Medicare Hero

We Make Medicare Easy!

Get Quotes!OR CALL : 1-888-321-6361

Supplement or Advantage…
Which Plan is Right for Me?

One of the most important decisions you will make when enrolling in Medicare is which plan works best for you: Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage?

While both types of Medicare plans have their advantages and disadvantages, it is important to keep a few considerations in mind such as your needs and your budget, just to name a few. However, the first step is understanding what the difference is between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage Plans. 

Questions To Consider When Choosing Which Type of Medicare Plan Fits You Best

Let’s start with the basics first. These questions below will help you decipher which plan is best for you, in simple & easy terms that you understand. 

  • Do You Value Your Choice of Doctors, Specialist, and Hospitals?

Supplement Plans allow you to select your own doctors & hospitals nationwide, as long as they accept Medicare patients. Advantage Plans typically require you to use doctors & hospitals within your plans network, which can limit you to seeing your preferred doctor or specialist. 

medicare advantage or medicare supplement
dental vision and hearing insurance medicare
  • How Frequently Do You Visit The Doctor?

Advantage Plans often require copays and sometimes even deductibles. So for example, if you see your doctor twice a month and you have a copay of $40 per visit, that equates to $80 per month, which can add up quickly. However, if you do not see the doctor frequently, a Medicare Advantage could save you money. Supplement Plans do not require any out-of-pocket expenses such as copays. So if you visit your doctor often or plan on having any upcoming surgeries, this might be the better option for you.

  • Would You Rather Pay Out-of-Pocket Expenses or Have a Fixed Monthly Budget?

Advantage Plans will save you money on your monthly premiums, but you will have to pay out-of-pocket expenses when using your coverage or for any unforeseeable surgeries, hospital visits, etc. Versus Supplement Plans you have an allocated amount that you pay for your monthly premium that is a little higher than an Advantage Plan, however you do not have to worry about paying any out-of-pocket expenses when visiting your doctor, or worry about any unexpected trips to the hospital. 

  • What Monthly Premium Can You Afford?
    Supplement Plans can range from $85 – $150 per month, versus Advantage Plans that range anywhere from $0 – $60 per month. However, keep in mind that you will have to pay for Medicare Part B. That said,  your overall monthly premium would still be lower with an Advantage Plan versus a Supplement Plan. Another factor to keep in mind with advantage plans is you will have more out-of-pocket expenses such as copays, for example.
  • Do You Travel Often or Plan on Traveling?

Supplement Plans allow you to see any doctor in the nation that accepts Medicare. So if you travel often and plan on visiting doctors in various states, a Supplement Plan would be a natural fit for you. If you do not travel often and only need to see doctors in your local network, an Advantage Plan might work just fine for you. 

Check out our YouTube video on which type of plan is best for you: Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage Comparison Chart

Here is a helpful chart that we put together to help you weight the pro’s and con’s of Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans side by side. 

Have a question? Give us a call!

1-888-321-6361

CONTACT

ADDRESS

14140 Midway Rd #150,
Dallas, TX 75244

EMAIL

help@medicarehero.com

PHONE

1.888.321.6361

HOURS

MON – FRI: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
SAT – SUN: Closed