Original Medicare + Medigap
Original Medicare provides Part A and Part B coverage. A separate Medigap policy helps pay specified Medicare cost-sharing. You can add a separate Part D drug plan.
← Medicare made clearMedicare Advantage vs. Medigap.
Your Palm Beach County Medicare guides
Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap.
Find your kind of coverage.
Two different routes. One personal decision. Let’s compare what matters beyond the sales headline.
Start My Medicare Snapshot →A useful first step, followed by an appointment if you choose. No obligation to enroll.
First, untangle the names
Medigap and Medicare Advantage do different jobs.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
A private Medicare-approved plan delivers Part A and Part B benefits. Most include Part D. Medigap cannot pay Medicare Advantage copays.
No one-size-fits-all answer. Plenty of useful questions.
Start with your doctors, prescriptions, travel, budget, and comfort with plan rules. Our job is to help you compare those details—not pick a winner before hearing your story.
The side-by-side
Compare the route, not just the premium.
| Consider | Original Medicare + Medigap | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Doctors | Providers accepting Medicare nationwide; standard Medigap generally follows Medicare. Medicare SELECT can have network requirements. | Non-emergency care may require the plan’s network. Out-of-network benefits vary. |
| Monthly costs | Part B, Medigap, and any separate Part D premiums. | Part B plus any plan premium. A $0 plan premium does not mean $0 medical costs. |
| Medical bills | Medigap pays according to its benefit letter. Original Medicare alone has no annual out-of-pocket cap. | Copays/coinsurance and an annual limit for covered Part A/B services. Drug costs are separate. |
| Plan rules | Original Medicare usually does not require specialist referrals or prior authorization. | Referrals or prior authorization may apply; check the specific plan. |
| Routine extras | Medigap generally does not cover routine dental, vision, hearing aids, or long-term custodial care. | Plans may offer dental, vision, hearing, and other extras with limits and eligibility rules. |
Before you switch lanes.
Can I move from Medicare Advantage to Medigap anytime?
Not automatically. You need an applicable Medicare enrollment opportunity and must qualify for the Medigap policy. Outside protected enrollment or guaranteed-issue situations, medical underwriting may apply. Confirm acceptance and effective dates before changing coverage.
Explore Medicare trial rights → · What if my plan is ending? →
Is Medigap Open Enrollment the same as fall enrollment?
No. The federal Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time six-month window beginning when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. The fall Medicare enrollment period does not restart it. Additional state rights can apply.
Will Medigap cover all of my healthcare?
No. Benefits vary by policy letter. Modern Medigap policies do not include prescription drug coverage, and they generally do not cover routine dental/vision, hearing aids, or custodial long-term care.
What should a Palm Beach County snowbird compare?
List your providers in both places, regular prescriptions, travel dates, and plans for routine care away from home. Ask how each option handles those specific needs.
Read the snowbird and travel guide →A better comparison starts with you
Pack these for your review.
- Doctors, specialists, and preferred hospitals
- Medications, doses, and pharmacy
- Current coverage and any plan notices
- Travel plans and monthly budget
Ask us to compare a typical year and a year with more care. Include premiums and your share of covered services, plus expenses the policy does not cover.
Less head-scratching.
More clear answers.
Tell our local team where you are starting. Then choose a time for a complimentary conversation.
Start My Medicare Snapshot →Prefer to book now? Schedule a Medicare review →
Do not include Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, or medical records in the snapshot.
Reviewed October 24, 2026. Educational information; individual eligibility, coverage, and costs require review. Health Palm Beach Insurance Advisors is an independent insurance agency serving Palm Beach County and other locations where licensed. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Official sources: Medicare comparison · Medigap basics · Medigap coverage · When you can buy Medigap