If you were to ask me “What direction should I go, Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplemental? My honest answer for most people would be Medicare Advantage and I want to explain exactly why.
I’m not saying Medicare Advantage is right for everyone. I’ve helped plenty of people in Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler go with a Medicare Supplement plan and they’re happy. But when I look at what most people need and want at 65, Medicare Advantage plans are the answer.
First, a Quick Reminder About How Medicare Works
When you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare, you get Part A (hospital and inpatient coverage) and Part B (doctor visits and outpatient care). Together they cover about 80% of your costs. The other 20% is your responsibility. And there’s no cap on what you could owe in a bad year.
Both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement exist to fill that gap. They just do it differently. Medicare Advantage changes how you receive your Medicare benefits, while Medicare Supplement works alongside Original Medicare and pays after Medicare does.
So Why Do I Usually Recommend Medicare Advantage?
1. The Monthly Cost
Most Medicare Advantage plans here in Arizona are $0 or very low monthly premium. Compare that to a Medicare Supplement plan, which typically runs $100–$200+ per month on top of your Part B premium and Part D premium. For someone on a fixed income, that difference adds up fast and for people who are generally healthy, they end up coming out ahead.
2. You Get Extra Benefits Built In
This is one of the biggest reasons people love Medicare Advantage. Most plans include dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships, Over the counter debit cards, and transportation benefits that Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement don’t cover at all. For any insurance plan having these extra benefits are a huge deal, especially because they add no extra cost.
3. Drug Coverage Is Included
Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage. With a Medicare Supplement plan, you’d need to buy a separate standalone Part D plan which would mean another premium, another card, another plan to manage. Medicare Advantage keeps it simple.
4. There’s a Cap on What You Can Spend
Every Medicare Advantage plan has a Maximum Out-of-Pocket limit. They have a wide range but generally staying around $5,000. Once you hit that number in a given year, the plan covers 100% of your costs for the rest of the year. Original Medicare alone has no such cap. That protection matters especially if something unexpected happens.
What to Be Aware Of
I always make sure people understand the trade-offs. Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks, which means you need to check that your doctors are within the network. Some plans require referrals to see specialists, and certain procedures may need prior authorization. These aren’t deal breakers for most people, but they’re worth knowing upfront.
What I See Here in Mesa and the East Valley
Medicare Advantage plans in this area are very competitive. We have strong carrier options with $0 premiums and solid networks including Banner and Dignity Health. Most people I work with are able to keep their current doctors and pay little to nothing out of pocket month to month.
That said, “most people” does not mean everyone. My job isn’t to push any specific plan but it’s to help you figure out which one actually fits your situation. Sometimes that’s Advantage. Sometimes it’s Supplement. And I’ll tell you honestly either way.
One Thing You Should Know Before Your 65th Birthday
When you first enroll in Medicare Part B, you have a 6-month window to sign up for a Medicare Supplement plan without any medical underwriting this means you can’t be denied or charged more because of health conditions. Once that window closes, you may face underwriting if you ever want to switch.
That’s why it’s worth having this conversation before you turn 65, not after. You want to make the right call when all your options are on the table.
Ready to See What’s Available in Your Area?
I help people turning 65 compare every Medicare Advantage plan available in their zip code — at no cost to you. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just a straightforward conversation about what makes sense for your doctors, your prescriptions, and your budget.
Call me at 480-296-5804 or fill out the form and I’ll reach out at a time that works for you.
Andy Childs is a licensed Medicare broker based in Mesa, Arizona.