Find the Best Medicare Plan in Your Area
Licensed Medicare specialists from eHealth compare plans from Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and more — free of charge.
Compare Medicare Plans Free →* We may receive a referral fee. Cost to you: $0.
The Core Tradeoff
Medicare Advantage: Lower monthly cost, extra benefits, but network restrictions and potential for higher out-of-pocket when you need serious care.
Medigap + Original Medicare: Higher monthly cost (Part B premium + Medigap premium), but maximum provider flexibility and predictable costs with little or no out-of-pocket when you use care.
Cost Comparison
- Medicare Advantage: Part B Premium (~$185) + MA premium ($0–$50) + copays when you use care. Annual OOP max: $9,350.
- Medigap Plan G: Part B premium (~$185) + Medigap Plan G ($100–$300/mo, age-dependent) + Part D (~$30–$60/mo). After the Part B deductible, near-zero out-of-pocket.
Why Medigap May Be Worth the Higher Premium
- You can see any Medicare-accepting provider in the US — no network restrictions
- Predictable costs — especially valuable for people with chronic conditions
- No referrals required for specialists
- Ideal for frequent travelers
The Medigap Enrollment Warning
Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap has strict enrollment rules. The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the 6-month window starting the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. After this window, insurers can use medical underwriting, potentially denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on health conditions.
See also: vs Original Medicare • Costs Explained