At Maple Valley Insurance Group, we pride ourselves on our Medicare expertise. We’ve been working with seniors on Medicare for over two decades. We’ve been through all the changes and have developed a seasoned approach to advising and insuring our clients.
This page is not designed to be all-encompassing. Questions not answered here can be found elsewhere on this website or by simply contacting us for a free consultation.
What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Medicare Supplement Insurance, otherwise known as Medigap insurance, can help pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare approves. With Original Medicare, you are responsible for copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Original/Traditional Medicare will pay 80% of approved charges, while any Medigap policy you purchase is there to help pay the remaining 20%. The specifics depend on the plan you select—the more complete plans will close more “gaps.”
Some Medigap policies also offer coverage for services that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like medical care when traveling outside the U.S. If you have Original Medicare and buy a Medigap policy, Medicare pays its share of the Medicare-approved amount, then your Medigap policy pays its share.
A Medigap policy is different from a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you select Part C of Medicare, you’re electing to leave Original Medicare and replace it with a privatized Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicare Advantage (Part C) healthcare is managed by a private insurance carrier. Important: Medicare Supplements only work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
Important Things to Know About Medicare Supplement Coverage
- If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can apply for a Medigap policy—but make sure you can leave your Advantage Plan before your Medigap policy begins.
- You pay a monthly premium to a private insurance company for your Medigap policy, in addition to the monthly Part B premium you pay to Medicare.
- A Medigap policy covers one person. If you and your spouse both want Medigap coverage, we’ll set up two separate policies.
- All standardized Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable—even if you have health problems. As long as you pay your premiums, the company cannot cancel your policy.
Feeling overwhelmed by Medicare? We’re here to help. Call 269-244-3420 or schedule a free consultation today.
Contact us to learn more about the right Medicare Supplement Insurance coverage for you.
Click here to download your 2025 Medicare & You Guide.
What To Know About Medicare Advantage Plans
MA or Medicare Advantage (Part C) is not run by Medicare itself—it is outsourced. A private health insurance carrier will manage your care by providing the benefits outlined in the plan you purchase. Because these plans are not standardized under Medicare, the insurer can also offer additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
That said, do not assume these plans are always superior. You should consult with a health insurance professional to discuss the pros and cons.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
| Feature | Medigap (Supplement) | Medicare Advantage (Part C) |
|---|---|---|
| Uses Original Medicare | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Provider Choice | ✅ Any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide | ⚠️ Typically limited to local networks |
| Out-of-Pocket Limit | ❌ No limit (but 100% coverage possible) | ✅ Annual cap on spending |
| Extras (Dental, Vision, etc.) | ❌ Not included | ✅ Often included |
| Referrals Required? | ❌ No | ✅ Often required |
How Do I Get More Information About My Medicare Options?
How can we help you with your Medicare blues? Give us a call at 269-244-3420. Let’s have a conversation.
We’ll get you pointed in the right direction.
We offer local support for residents in Southwest Michigan, including in-person meetings by appointment.
If you’re located elsewhere, a phone call or online video chat is always an option—we help clients across the country.
Either way, we’re here to help you navigate your Medicare options.
Medicare can feel overwhelming, but you’ve come to the right place. We have the two E’s—expertise and experience—to guide you every step of the way. We’ve been helping people like you for over 25 years.
On this website, we provide educational articles about Medicare and private insurance products. We also offer free consultations to help you decide what coverage fits your needs best.
Let’s Make Medicare Simple.
We’ve guided thousands of seniors across the U.S. toward the right Medicare coverage. We can do the same for you.