Why do some seniors choose Medigap over Medicare Advantage?

Andy | October 18, 2025September 1, 2026

Every fall, millions of seniors face the same decision: Medigap vs Medicare Advantage — which is right for me? Despite Medicare Advantage’s heavy marketing, a significant number of seniors deliberately choose Medigap over Medicare Advantage. Here’s why.

The Core Reason Seniors Choose Medigap Over Medicare Advantage

The fundamental difference: Medicare Advantage is cheaper at enrollment but can cost far more when you’re sick. Medigap vs Medicare Advantage comes down to predictability. With Medigap Plan G, after the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026), you pay nothing for covered services all year. With Medicare Advantage, copays, coinsurance, and prior authorizations can add up to thousands.

Why Healthcare Workers Consistently Recommend Medigap

Nurses, doctors, and hospital administrators — people who see how insurance affects patients — consistently prefer Medigap for themselves and their families. The reason: when a serious illness hits, Medicare Advantage plans frequently require prior authorization, restrict networks, and deny claims that Original Medicare would cover.

According to Medicare.gov, Medigap plans work alongside Original Medicare and cover most of the gaps Original Medicare leaves — without network restrictions or prior authorization requirements.

Five Reasons Seniors Choose Medigap Over Medicare Advantage

Any doctor, anywhere: Medigap works with any provider who accepts Medicare — no networks, no referrals
No prior authorization: Your doctor decides your care — not an insurance company algorithm
Mayo Clinic access: Mayo Clinic Arizona accepts Original Medicare and Medigap — not most Advantage plans
Predictable costs: One deductible per year, then nothing for covered services
Stable benefits: Medigap benefits don’t change annually — no ANOC to review every September

When Medicare Advantage Might Still Make Sense

If you can’t afford Medigap premiums or qualify for low-income assistance programs, Medicare Advantage may be your best available option. However, the one-way door risk remains: if you later want to choose Medigap over Medicare Advantage, you may need to pass medical underwriting.

Get a Free Comparison in Arizona

I’m Andy Orlikoff, an independent Medicare broker in Surprise, AZ. I help Arizona seniors understand the real Medigap vs Medicare Advantage tradeoffs — and I don’t sell Advantage plans.

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