pays for its portion of services.
Average of about $90 to $476 a month. Can vary by age, health history, or both.
Dependent on selected plan.
Yes—any that participate in Medicare.
Premiums
The first six months after you sign up for Part B and are at least 65 years old. If you sign up after the initial Open Enrollment period, a medical underwriting is required, and you may not qualify for coverage.
Not included. You must enroll separately.
No—there are no standardized ratings for Medigap plans.
Up to three: 1) Medicare card,
2) Medigap card, and/or 3) Part D coverage card.
Private health plan that provides Part A and B benefits directly in place of Original Medicare.
$0 to $100+ monthly, depending on the plan. All plan enrollees pay the same regardless of age or health history.
In-network medical deductibles and copays of up to $9,350 a year in 2025.
For HMOs: Plan providers only.
For PPOs: Any provider, but out-of-network providers cost more.
When you first enroll in both Medicare Parts A and B and annually thereafter during Open Enrollment.
Most plans include Part D coverage, and possible dental, vision and hearing coverage as well.
Yes—Medicare.gov and the National Committee for Quality Assurance provide annual ratings.
Usually just one–your proof of Medicare Advantage coverage card.
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Paperwork
Cards to carry/required proof of coverage
Quality/rating information available
Part D coverage
When you can buy
Choice of doctors and hospitals
Out-of-pocket costs
Premiums
How it relates to Original Medicare Parts A and B
Medigap
Little to none. Medigap typically cuts a check to providers after Medicare pays for its portion of services.
Some may be required, because you are responsible to pay deductibles and copays directly to providers.
Up to three: 1) Medicare card,
2) Medigap card, and/or 3) Part D coverage card.
Usually just one–your proof of Medicare Advantage coverage card.
No—there are no standardized ratings for Medigap plans.
Yes—Medicare.gov and the National Committee for Quality Assurance provide annual ratings.
Not included. You must enroll separately.
Most plans include Part D coverage, and possible dental, vision and hearing coverage as well.
The first six months after you sign up for Part B and are at least 65 years old. If you sign up after the initial Open Enrollment period, a medical underwriting is required, and you may not qualify for coverage.
When you first enroll in both Medicare Parts A and B and annually thereafter during Open Enrollment.
Yes—any that participate in Medicare.
For PPOs: Any provider, but out-of-network providers cost more.
For HMOs: Plan providers only.
Dependent on selected plan.
In-network medical deductibles and copays of up to $8,850 a year in 2024.
Average of about $90 to $476 a month. Can vary by age, health history, or both.
$0 to $100+ monthly, depending on the plan. All plan enrollees pay the same regardless of age or health history.
Private supplemental coverage that pays all or most Part A and B out-of-pocket costs.
Private health plan that provides Part A and B benefits directly in place of Original Medicare.
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
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