What Is the Difference Between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?
One of the most common questions I hear: "What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and a Medicare Supplement?"
If you're turning 65 or just reviewing your Medicare options, you've probably heard two terms thrown around: Medicare Advantage and Medigap (also called Medicare Supplement). They both work alongside Medicare, but they work very differently — and choosing the wrong one can cost you thousands of dollars a year.
This guide breaks down both options in plain language, with context specific to residents of Clearwater, Pinellas County, and the greater Tampa Bay area.
What Is Original Medicare?
Before comparing the two options, it helps to understand Original Medicare:
Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, and some home health care.
Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services.
Original Medicare pays about 80% of covered costs. The remaining 20% — plus deductibles and copays — is where the gap comes in. Both Medicare Advantage and Medigap are designed to address that gap, just in very different ways.
What Is Medicare Advantage (Part C)?
Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Instead of using your red, white, and blue Medicare card, you use your Advantage plan card.
Most Medicare Advantage plans include:
— Medical coverage (Parts A and B)
— Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
— Often, extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness
Many Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums, though you still pay your Part B premium.
The catch: Advantage plans use provider networks (HMO or PPO), meaning your doctors and hospitals need to be in-network. Out-of-pocket costs like copays can add up if you're a frequent user of medical services.
What Is Medigap (Medicare Supplement)?
Medigap is a supplemental policy that works alongside Original Medicare — not instead of it. It picks up much of what Medicare doesn't pay: deductibles, coinsurance, and sometimes even foreign travel emergency coverage.
The biggest advantages of Medigap:
— Predictable costs — you know what you'll owe each month
— No networks — see any doctor who accepts Medicare, anywhere in the U.S.
— No referrals needed
The tradeoff: Medigap plans have a higher monthly premium, and most plans don't include drug coverage (you'd add a separate Part D plan).
Which Is Better for Residents of Clearwater and Pinellas County?
There's no universal answer — the right choice depends on your health, your doctors, your prescriptions, and your financial situation.
Medicare Advantage may make sense if:
— You're relatively healthy and don't use a lot of specialist care
— You want extra benefits like dental and vision included
— You prefer a lower monthly premium
— Your preferred doctors are in the plan's network
Medigap may make sense if:
— You have ongoing health conditions or expect high medical utilization
— You travel frequently or split time between states (snowbirds, take note)
— You want predictable, low out-of-pocket costs
— You don't want to worry about network restrictions
How TD Coverage Can Help
As an independent broker contracted with 70+ carriers in the Clearwater and Tampa Bay area, Trever Dahms can shop both Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans side-by-side — with no pressure and no bias toward any single carrier.
There's no cost to you for this service. Call Trever today at (262) 352-3997 or visit tdcoverage.com to get started.
