Reviewed October 13, 2026
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement sound similar, but they solve different problems. If you are comparing Medicare coverage in Texas, start with this distinction: Medicare Advantage is another way to receive your Medicare benefits. Medicare Supplement, also called Medigap, helps pay some costs left over after Original Medicare pays.
You do not use Medigap to pay a Medicare Advantage plan’s copayments. Choosing between these paths means looking at your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and enrollment rights together.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement at a glance
| Question | Medicare Advantage | Original Medicare + Medigap |
|---|---|---|
| How does it work? | A private plan provides your Part A and Part B benefits. | Original Medicare pays first; Medigap helps with covered cost sharing. |
| Monthly premiums? | You generally keep paying Part B, plus any plan premium. | You generally pay Part B and a separate Medigap premium, plus any Part D premium. |
| Doctors? | Network and referral rules depend on the plan. | Generally, providers nationwide who accept Medicare; Medicare SELECT policies have network restrictions. |
| Prescriptions? | Most plans include Part D. | New Medigap policies do not include drugs; consider a separate Part D plan. |
| Dental, vision, hearing? | Some plans offer extra benefits, with limits. | Medigap generally does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. |
See Medicare’s coverage comparison and the Texas Medicare Supplement guide for details and exceptions.
A low premium is only one part of the cost
A $0 Medicare Advantage plan premium does not mean all care is free. Compare specialist visits, hospital stays, treatments, and the plan’s annual limit for covered Part A and Part B services. Drug costs have separate rules.
With Medigap, the policy’s standardized benefits determine which Original Medicare expenses it helps pay. Policies with the same plan letter generally provide the same basic benefits, but insurers’ premiums can differ. Ask what remains your responsibility and how premiums may change.
For your own comparison, write down three numbers: your monthly premiums, what your usual care may cost, and what you could owe during a difficult health year. Use actual plan documents rather than an advertisement.
Check your doctors and medications before choosing
Ask each doctor about the exact Medicare Advantage plan and network you are considering. Check referrals and prior authorization requirements. For Original Medicare with Medigap, confirm that your providers accept Medicare and check any SELECT restrictions.
Compare every prescription by name, dose, pharmacy, and covered-drug list. Our Medicare renewal checklist can help organize that review.
Can you switch later? Check your Medigap rights first
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15–December 7, with changes generally effective January 1. That annual window does not guarantee acceptance into a Medigap policy.
The federal six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts when you are 65 or older and have Part B. Outside it, medical underwriting may apply unless you have guaranteed-issue or other protections. Texas has additional rules, including for some people under 65. Check your circumstances before changing coverage.
Read Medicare’s Medigap enrollment guidance. Certain trial rights may help when switching back. Do not cancel your current coverage until you understand acceptance, effective dates, and drug coverage.
Which option fits you?
Neither approach wins for everyone. Bring your doctor list, medications, current coverage, and budget to a comparison. Ask: “What will I pay, where can I receive care, and what happens if I want to change later?”
Explore our Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement pages, or contact Precise Insurance for help reviewing options available in your Texas ZIP code.
Precise Insurance Group is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Benefits, availability, and costs vary by plan and location.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 5 organizations which offer 42 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.