Both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement cover costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. But they work differently. And one may be better suited to your needs.

Medicare Supplement works with Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Original Medicare pays its benefit to the provider, and the Supplement plan pays all or part of the remaining costs. Medicare Advantage actually replaces Original Medicare, with Medicare paying the private insurance company to cover your care. Then the company, not Medicare, pays benefits to providers who have agreed to accept its payments.

Benefits of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement cannot be combined. And you can’t use the benefits of one to pay premiums of the other. But no matter which one you choose, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part B and continue to pay your Part B premium.

That’s a decision only you can make. It will help to take a look at the plans side-by-side.

How they compare on features that count.

Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional features and benefits, like some vision, hearing and dental services. In addition, some plans may choose to offer coverage for services like transportation to doctor visits, over the counter drugs, and services to promote health and wellness. Benefits, eligibility and limits may vary by plan.

Yes, according to the insurance professionals at AMA Insurance. Many physicians appreciate the ease and flexibility of a Medicare Supplement plan, with no network, no need for referrals, and its wider selection of providers.

The chart above is a brief overview to get you started, and with all the variables, you will want to take a closer look. When you are ready, you can always call on the licensed agent/producers of AMA Insurance. Specialists in the insurance needs of physicians, they have been offering plans that protect physicians’ families and assets for more than 30 years.