What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?

Pending review by Liz McPherson, licensed insurance agent since 2007 · Updated September 25, 2026

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Short Answer
The Medicare Nerd Explanation
What Could Change the Answer?
What Should I Do Next?
Related Questions
Still Not Sure?

Short Answer

Medicare Advantage replaces how Original Medicare works with an all-in-one plan that usually has a network, copays and an annual out-of-pocket limit. A Medicare Supplement works alongside Original Medicare to pay most of the costs Medicare leaves behind, and you add a separate Part D drug plan. Neither is right for everyone.

The Medicare Nerd Explanation

Topic	Medicare Advantage	Medicare Supplement
How it works	A private plan that covers everything Original Medicare does, often plus drugs and extras.	Pays after Original Medicare; you keep Original Medicare.
Doctors	Usually a network ( or ) in your service area.	Any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare.
Monthly cost	Often a low or $0 plan premium (you still pay Part B).	A higher monthly premium, fewer bills later.
When you get care	Copays and coinsurance, with a yearly out-of-pocket maximum.	Little or nothing, depending on the plan letter.
Prescription drugs	Usually included.	Add a separate Part D plan.
Extras	Often dental, vision, hearing.	Generally not included.
Changes	Benefits can change every year.	Standardized plan letters.

How it works

Advantage

A private plan that covers everything Original Medicare does, often plus drugs and extras.

Supplement

Pays after Original Medicare; you keep Original Medicare.

Doctors

Advantage

Usually a network ( or ) in your service area.

Supplement

Any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare.

Monthly cost

Advantage

Often a low or $0 plan premium (you still pay Part B).

Supplement

A higher monthly premium, fewer bills later.

When you get care

Advantage

Copays and coinsurance, with a yearly out-of-pocket maximum.

Supplement

Little or nothing, depending on the plan letter.

Prescription drugs

Advantage

Usually included.

Supplement

Add a separate Part D plan.

Extras

Advantage

Often dental, vision, hearing.

Supplement

Generally not included.

Changes

Advantage

Benefits can change every year.

Supplement

Standardized plan letters.

One important timing note: your best chance to buy a Medicare Supplement without health questions is usually the 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that starts when you're 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. After that, switching from Advantage to a Supplement may require health questions.[LIZ REVIEW]