Can a beneficiary have both a Medicare Advantage plan and Medigap insurance?

A beneficiary cannot have both a Medicare Advantage plan and Medigap insurance simultaneously due to regulatory guidelines set by Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits, providing coverage that replaces the traditional Medicare services. Medigap, or Medicare Supplement insurance, is designed to fill in the gaps of traditional Medicare by covering certain out-of-pocket costs, such as co-payments and deductibles.

When a beneficiary enrolls in a Medicare Advantage plan, they effectively opt out of traditional Medicare for those services covered by the Medicare Advantage plan. Since Medigap plans are intended to supplement Medicare and not replace it, they are not compatible with Medicare Advantage coverage. This creates a clear distinction in how these plans function and ensures that beneficiaries can only choose one route for their coverage.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for beneficiaries when selecting their healthcare options, as mixing the two types of plans would not only be impractical but also against Medicare's regulations.