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We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 5 organizations which offer 30 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) TTY: 711, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Compare Medicare Advantage and Medigap supplement plans side-by-side. Understand the key differences to make the best coverage decision for your healthcare needs in Lakeland, Florida.
When you enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you face an important decision: Do you add Medicare Advantage or Medigap coverage?
These are two completely different approaches to Medicare coverage. You cannot have both at the same time. Understanding the difference is critical for Lakeland residents choosing their Medicare path.
Bottom line: Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with private insurance, while Medigap supplements Original Medicare to cover gaps. Let's break down what this means.
| Feature | Medicare Advantage | Medigap + Original Medicare |
|---|---|---|
| How It Works | Replaces Original Medicare | Supplements Original Medicare |
| Monthly Premium | Often $0 (plus Part B) | $100-$300+ (plus Part B) |
| Doctor Choice | Network restrictions | Any doctor accepting Medicare |
| Out-of-Pocket Max | Yes (annual limit) | Varies by plan (some cover all costs) |
| Referrals | Often required (HMO plans) | Not required |
| Drug Coverage | Usually included | Must buy separate Part D |
| Extra Benefits | Often includes dental, vision, hearing | Medicare benefits only |
| Travel Coverage | Limited outside service area | Nationwide (some plans cover foreign travel) |
| Can Change Annually | Yes, easily | Difficult (medical underwriting after initial period) |
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. When you enroll in Medicare Advantage, you still have Medicare, but you get your benefits through the private plan instead of directly from Medicare.
Medigap is supplemental insurance sold by private companies that works alongside Original Medicare. Medicare pays its share of approved costs first, then your Medigap policy pays its share according to your plan. The result is little to no out-of-pocket costs when you receive care.
It depends on your healthcare usage:
Yes, but it's not always easy. You can switch during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15-Dec 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1-Mar 31). However, getting Medigap coverage requires passing medical underwriting unless you qualify for guaranteed issue rights.
Important for Lakeland residents: Medigap insurance companies in Florida can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health after your initial enrollment period. This is why choosing correctly the first time matters.
Yes, this is much easier. During the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15-Dec 7), you can drop your Medigap policy and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan without any medical questions. Your Medigap coverage will automatically end when your Medicare Advantage plan starts.
Warning: If you try Medicare Advantage and want to go back to Medigap, you'll face medical underwriting. Don't switch lightly.
Within the first 12 months of joining your first Medicare Advantage plan, you have a one-time right to switch to Medigap Plan A, B, C, F, K, or L without medical underwriting. This "trial right" gives you a safety net if Medicare Advantage isn't working for you.
No. It's actually illegal for an insurance company to sell you a Medigap policy if you have a Medicare Advantage plan. You must choose one or the other. If you have both somehow, one will need to be canceled.
Lakeland has a relatively concentrated healthcare market:
If your doctors are affiliated with these systems, Medicare Advantage networks are generally adequate. If you see specialists at Tampa hospitals (like Moffitt Cancer Center or Tampa General), Medigap offers more flexibility.
Many Lakeland Medicare beneficiaries spend summers in other states or travel frequently. If this describes you, Medigap's nationwide coverage without networks is usually the better choice. Medicare Advantage plans typically limit coverage outside their service area to emergency care only.
While Medigap premiums are higher, consider your total annual healthcare spending. If you're taking multiple medications, seeing specialists regularly, or have chronic conditions, the predictability of Medigap can actually save money compared to Medicare Advantage copays that add up throughout the year.
Medicare Advantage is best for people who want low premiums, don't mind networks and referrals, and are comfortable with copays when they need care. It's an excellent choice if you're generally healthy and your doctors are in-network.
Medigap is best for people who value freedom of choice, want predictable costs, travel frequently, or have ongoing health issues that require regular care. It costs more monthly but provides peace of mind and eliminates most out-of-pocket expenses.
The right choice depends on your health, budget, doctors, and lifestyle. There's no universally "better" option—just the better option for YOU.
As independent brokers in Lakeland, we can show you both Medicare Advantage and Medigap options side-by-side. We'll help you compare based on your doctors, medications, and budget—completely free.
Compare Your Options with an ExpertNo pressure, no cost. We're here to help you make an informed decision.
The Bumgardner Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency serving Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Mulberry, Plant City, and all of Polk County, Florida. We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. Max Bumgardner is licensed to sell insurance in Florida (License: G033810, NPN: 20824488).