Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: What’s the Difference?

If you’re looking to compare Medicare plans in Connecticut, you’ve probably heard the terms Medicare Advantage and Medigap. They both help cover healthcare costs—but they work very differently. Choosing the right one depends on your health needs, lifestyle, and budget.

At Sanson Insurance, we specialize in helping Connecticut residents understand their options clearly and confidently. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key differences, pros and cons, and typical costs of Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans in Connecticut.

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What Is Medicare Advantage?

Also known as Part C, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans combine your Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage into one plan—and often include Part D (prescription drug coverage) too.

✅ Benefits of Medicare Advantage:

• All-in-one coverage (hospital, doctor, and often prescriptions)
• May include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness memberships
• Many plans offer $0 monthly premiums
• Annual out-of-pocket maximum for medical expenses
• ⚠️ Things to Consider:
• You must use providers in the plan’s network
• Referrals may be required to see specialists
• Costs vary based on usage (copays, coinsurance)
• Plans can change annually

Medicare Advantage CT Snapshot (2025):

• Over 60 plans available in Connecticut
• Average monthly premium: $20.03
• Top-rated providers include Aetna and UnitedHealthcare

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What Is Medigap?

Medigap (also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance) helps cover costs that Original Medicare doesn’t—like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

These plans are sold by private insurance companies and work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A & B). You can also pair it with a separate Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.

✅ Benefits of Medigap:

• Predictable out-of-pocket costs
• No provider networks—see any doctor that accepts Medicare
• Great for those who travel often or need consistent medical care
• Plans are standardized and don’t change year to year

⚠️ Things to Consider:

• Higher monthly premiums compared to Medicare Advantage
• Doesn’t include Part D—you’ll need to add a separate drug plan
• You must enroll during your Medigap open enrollment period to avoid medical underwriting

Medigap Plans Connecticut Snapshot (2025):

• 12 standardized plan types (Plan G and Plan N are most popular)
• Premiums vary, but typically range between $100–$250/month
• Guaranteed issue rights apply in certain situations (like losing employer coverage)

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Side-by-Side Comparison

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Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medigap depends on:

• Your budget and how much predictability you want in healthcare costs
• Whether your doctors are in-network
• How often you travel or need specialist care
• Your prescription drug needs

If you’re unsure which direction to go, working with a licensed Medicare advisor in Connecticut—like the team at Sanson Insurance—can make the process simple and stress-free.

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Final Thoughts: Get Help from a Trusted Medicare Advisor in CT

Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all—and choosing the right plan can be overwhelming. At Sanson Insurance, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you compare Medicare Advantage and Medigap options in Connecticut. We’ll walk you through your choices and help you find the plan that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.

👉 Schedule your free Medicare review today and feel confident about your plan.