Can You Have Medicare Advantage and a Medicare Supplement at the Same Time?

If you're trying to get the most coverage possible, you may be wondering: Can I enroll in both a Medicare Advantage (MAPD) plan and a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan? It’s a smart question — but the answer is clear:

No, You Cannot Have Both at the Same Time

Medicare doesn’t allow you to be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement plan simultaneously. Here’s why:

Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces your Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
Medigap (Supplement plans) only work with Original Medicare, not with Medicare Advantage

Once you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, your Medigap plan becomes inactive and unnecessary. In fact, insurance companies are legally prohibited from selling you a Medigap plan if you’re already enrolled in Medicare Advantage.

What’s the Best Way to Be “Fully Covered”?

That depends on your personal situation, medical needs, and budget. Here are your two main options:

Option 1: Medicare Advantage (MAPD Plan)

These are all-in-one plans that include:

Hospital and medical coverage (Parts A & B)
Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
Extra benefits like dental, vision, transportation, OTC cards, and more

You’ll have:

Lower monthly premiums (some $0 plans available)
Copays when you use services
An annual maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit to protect you financially

Great choice if you want convenient, bundled benefits and live in an area with good provider networks.

Option 2: Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D

This combo gives you:

Nationwide access to any doctor who accepts Medicare
A Medigap plan (like Plan G) that pays most or all of Medicare’s deductibles and coinsurance
A separate Part D plan for prescription drug coverage

Ideal if you want freedom to travel, low out-of-pocket medical costs, and predictable expenses — even if it means paying a bit more monthly.

Quick Recap

FeatureMedicare Advantage (MAPD)Medigap + Original Medicare

Monthly Premium	Usually lower	Usually higher
Network	Local providers	Any Medicare provider nationwide
Prescription Drugs	Included	Add separate Part D
Dental/Vision/Extras	Included in many plans	Not included
Travel Coverage	Limited to U.S. regions	Nationwide
Out-of-Pocket Limit	Annual MOOP	Minimal with Plan G