Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement
This is the single most important choice you make in Medicare. Neither is universally better. The right answer depends entirely on your health, your doctors, your prescriptions, and your financial situation. Brian shows you both sides honestly.
Not Sure Which Is Right?
Brian reviews your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and travel habits — then gives you a straight answer. Free.
Advantage vs. Supplement — 2026 Full Comparison
Every key factor that matters — costs, networks, benefits, flexibility, and annual review requirements.
| Factor | Medicare Supplement | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium (2026) | $90–$200+/mo (Utah Plan G) | Often $0–$50/mo |
| Part B Premium | You still pay $202.90/mo | You still pay $202.90/mo (or less with Giveback) |
| Annual Out-of-Pocket Max | Near $0 after $283 deductible (Plan G) | Up to $9,350 in-network (2026 CMS max) |
| Doctor Network | ✓ Any Medicare-accepting doctor — nationwide | Must use in-network providers (HMO) or pay more (PPO) |
| Specialist Access | ✓ No referral needed for any specialist | May require PCP referral (HMO); specialists must be in-network |
| Prior Authorizations | ✓ None — Original Medicare decides coverage | May be required for surgeries, specialists, hospital admissions |
| Prescription Drugs | Must add separate Part D plan ($2,100 OOP cap 2026) | Usually included (MAPD) — same $2,100 OOP cap 2026 |
| Dental / Vision / Hearing | ✗ Not included — add separately | ✓ Often included in plan |
| Part B Giveback | ✗ Not available | ✓ Available in select ZIP codes in Utah |
| Travel / Out-of-Area | ✓ Nationwide — any Medicare provider | Limited outside plan service area; emergency care covered |
| Predictability | ✓ Very predictable — set premium, near-zero copays | Less predictable — copays vary by service, network |
| Annual Plan Review Needed | Less urgent — coverage doesn't change annually | ✓ Essential — formularies, networks, premiums change yearly |
| Switching Flexibility | Can switch carriers anytime but may face underwriting outside OEP | Switch during AEP (Oct 15–Dec 7) or MA OEP (Jan 1–Mar 31) |
| Best For | Frequent healthcare users; those who travel; predictability preferred | Generally healthy; wants $0 premium; values extra benefits |
Choose a Medicare Supplement When…
- ✓You have ongoing medical conditions requiring frequent specialist visits
- ✓You travel frequently — domestic or international
- ✓You have specific doctors you want to keep and they're not in any local Advantage network
- ✓You want predictable, near-zero out-of-pocket costs every year
- ✓You're concerned about prior authorization delays for medical care
- ✓You want to see specialists anywhere in the US without a referral
Choose Medicare Advantage When…
- ✓You're generally healthy and rarely use significant healthcare
- ✓Monthly premium cost is a primary concern and $0 is very attractive
- ✓You want dental, vision, and hearing benefits in one plan
- ✓A Part B Giveback plan is available in your ZIP code
- ✓Your preferred doctors are all in the plan's network
- ✓You're comfortable with prior authorizations and network management
Neither plan type is universally better. Anyone who tells you one is always better than the other is not giving you the full picture. Brian runs the actual math for your specific situation — your doctors, your prescriptions, your ZIP code, your health history — and gives you an honest recommendation with no agenda. He works for you, not for any insurance company.
What Happens If You Want to Switch Later?
This is the part most people don't hear until it's too late.
The Right Answer for You Is One
Conversation Away
Brian compares both options against your specific situation and tells you the truth — whichever direction that points. Free.