Medicare Options Compared

Medicare Resources

Medicare Advantage or Medigap? Compared.

There are two main ways to get your Medicare. One usually costs less each month, the other costs less when you need care. Here’s how they stack up, side by side.

Want any doctor and predictable bills?

Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D

See the Medigap chart →

Want a lower premium and extras?

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Ask which plans fit your doctors →

Either way, you keep paying your Part B premium, which is $202.90 a month for most people in 2026.

Side by Side

How the two paths really differ

What matters

Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D

Medicare Advantage

Doctors and hospitals

Medigap pathAny doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S.

Medicare AdvantageUsually the plan's network in your area. Some PPO plans pay out of network at a higher cost.

Referrals and approvals

Medigap pathGenerally not needed to see a specialist.

Medicare AdvantageYou may need referrals and prior approval for some care.

Monthly premium

Medigap pathPart B premium, plus a Medigap premium and a Part D premium.

Medicare AdvantagePart B premium, plus the plan's premium. Some plans charge $0.

When you get care

Medigap pathLittle or nothing. With Plan G, you pay only the $283 Part B deductible each year.

Medicare AdvantageCopays and coinsurance as you use care.

Yearly out-of-pocket limit

Medigap pathNo cap on Original Medicare alone. A Medigap plan covers most of that gap.

Medicare AdvantageEvery plan has one. In 2026 it can be up to $9,250 in network, and many plans set it lower.

Prescription drugs

Medigap pathAdd a separate Part D plan.

Medicare AdvantageUsually built into the plan.

Dental, vision and hearing

Medigap pathNot included. A separate dental and vision plan can fill the gap.

Medicare AdvantageOften included, with limits that vary by plan.

Travel

Medigap pathCoverage goes with you across the U.S. Many Medigap plans also pay 80% of emergency care abroad.

Medicare AdvantageRoutine care is mostly local. Emergency and urgent care are covered anywhere in the U.S.

Changing your mind later

Medigap pathOutside your first Medigap window, companies may ask health questions or turn you down.

Medicare AdvantageYou can switch plans each year. Going back to a Medigap plan later may mean answering health questions.

Quick Check

Which path fits how you live?

Check the statements that sound like you. It takes 30 seconds, and there are no wrong answers.

Check everything that sounds like you

I want to see any doctor who takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S.I'd rather pay a steady premium than copays every time I get careI travel a lot or spend winters out of stateI don't want to deal with referrals or approvalsKeeping my monthly premium low matters mostI'd like dental, vision or hearing benefits in my planI'm comfortable using a local network of doctorsI want medical and drug coverage in one plan

Your answers lean toward

Check a few boxes to see

Medigap pathMedicare Advantage

This is a starting point, not a recommendation. Your doctors, prescriptions and budget decide the best fit.

Talk it through with us →

A Real-World Example

A quiet year vs. a tough one

In a healthy year, Medicare Advantage often costs less, because premiums are low and you only pay copays when you use care.

In a year with a surgery or a hospital stay, Medigap usually wins. Your medical costs are almost fully covered, while an Advantage plan can bill you up to its yearly limit.

Illustration · 2026 limits

What you'd payMedigap Plan G + Part DMedicare Advantage

Monthly premiumsHigherLower, sometimes $0

A quiet, healthy yearMostly premiumsA few copays

Medical costs, worst case$283up to $9,250

Drug costs, worst caseup to $2,100up to $2,100

Tough year, before premiumsup to $2,383up to $11,350

Worst cases use the 2026 Part B deductible ($283), the federal Part D cap ($2,100) and the highest in-network limit a Medicare Advantage plan can set ($9,250). Many plans set lower limits, and premiums vary by plan, age and location.

Timing

When you can choose or switch

Moving from Medicare Advantage back to Medigap after your first window may mean answering health questions, so the first choice matters.

7 months

Turning 65

Your Initial Enrollment Period runs 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after your 65th birthday month.

6 months

Your Medigap window

Starts the first month you’re 65 or older and have Part B. It’s the easiest time to get any Medigap plan.

Oct 15 – Dec 7

Every fall

Switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, or change your Part D plan, for January 1.

Jan 1 – Mar 31

If you're on Advantage

Switch to another Advantage plan once, or go back to Original Medicare and add a Part D plan.

We offer both paths, so you get a straight answer.

We offer Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Part D plans. We’ll check your doctors and prescriptions against each one and show you what you’d really pay. In-person or virtual.

What to have ready

Prefer to call?
810-230-1266

Sources

Figures are for 2026 and are updated each year. Plan availability, premiums and benefits vary by plan and location. Security First Benefits is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.