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@kathyjjb thanks for clarifying that. Good to know. I just found this article which is informative so sharing the info.
Medicare Advantage. This is a private insurance alternative to original Medicare. These plans provide Part A, Part B and usually Part D benefits. They also may offer some benefits that original Medicare doesn’t, such as dental or vision care.
Medicare Advantage plans generally have a provider network, like the health maintenance organization (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs) offered in many workplaces. They may charge more or may not cover care for out-of-network doctors and hospitals, except in emergencies.
Some Medicare Advantage plans require a referral from a primary care physician before they will cover specialist care. The plans are required to limit the amount of money you pay in copayments, deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses, not counting premiums, each year. In 2024, the maximum out-of-pocket limit is $8,850 for care in your plan’s network, excluding prescription drug cost sharing, but some plans have lower caps.
You are not allowed to have a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap policy at the same time.
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@rmoore901 If I am not mistaken that out of pocket limit of $8,850 is an annual amount and that is why if you can do the Medigap (Supplemental) you, in a way, are paying that in small increments as you go along each year via the premiums. However, ..........if you go into the hospital for a few days one year and then the next year you would be ahead with the Medigap Policy vs having to pay the Advantage Plan Premiums each month plus the $8,850 every year as an out of pocket expense. In a sense there is less paperwork also with the Medigap...With the Advantage Plan if you feel you might need to keep track of what you have paid out each year under the Advantage Plan....meaning keeping track of the out of pocket expenses amount paid out under the Advantage Plan to make sure all is correct.
I pay my small Medicare Deductible, Medicare Premium and Medigap Premiums and then after that I don't give a thought about it afterwards in terms of co-pays, tracking paperwork and payouts.
Hope this makes sense to you and others.
Barbara