To address these gaps, many individuals turn to private insurance options. There are two primary types of private insurance for Medicare beneficiaries: Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans. Although both offer valuable benefits, they have distinct differences that are important to understand when choosing the best option for your needs.
With a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you remain enrolled in Original Medicare. Medicare handles the majority of your healthcare costs, while the Supplement plan helps cover additional out-of-pocket expenses such as co-payments and deductibles.
On the other hand, when you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, you switch to a private health insurance plan that takes over all your Medicare coverage. These plans must provide at least the same level of coverage as Original Medicare, except for hospice care, which remains covered by Medicare. Although both options aim to provide comprehensive coverage, they operate through different structures and setups.
Medicare is primarily used by individuals aged 65 and older, though some younger people may also qualify, including those with disabilities, permanent kidney failure, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease). While Medicare helps cover various healthcare costs, it does not fully cover all medical expenses or most long-term care costs.
Yes, you can adjust your Medicare coverage during specific enrollment periods, including the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP). Outside of these times, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience certain life events, such as moving, losing other coverage, or becoming eligible for Medicaid.
Medicare is divided into four parts:
Part A: Hospital Insurance
Part B: Medical Insurance
Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans
Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
For more information about Medicare, you can visit the official website at www.medicare.gov, contact the Medicare hotline at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
© 2025 Insurance Educators ┃ All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service┃ Site Design by MSFS
We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
We do not offer every plan available in your area.
Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area.
Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
© 2025 Insurance Educators
All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy & Terms of Service
Site Design by MSFS
We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Every year, millions of individuals and families choose life insurance for reasons that are often hard to put into words, but deeply felt. It may seem like a simple concept, but the motivation behind it is personal, emotional, and powerful.
If you’re like most people, you’re here for the same reasons,
to protect your loved ones, fulfill your responsibilities, and ensure their future is safe.
Here’s why life insurance matters.