Medicare Advantage is similar to individual or group (employer) insurance. They can be either HMO or PPO. This means they use provider networks. They have copays and a Maximum Out Of Pocket (MOOP). Just because a provider takes Original Medicare, it does not mean they will take the MA plan.
Medigap (aka Medicare Supplement) plans are linked to Original Medicare. Any provider who accepts Original Medicare accepts the Medigap. This is useful if you travel often. Plans G, N, and F-HD are the most popular now. The letters represent different levels of coverage. The Plan G from any insurance company will have the same benefits. They only difference is premium and customer service. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage and need to be combined with a Part D plan for drug coverage.
Medigap plan F (no deductible) used to be popular but it will no longer accept new enrollees starting in 2020. That means those remaining will become older and sicker causing the premium to rise to cover those costs. Healthy people in F are already switching to G, N, or F-HD while they can still pass the medical underwriting.
