You cannot have both a Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plan. Understanding your health and how you’ll use your plan will help you determine which one may best fit your needs. Keep reading for breakdowns on each type of plan and how each works at a basic level.
Medicare Advantage plans offer additional features and benefits beyond Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare). Most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans include*:
Since Medicare doesn’t pay for everything, Medicare Supplement plans are designed to help cover out-of-pocket expenses. Also known as “Medigap,” these plans complement your existing Original Medicare coverage.
Depending on the plan you choose, you may receive coverage for many out-of-pocket expenses that Part A (hospital) and Part B (doctor) don’t cover, such as:
See the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans available where you live.
Here are some of the key items people like to compare when deciding between a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap plan.
You may be required to use doctors and hospitals in the plan network.
You can select your own doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare patients.
You may need referrals and may be required to use network specialists, depending on the plan.
You can see specialists without referrals.
Non-emergency care might depend on your plan’s service area. Emergency care is generally covered for travel within the United States and sometimes abroad.
Coverage goes with you when you travel across the United States and, depending on the plan, may cover emergency care when traveling abroad.
Generally, there are specific periods during the year when you can enroll in or switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan. And you generally can’t be denied coverage or charged more based on your health status.
You can apply to buy a plan any time after you turn 65. However, if you apply during your Open Enrollment Period, you are guaranteed coverage at the best available rate for you, regardless of your health status. †
Generally, you pay a low or $0 monthly plan premium (in addition to your Part B premium). When you use services, you pay copays, coinsurance, and deductibles up to a set out-of-pocket limit.
For Medicare-approved doctor and hospital services, you’ll pay a monthly plan premium in addition to your Part B premium. When you use services, you’ll pay low - or no - copays and coinsurance, depending on the plan selected.
Prescription drug coverage is included with most plans.
Prescription drug coverage is not included. Consider buying a standalone Part D plan for more complete coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans
Doctors and hospitals
You may be required to use doctors and hospitals in the plan network.
You may need referrals and may be required to use network specialists, depending on the plan.
Coverage when you travel
Non-emergency care might depend on your plan’s service area. Emergency care is generally covered for travel within the United States and sometimes abroad.
Generally, there are specific periods during the year when you can enroll in or switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan. And you generally can’t be denied coverage or charged more based on your health status.
Generally, you pay a low or $0 monthly plan premium (in addition to your Part B premium). When you use services, you pay copays, coinsurance, and deductibles up to a set out-of-pocket limit.
Prescription drug coverage
Prescription drug coverage is included with most plans.
Doctors and hospitals
You can select your own doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare patients.
You can see specialists without referrals.
Coverage when you travel
Coverage goes with you when you travel across the United States and, depending on the plan, may cover emergency care when traveling abroad.
You can apply to buy a plan any time after you turn 65. However, if you apply during your Open Enrollment Period, you are guaranteed coverage at the best available rate for you, regardless of your health status. †
For Medicare-approved doctor and hospital services, you’ll pay a monthly plan premium in addition to your Part B premium. When you use services, you’ll pay low - or no - copays and coinsurance, depending on the plan selected.
Prescription drug coverage
Prescription drug coverage is not included. Consider buying a standalone Part D plan for more complete coverage.
*Benefits and features vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply.
** These benefits are not available with all plans and may vary by plan. The “most common prescriptions” refers to Tier 1 and 2 drugs filled through a preferred mail order pharmacy.
† In New York, Open Enrollment and Guaranteed Issue is ongoing and Medicare supplement plans are guaranteed available.
UnitedHealthcare provides information and tools to make it easier to find the plan you need, and learn as much as possible before you choose.
Find out more about the benefits of Medicare Advantage plans from UnitedHealthcare.
Find out more about the benefits of Medicare Supplement plans from UnitedHealthcare.
Find Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans in your area.
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Go to the member site to see your plan benefit information.
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You must be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement plan. If you are not a member, you can join AARP for just $16.00 a year.
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