Medicare supplement plans don't work like most health insurance plans. They don't actually cover any health benefits. Instead, these plans cover the costs you're responsible for with Original Medicare.
These costs can include:
Here's how it works: You pay a monthly premium for your Medicare supplement plan. These plans are also called Medigap. In return, the plan pays most of your out-of-pocket expenses. So when you go to the doctor, for example, you don't have to pay the 20 percent coinsurance required by Medicare. Your Medigap plan pays it for you. With some Medigap plans, you might have a copay instead of the 20 percent coinsurance.
Medicare supplement plans aren't your only option. Medicare Advantage plans help with your Medicare costs, too. They also offer additional health coverage that Medicare supplement plans don't.
The table below breaks down the differences between Medicare supplement plans and Medicare Advantage plans. It might be a good place to start if you're wondering which type of plan is right for you.
| Medicare supplement | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|
| You could have up to three different insurance cards. | You have one insurance card. |
| You coordinate between Medicare, your Medigap plan and your Part D prescription drug plan, if you have one. | One company coordinates all your care. |
| Helps pay for costs you have with Original Medicare. | Many plans include extra benefits Original Medicare doesn't offer like dental, vision and prescription coverage. |
| No network rules. You can see any doctor that accepts Medicare. | Some plans won't cover care you get outside their network. |