• What is the difference between Medicare Supplements (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage?

You must have Part A & Part B to purchase a Medicare Supplement.  A Medicare Supplement is a plan that you buy from an insurance company that will pay what original Medicare Part A & B doesn’t pay.

A Medicare Advantage plan, frequently called a “Part C”, depending on where you live, is very inexpensive or may cost nothing at all.  Medicare Advantage is combined with the insurance plan, as is your Part D coverage (prescriptions).  You may pay one flat premium, and then pay co-pays at the time of service, up to an out of pocket maximum 

• Do Medigap policies differ from carrier to carrier?

No, every medigap policy with each carrier must follow federal and state laws designed to protect you.  It is identified as a Medicare supplement insurance.  supplement plans a-n offer basic benefits but some offer additional benefits, so you can chose which fits your needs best.  No matter what carrier you choose, Plan F is Plan F, plan g is plan g .  In the states of Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, Medigap policies are standardized in a different way.

•  Why are premiums different between each carrier for the same plan?

premiums differ from carrier to carrier for the same exact plan because each provider underwrites differently.  Some providers may be more lenient on health conditions then others.  These differences in underwriting requirements lead to the many variations in premiums from the carriers.