Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage: What North Dakotans Should Know
Turning 65 or getting on Medicare for the first time can feel overwhelming — especially when you start hearing about
Medicare Supplement and
Medicare Advantage plans. Both options can fill in the gaps that Original Medicare leaves behind, but they work very differently.
At
Moen Insurance Services, we help folks across North Dakota — from Grand Forks to Rock Lake — sort through the details so you can pick a plan that truly fits your health, lifestyle, and budget.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
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Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Reliable Coverage and Financial Peace of Mind
What it is:
A
Medicare Supplement (often called “Medigap”) plan helps pay for what Original Medicare doesn’t — like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. You keep
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) as your foundation, and your supplement helps fill the gaps.
Why North Dakotans like it:
- Freedom to choose providers: Visit any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare — no networks or referrals.
- Predictable costs: You’ll pay a monthly premium but have fewer out-of-pocket surprises.
- Guaranteed renewable: Once you’re approved and stay current on your premiums, your coverage can’t be canceled — no matter your age or health changes.
- Straightforward coverage: No referrals or pre-approvals needed — if Medicare covers it, your supplement does too.
Things to consider:
- You’ll need a separate
Part D prescription plan.
- Premiums are typically higher than Medicare Advantage, but the coverage is broader and more predictable.
- Doesn’t include extras like dental or vision.
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Medicare Advantage (Part C): All-in-One Convenience
What it is:
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans bundle your
Part A, Part B, and often Part D (prescription drug coverage) — and can include extras like
dental, vision, hearing, or fitness benefits.
Why some choose it:
- Lower monthly premiums: Many plans start at $0.
- All-in-one coverage: Medical, drug, and sometimes dental/vision together.
- Added perks: Wellness programs, fitness benefits, and more.
Things to consider:
- Network limits: Most plans use provider networks (like HMOs or PPOs).
- Variable costs: You may have copays each time you see a doctor or specialist.
- Less flexibility: You might need referrals or pre-approvals for some services.
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Which One Fits You Best?
Your SituationBest FitYou want predictable costs and coverage that stays strong year after yearMedicare SupplementYou’re comfortable staying in-network and want a lower premiumMedicare AdvantageYou prefer no surprises and want guaranteed renewability regardless of healthMedicare SupplementYou like the simplicity of one combined planMedicare Advantage
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Our Local Takeaway
There’s no right or wrong choice — just the one that fits
your lifestyle.
For example:
- A retired teacher in
Thompson who values steady, predictable coverage may prefer a Medicare Supplement.
- Someone looking for a budget-friendly monthly premium and local network may like a Medicare Advantage plan.
At
Moen Insurance Services, we walk you through the pros and cons — not a call center, not a 1-800 number — just real people who live here and care about helping you make the best choice for your situation.
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Need a Medicare Review?
We offer
free, no-obligation Medicare consultations — whether you’re new to Medicare or thinking about switching plans.
Call
Kris or Stacie Moen at
Moen Insurance Services today to schedule your Medicare review.
We’ll help you compare plans side by side so you know exactly what you’re getting — and what fits your North Dakota lifestyle best.
