As Medicare continues to evolve in 2025, many beneficiaries are reevaluating their coverage options. One common question is: Can you have both a Medicare Advantage and a Supplement Plan at the same time? Understanding how these plans work—and their limitations—is key to making the right decision for your health and finances.
Understanding the Difference Between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans
To answer the question, we first need to distinguish between the two:
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): An all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare, these plans are offered by private insurers and often include Part A, Part B, and sometimes Part D (prescription drug coverage). They may also offer extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.
- Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap): These plans work with Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to help pay out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
Can You Have Both a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Supplement Plan?
No, you cannot have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement plan at the same time. It is illegal for an insurance company to sell you both policies simultaneously. The Medicare system is structured so that:
- Medigap only works with Original Medicare.
- Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare.
Therefore, if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan in 2025, you are not eligible to use a Medigap policy. If you wish to use Medigap, you must disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare.
What Is the Best Part D Plan for 2025?
While plan availability and pricing vary by state and ZIP code, some national insurers continue to offer highly-rated Part D plans. The best Part D plan for 2025 depends on your personal medication needs, preferred pharmacies, and monthly premium budget. Key features to compare include:
- Monthly premium
- Annual deductible
- Drug formulary (list of covered medications)
- Pharmacy network and preferred pricing
Be sure to use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov to compare drug coverage options in your area.
What Is the Biggest Disadvantage of the Medicare Advantage Plan?
Although Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits and often lower premiums, they come with some drawbacks:
- Restricted Provider Networks: You may have to choose doctors and hospitals within your plan’s network.
- Prior Authorizations: Many services require pre-approval, delaying access to care.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: While out-of-pocket maximums are capped, costs can still add up—especially for those with chronic conditions.
- Limited Flexibility When Traveling: Emergency coverage is typically available nationwide, but routine care outside the plan’s service area may not be covered.
These disadvantages make Medicare Advantage less appealing for individuals who want broader provider access or plan to travel frequently.
Is There a Donut Hole in 2025?
Yes, the Medicare Part D coverage gap, commonly known as the “donut hole,” still exists in 2025, but it works differently than it used to. In 2025:
- After you and your drug plan spend a certain amount ($5,030 in total drug costs), you enter the coverage gap.
- You’ll pay no more than 25% of the cost of both brand-name and generic drugs during the gap.
- Once your out-of-pocket spending reaches the catastrophic coverage threshold ($8,000 in 2025), you exit the donut hole, and Medicare pays most drug costs.
The Inflation Reduction Act is gradually phasing in more cost control measures, but the donut hole still impacts many Medicare beneficiaries in 2025.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering your options for Medicare in 2025, remember:
- You must choose between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement + Original Medicare—you can’t have both.
- Evaluate your health, budget, and coverage preferences to determine which plan structure best suits your needs.
- Review your options annually during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) to make any necessary changes.
For expert help comparing plans and understanding your choices, reach out to a licensed Medicare advisor or visit Medicare.gov.
