What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that often includes Part D and extra benefits. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to cover out-of-pocket costs like copays and coinsurance. Advantage plans often bundle drug and extra benefits with network rules; Medigap works with Original Medicare for broader provider access.

Do I need a separate Part D plan if I choose Medicare Advantage?

Most Medicare Advantage plans include built-in Part D prescription drug coverage (MAPD plans). If you choose Original Medicare plus a Medigap policy, you will typically need a standalone Part D plan to cover prescriptions.

Can I switch Medicare plans every year?

Yes. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 – December 7 each year. During this window you can switch between Medicare Advantage plans, switch from Advantage to Original Medicare, or change your Part D plan. Changes take effect January 1.

Is there a cost to use SwitchBlue to compare Medicare plans?

No. Our plan comparison and enrollment guidance is completely free to you. We receive standard commissions directly from insurance carriers, which means there is never a charge to use our services.

Interactive Plan Comparison

Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles hospital, medical, and usually drug coverage with network rules; Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works with Original Medicare for broader doctor access and predictable coverage structure. The right path depends on your doctors, prescriptions, travel habits, and whether you prefer bundled network plans or broad provider access.

Answer three quick questions to see whether Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement aligns better with your lifestyle and healthcare needs.

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

Educational comparison only. This tool describes general carrier attributes by state. Carriers marked Appointed carrier are companies SwitchBlue can help you enroll with. Carriers marked Not appointed are reference-only. SwitchBlue has no agency relationship with them and cannot sell their plans. It does not display premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximums, or other plan-specific costs. SwitchBlue does not rank carriers or recommend one company over another. Plan availability, benefits, and costs vary by county and contract year. Confirm options for your zip code before enrolling.

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Doctor Access

How important is it for you to have the freedom to see any doctor or specialist in the country without referrals?

Very Important

I want to see any doctor who accepts Medicare, anywhere in the US.

Flexible

I'm okay with using a local network of doctors (HMO/PPO) when the plan's network fits my care patterns.

Start with Medicare Plan Finder

Medicare.gov Plan Finder is the official tool for comparing every plan in your area. Gather these details first, then open Plan Finder, or bring your results to a free SwitchBlue review.

Prescription listName, dose, and how often you take each medication
Doctors & specialistsNames (and NPI if you have it) you want to keep seeing
Preferred pharmacyRetail or mail-order pharmacy you usually use
ZIP codeWhere you live most of the year. Plans are county-based

Open Plan Finder anyway

SwitchBlue is not the U.S. government or Medicare. Plan Finder on Medicare.gov is the official comparison tool. We can walk through your Plan Finder results at no cost to you.

Prefer to Research on Your Own?

Other official, free resources:

Plan Availability Notice: 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 call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day / 7 days a week, to get information on all available options. Plan benefits, premiums, and availability vary by plan, county, and year.SwitchBlue Insurance Agency LLC is a licensed independent insurance agency and is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.