What Is The Difference Between Medigap And Medicare Advantage? 
Basically , Medigap is private insurance that supplements original Medicare -LRB- Part A and Part B -RRB- . Original Medicare requires the Medicare beneficiary to pay specified deductibles and coinsurance , and Medigap -LRB- Medicare supplement -RRB- policies are designed to cover some or all of these amounts . Medicare Advantage -LRB- MA -RRB- Plans are private insurance plans that take the place of original Medicare -LRB- Part A and Part B -RRB- , and often include Part D drug coverage as well . MA Plans may or may not require a monthly premium , and specify plan benefits , care requirements and cost sharing which may differ from original Medicare . In order to fully understand differences and obtain a Medicare plan best suited to your needs , it is advisable to meet with a qualified senior market insurance agent/agency with experience in Medicare insurance plans . 