Do Medicare Advantage plans have networks?

Most do. It is important to check that your doctors and pharmacies participate before you enroll.

Is one option cheaper than the other?

It depends on your health, your prescriptions, and how often you use care. The lowest premium is not always the lowest total cost, so we look at the whole picture with you.

Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap -- which is right for me?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. If you travel often, see specialists regularly, or want the widest possible choice of doctors and hospitals, Medigap tends to make more sense, paired with a standalone Part D plan for prescriptions. If you prefer predictable copays, are comfortable using a plan network, and like having drug coverage bundled in, Medicare Advantage is worth a closer look. Either way, everyone keeps paying the Medicare Part B premium.

Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Which Is Right for You?

Medicare Advantage and a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) are two different ways to round out Original Medicare, and the right choice depends on your doctors, your prescriptions, your budget, and how much you travel. Retirement Resources is a local, independent St. Louis agency that walks you through both, at no cost to you, so you can decide with confidence. Call or text the Retirement Resources team at (314) 248-6500.

The short version

Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles your coverage through a private plan. Plans usually use a network of doctors and often include extra benefits. Your costs are spread across copays and an annual out-of-pocket maximum.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to help pay your share of the costs. You can see any provider who accepts Medicare, with no network, and you add a separate Part D plan for prescriptions.

How they differ

Doctor choice: Medigap lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare nationwide. Medicare Advantage generally uses a network.
Prescriptions: Drug coverage is usually built into Medicare Advantage. With Medigap you choose a standalone Part D plan.
Cost pattern: Medigap trades a monthly premium for more predictable out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Advantage often has a lower premium with costs as you use services.
Extra benefits: Some Medicare Advantage plans include extras beyond Original Medicare. Medigap focuses on covering your Original Medicare cost-sharing.
Travel: Medigap travels with you anywhere Medicare is accepted. Medicare Advantage networks are usually local.

Which tends to fit whom?

There is no single right answer, and what fits one person may not fit their neighbor. People who want maximum doctor freedom and predictable costs often lean toward Medigap. People who are comfortable with a network and like bundled extras often lean toward Medicare Advantage. The honest way to decide is to look at your own doctors, your medications, your budget, and your travel, which is exactly what we do with you, in plain English and with no pressure.

How we help -- and what it costs you

Nothing. Our help is free to you; agents are paid by the insurance carriers, and that does not change your premium. When you work with us, you get a local team that has helped thousands of families with Medicare since 2013. Your options are reviewed by our licensed insurance agents, including Katie, licensed in Missouri, Illinois, and Florida. We represent multiple major carriers, so we compare across them rather than pushing one brand.

Serving the St. Louis metro

We help Medicare-eligible adults across St. Louis City and County and the surrounding Missouri and Illinois communities -- including Chesterfield, Ballwin, O'Fallon, Wildwood, Kirkwood, Creve Coeur, and Ladue.

Frequently asked questions

Can I switch between Medicare Advantage and Medigap later?

You can change Medicare Advantage plans during the Annual Enrollment Period each fall. Moving to a Medigap plan later is sometimes possible, but it can involve medical underwriting depending on your timing and state, so it is worth planning ahead. We can walk you through your options.

Does Medigap include prescription drug coverage?

No. Medigap helps with your Original Medicare cost-sharing; you add a separate Part D plan for prescriptions. Medicare Advantage plans usually include drug coverage.