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

Almost every Medicare decision comes down to this fork. Neither one is the right answer for everybody — it depends on your doctors, your prescriptions, your travel, and your tolerance for surprise bills. Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Original Medicare plus a plan that pays most of what Medicare doesn’t. Any doctor who takes Medicare, anywhere in the country. Drug coverage bought separately. Higher monthly premium. Very predictable costs when you use care. No networks and no referrals. Medicare Advantage (Part C): A private plan that replaces Original Medicare, usually with drug coverage and extras built in. Uses a network, and your county determines what’s available. Lower or $0 monthly premium. Copays as you go, capped each year. Network matters — we check your doctors first.

When is Medicare Annual Enrollment?

Oct 15 – Dec 7. Change your Advantage or Part D plan for next year. This is the busy one — call us in September.

When is Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment?

Jan 1 – Mar 31. Already on an Advantage plan and it isn’t working? You get one switch in this window.

When is my Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare?

Your 65th. Three months before your birthday month through three months after. Late Part B enrollment carries a lifetime penalty.

TTY 711 · Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm Mountain

Medicare, in the order you need it.Medicare, explained in the order you actually need it.

Start with your situation. We’ll tell you what decisions are in front of you and which deadlines are real.Start with the situation you’re in. We’ll tell you what decisions are in front of you, which deadlines are real, and what happens if you wait.

Prefer to just talk it through? Call (970) 840-1250 — we’re glad to help.

Book a free 30-min review Have us call you

Start here, then call us with the rest

Free 60-minute review

Have your doctors, your prescriptions, and any recent mail ready. We will sort it with you over the phone or on video.

See open times Have us call you

$0 to you. Carriers pay our commission, and it is built into the premium whether you use a broker or not.

Which sounds like you?Which of these sounds like you?

I’m turning 65I’m turning 65
Your one clean shot at a Medigap plan without health questions happens now.
Your one clean shot at a Medigap plan without health questions happens now. Here’s the seven-month window and what to do inside it.
Turning 65 guide →Start the Turning 65 guide →
I’m retiring after 65I’m retiring after 65
Forms your employer signs, and a clock that starts the day you leave.
You delayed Part B while you were working. There are forms your employer has to sign, and a clock that starts the day you leave.
Leaving employer coverage →Leaving employer coverage →
On Medicare through disabilityI’m on Medicare through disability
Colorado has specific rules about supplement plans offered to you under 65.
Under 65 and on SSDI. Colorado has specific rules about what supplement plans must be offered to you — most people aren’t told this.
Medicare under 65 →Medicare under 65 →
Medicare and Medicaid bothI have Medicare and Medicaid both
You may qualify for extra help with premiums and drug costs.
You may qualify for extra help with premiums and drug costs, and for plans built specifically for dual-eligible members.
Dual-eligible options →Dual-eligible options →

Supplement or AdvantageThe two roads: Supplement or Advantage

Almost every Medicare decision comes down to this fork. Neither one is the right answer for everybody — it depends on your doctors, your prescriptions, your travel, and your tolerance for surprise bills.

MedigapMedicare Supplement (Medigap)

Higher premium, very predictable costs, any doctor who takes Medicare.

Original Medicare plus a plan that pays most of what Medicare doesn’t. Any doctor who takes Medicare, anywhere in the country. Drug coverage bought separately.

Higher monthly premium
Very predictable costs when you use care
No networks and no referrals

How Medigap works in Colorado →

AdvantageMedicare Advantage (Part C)

Lower or $0 premium, copays as you go, network matters — we check your doctors.

A private plan that replaces Original Medicare, usually with drug coverage and extras built in. Uses a network, and your county determines what’s available.

Lower or $0 monthly premium
Copays as you go, capped each year
Network matters — we check your doctors first

How Advantage plans work →

Before we can talk about specific Medicare Advantage or Part D plans with you, CMS requires a signed Scope of Appointment. It takes about a minute and you can read what it covers.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 7 organizations which offer 45 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.

Dates that matter

All enrollment periods →

Oct 15 – Dec 7
Annual Enrollment
Change your Advantage or Part D plan for next year. This is the busy one — call us in September.
Jan 1 – Mar 31
Advantage Open Enrollment
Already on an Advantage plan and it isn’t working? You get one switch in this window.
Your 65th
Initial Enrollment
Three months before your birthday month through three months after. Late Part B enrollment carries a lifetime penalty.

Who you’ll talk to

Three licensed advisors. No call center.

Tina, Lexi, and Evan are each licensed for Medicare and for individual & family plans, and all of them work every plan Grove carries. Book with whoever is free — that person will know both sides of your situation.

Meet the team