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i.

Medicare Supplement.

Also called Medigap · Plan G · Plan N · Plan F
Get a Medigap quote

Medicare Supplement plans — also known as Medigap — work alongside Original Medicare to cover the deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that Medicare itself doesn't pay.

They're sold by private insurance companies and standardized by the federal government, which means Plan G from one carrier covers exactly the same things as Plan G from another carrier. The only difference between carriers is price, customer service, and rate stability. That's what makes shopping Medigap so important — and where an independent agent earns their keep.

  • Predictable costs After your monthly premium, most Plan G policies leave you with only an annual Part B deductible and nothing else.
  • See any doctor that takes Medicare No networks. No referrals. If a provider accepts Medicare, your Medigap policy works there — anywhere in the country.
  • Stable, portable coverage Your plan moves with you across state lines. Premiums increase over time, but the coverage doesn't change.
  • Pair with a Part D drug plan Medigap doesn't include prescription coverage. We help you select a separate Part D plan that matches your medication list.
Best for

People who want maximum predictability, the freedom to see any doctor that takes Medicare, and don't mind paying a monthly premium in exchange for very low out-of-pocket costs.

ii.

Medicare Advantage.

Also called Medicare Part C · MA Plans · MAPD
Get an Advantage quote

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are all-in-one alternatives to Original Medicare, sold by private insurance carriers. They bundle hospital (Part A), medical (Part B), and usually prescription drug coverage (Part D) into a single plan.

Most Medicare Advantage plans also include extras Original Medicare doesn't cover — dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships, and over-the-counter benefits. Many plans have a $0 monthly premium, though you continue to pay your standard Part B premium. The trade-off is networks and prior authorizations — your access depends on what plan you choose.

  • Bundled coverage One card, one plan covering hospital, medical, and usually prescriptions — instead of multiple separate policies.
  • Extra benefits Many plans include dental, vision, hearing aids, gym memberships (SilverSneakers), and OTC allowances.
  • Annual out-of-pocket maximum Unlike Original Medicare, every Medicare Advantage plan has a yearly cap on what you'll spend on covered services.
  • Network considerations HMO and PPO plans have provider networks. We verify your doctors and specialists are in-network before you enroll.
Best for

People who want lower (or zero) monthly premiums, value extra benefits like dental and vision, and are comfortable with provider networks and managed care.

iii.

Prescription Drug Plans.

Also called Medicare Part D · PDP · Drug Plans
Get a Part D quote

Standalone Medicare Part D plans cover prescription drugs for people on Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement. (If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, prescription coverage is usually built in.)

Every Part D plan has its own formulary — the list of drugs it covers and what tier each drug is on. Two plans with similar premiums can have wildly different costs for the same prescription. We run your medication list through plan formularies before recommending one, so you don't enroll in a plan that doesn't cover your drugs well.

  • Drug-specific comparisons We input your actual medication list and compare total annual cost — not just the monthly premium.
  • Pharmacy preferences Plans have preferred pharmacies. We confirm your pharmacy is preferred (or that you're willing to switch) before enrolling.
  • Late enrollment penalties Avoiding Part D can trigger lifetime penalties. We help you understand if you need to enroll or can defer with creditable coverage.
  • Annual review Formularies change every year. We review your Part D every October to make sure it's still the best fit.
Best for

Anyone on Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement who needs prescription drug coverage — which is most people. Even if you don't take medications now, enrolling on time avoids future penalties.

Supplement vs. Advantage at a glance.

A side-by-side overview. We'll walk you through the full picture on a call.

Feature Medicare Supplement Medicare Advantage
Monthly premium Higher (often $100–$200+) Often $0, plus Part B premium
Doctor choice Any provider that takes Medicare In-network providers (HMO/PPO)
Referrals required No Usually yes (HMO plans)
Out-of-pocket costs Very low — predictable Variable up to annual maximum
Prescription coverage Add a separate Part D plan Usually included
Dental, vision, hearing Not included Often included
Coverage when traveling Nationwide — anywhere Medicare is accepted Usually limited to plan service area
Switching plans later May require medical underwriting Open enrollment each fall

Frequently asked questions.

What does it cost to work with you?
Nothing. We're paid by the insurance carriers when a client enrolls — not by you. Our compensation is the same regardless of which plan you choose, which keeps our advice unbiased.
I'm new to Medicare. When should I start looking?
Your Initial Enrollment Period starts three months before the month you turn 65 and runs for seven months total. We recommend starting conversations about four to six months ahead of your 65th birthday — it gives you time to understand your options without pressure.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to a Supplement plan later?
Yes, but with caveats. Outside of your initial Medigap open enrollment window (when you first become eligible), most states allow Medicare Supplement carriers to require medical underwriting — meaning they can decline coverage or charge more based on health history. This is one of the most important conversations to have before choosing your initial coverage.
Will my doctors take the plan you recommend?
For Medicare Supplement plans, any provider that accepts Original Medicare will accept your Medigap plan. For Medicare Advantage, networks matter — we verify your specific doctors and specialists are in-network before you enroll, not after.
What happens after I enroll?
You remain a client. We handle billing questions, claims issues, and provider questions throughout the year. Every fall during Annual Enrollment (October 15 – December 7), we review your plan to make sure it's still the best fit for the upcoming year — plans and formularies change every year.
Are you affiliated with the government or Medicare?
No. Direct to Consumer Insurance Services, LLC is a private, independent insurance agency. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
How many carriers do you represent?
We are appointed with multiple carriers offering Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Prescription Drug Plans in our service areas. We do not represent every plan available in your area — for a complete list of all options, you can contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).