After one’s initial enrollment period, in most states it is very difficult to switch to a Medigap or Supplement. Medical underwriting is necessary and those of us with breast cancer would not be eligible. One can always downgrade to a Medical Advantage plan with no underwriting. This, along with no network or geographical restriction, made the choice obvious to me.
Additionally, if rehab is necessary after a hospital stay, there is a much wider freedom of choice with a Supplement. My friend had an Advantage Plan and was only able to find a bed in a terrible facility. My aunt had a supplement and we were easily able to secure her a spot in a top notch facility.
A Medicare Advantage Plan is less costly if you are relatively healthy and plan to only use network doctors and don’t need in patient rehab, but that can change so easily.