The Difference Between Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement

Which plan fits you? Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan is an important decision that can affect your health, your finances, and your peace of mind. Wellcare Medicare Advantage understands that your needs are unique. For more than 20 years, Wellcare has offered a range of Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans to support your whole health—physical, emotional, and financial. Understanding the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans can help you choose the best option for your healthcare.

Understanding the Basics: Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplement

What Is Original Medicare?

Original Medicare is health insurance provided directly by the federal government. It includes:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and some home health care.
• Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and some home health care.

Original Medicare covers many medical and hospital services, but it does not cover everything. There are out-of-pocket costs including:

• deductibles
• co-pays
• and coinsurance

It does not include:

• routine dental
• vision
• hearing care
• prescription drug coverage (that’s Part D, which you can add separately).

What Is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage (also known as Medicare Part C) is an alternative way to get your Medicare benefits. These plans are offered by private insurance companies like Wellcare Medicare, and must cover everything Original Medicare covers with additional benefits. Many plans include prescription coverage (Part D), extra benefits, wellness programs, transportation and over-the-counter medicine allowances.

Medicare Advantage plans often have provider networks. This means you may need to use doctors, hospitals, and specialists who are in the plan’s network for the lowest out-of-pocket costs. Wellcare offers a broad network to help you with convenient access to care when and where you need it, or the option to see your preferred physician for an additional cost.

What Is a Medicare Supplement Plan?

Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, are insurance policies that help pay for costs not covered by Original Medicare, like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Important things to know about Medigap:

• You must have Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to add on a Medigap policy.
• Medigap does not cover prescription drugs; you’ll need to buy a separate Part D plan.
• Medigap plans do not include extra benefits such as dental, vision, or hearing.
• You can see any provider that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the U.S.

Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement: Key Differences

	Medicare Advantage	Medicare Supplement
Coverage and Benefits	Combines hospital, medical, and often drug coverage. Many plans, including Wellcare plans, include benefits like dental, vision, hearing, transportation, and fitness programs. Some may cover services to support emotional and financial well-being. Be sure to check your individual coverage for details on what your plan offers.	Helps with Medicare out-of-pocket costs after Original Medicare pays its share. Does not include routine dental, vision, or hearing. No prescription drugs without a separate Part D plan.
Costs	May have low or zero-dollar monthly premiums, but you are responsible for copays and coinsurance until you reach the out-of-pocket maximum limit (protecting you from very large bills) as well as the Medicare Part B premium. Many plans offer prescription drug coverage at little to no extra cost.	You pay a monthly premium for the Medigap plan, plus premiums for Part B and for a separate Part D plan if you want prescription drugs. Once the premium is paid, most costs are covered, but premiums can be higher than some Medicare Advantage plans.
Provider Choice and Flexibility	You often need to use in-network providers for the best rates. Some plans allow you to see out-of-network providers at a higher cost.	See any provider who accepts Medicare, nationwide. No networks or referrals are needed.
When Can You Enroll or Switch?	You can join when you first become eligible, during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7), or in certain special circumstances. You can find special enrollment period specifics here.	The best time to buy is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the six months after you turn 65 and enroll in Part B). After this, you could pay more or be denied based on your health.

Recent and Upcoming Centene Medicare Advantage Changes

Wellcare, part of Centene, is committed to making Medicare Advantage plans better for you. Here are some recent and upcoming changes that may affect your coverage:

• Expanded Benefits: Many Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans now offer extra benefits, like dental, vision, and hearing coverage, wellness and fitness programs, and grocery or over-the-counter (OTC) allowances.
• Improved Networks: Wellcare works to update provider networks, making it easier to find a doctor or specialist close to home.
• Star Ratings Updates: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) uses a Star Rating system to rate Medicare Advantage plans. Wellcare strives to continually meet and exceed quality standards to improve these ratings.
• Plan Changes: Each year, plans may change their premiums, benefits, or networks. It's important to review your Annual Notice of Change and compare your options during the yearly enrollment period.

If you’ve seen news about Centene dropping or restructuring some Medicare Advantage plans, know that Wellcare remains dedicated to providing stable, reliable coverage. If your plan is affected, you’ll receive a letter explaining your options and you’ll have a chance to switch plans.

Common Questions: Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement

Can I Have Both a Medicare Supplement and a Medicare Advantage Plan?

No, you cannot have both at the same time. You must choose one or the other. Medicare Advantage replaces your Original Medicare coverage, while a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works only with Original Medicare.

Which Is Better: Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement?

There’s no one-size-fits-all best plan. Medicare Advantage is often chosen by people looking for extra benefits and lower upfront costs, while Medigap is preferred by those who want provider flexibility and less unpredictability with medical bills. Think about:

• First, consider your unique health needs
• Do you want dental, vision, and hearing coverage included?
• Do you want an out-of-pocket maximum for your yearly costs?
• Is choosing any doctor, anywhere, most important to you?

What Are the Downsides?

• Medicare Advantage: Must use network providers, may require referrals, annual plan changes can happen.
• Medicare Supplement: Higher monthly premiums, does not include extra benefits, requires separate drug coverage.

How Wellcare Supports Your Medicare Journey

At Wellcare, healthcare is simple, personal, and accessible. Our Medicare Advantage plans focus on whole health, supporting your physical, emotional, and financial needs. If you're exploring options, Wellcare’s team can help you:

• Compare plan details, premiums, and out-of-pocket costs
• Find local doctors, pharmacies, and specialists in your plan’s network
• Enroll in a plan or switch during the annual enrollment period
• Get answers about how recent plan changes affect your coverage

With a growing national presence and deep local connections, Wellcare is proud to serve over 7.7 million Medicare beneficiaries. Backed by Centene’s experience and resources, we’re here to help you stay healthy, connected, and cared for every step of the way.

Need help comparing Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans? Wellcare is always here to help you make the best decision for your health and your life.

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