Medicare Supplement
Medicare Supplement vs. Advantage Orlando 2026: The $202.90 Part B Question
By IM65 Editorial Team · April 7, 2026 · 6 min read
Quick Answer: For 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month, which must be paid regardless of whether you choose a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) or a Medicare Advantage plan. With a Medicare Supplement, you pay this Part B premium plus the Medigap premium, offering broader provider choice and generally lower out-of-pocket costs when receiving care. In contrast, Medicare Advantage plans also require the Part B premium, but often have lower additional monthly premiums (sometimes $0) and may include extra benefits, though they typically operate with network restrictions and an annual out-of-pocket maximum.
Choosing between Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a big decision for anyone turning 65 or looking to change their coverage. Here in Orlando, and across Central Florida, understanding your options is key to making an informed decision for your health and budget. Let's break down Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage in 2026, focusing on a common question about the Part B premium.
Understanding the Basics: Original Medicare and Your Choices
First, let's remember what Original Medicare includes:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): Helps cover inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): Helps cover doctors' services, outpatient care, home health services, durable medical equipment, and preventive services.
You pay a monthly premium for Part B, and for 2026, this standard premium is $202.90 per month. This is a crucial number to keep in mind, as it affects the cost of both Original Medicare and many Medicare Advantage plans.
When you have Original Medicare, you can choose to either stick with it and add a Medicare Supplement plan, or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan. You cannot have both at the same time.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Filling the Gaps
Think of Medicare Supplement, often called Medigap, as a helpful add-on to Original Medicare. It doesn't replace your Original Medicare; instead, it helps pay for some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves behind. These "gaps" can include things like:
- Deductibles
- Copayments
- Coinsurance
How it works for you in Orlando:
With a Medigap plan, you continue to use Original Medicare (Parts A and B). You can see any doctor or go to any hospital in the country that accepts Medicare. This offers great flexibility, especially if you travel frequently or have a doctor you really want to keep.
Medigap plans are standardized, meaning Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N are the same no matter which insurance company you buy them from. However, the monthly premiums can vary by company. For 2026, you'll still need to pay your Part B premium of $202.90, plus the premium for your chosen Medigap plan. These premiums can range from around $100 to over $300 per month, depending on the plan and your age.
Medicare Advantage (Part C): An All-in-One Option
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare. These plans bundle your Part A and Part B coverage into one plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage (Part D) and may offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like dental, vision, and hearing services.
How it works for you in Orlando:
When you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, you generally use doctors and hospitals within that plan's network. This means you might need referrals to see specialists, and your choices may be more limited than with Original Medicare.
The good news is that Medicare Advantage plans have an annual out-of-pocket maximum. This means there's a limit to how much you'll have to pay for covered healthcare services in a year. For 2026, the maximum out-of-pocket limit for Medicare Advantage plans can be up to $9,250, but individual plans often set lower limits.
Many Medicare Advantage plans have very low monthly premiums, often around $0 or a small amount in addition to your Part B premium. In Orange County, Florida, the average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans in 2026 is projected to be around $8.45, with many $0 premium options available. You still have to pay your Part B premium of $202.90, but the plan's premium is often much lower than a Medigap premium.
The $202.90 Part B Question: What It Means for You
The $202.90 Part B premium is something you'll pay regardless of whether you choose Original Medicare with a Supplement plan or a Medicare Advantage plan.
- With Medicare Supplement: You pay the $202.90 Part B premium PLUS the monthly premium for your Medigap plan. This often results in higher monthly costs but predictable, lower out-of-pocket expenses when you need care.
- With Medicare Advantage: You pay the $202.90 Part B premium PLUS the monthly premium for your Medicare Advantage plan (which is often very low or $0). This typically results in lower monthly costs but potentially higher out-of-pocket expenses when you use healthcare services, up to the plan's maximum.
Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
Both Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans typically do not include prescription drug coverage. If you choose one of these paths, you'll likely need to enroll in a separate Part D drug plans.
Medicare Advantage plans often include Part D coverage built right in. For 2026, there's an out-of-pocket cap for prescription drugs under Part D at $2,100 per year. This means after you spend $2,100 on covered drugs, your plan pays 100% for the rest of the year.
Making the Choice: Supplement vs. Advantage
Here’s a simple way to think about which might be better for you:
| Feature | Medicare Supplement (Medigap) | Medicare Advantage (Part C) |
|---|---|---|
| How it Works | Works WITH Original Medicare (A & B) | Replaces Original Medicare (A & B) with a private plan |
| Doctor Choice | Any doctor/hospital that accepts Medicare nationwide | Usually limited to a network of doctors/hospitals |
| Monthly Premium | Higher (plus your Part B premium) | Lower (often $0 or low, plus your Part B premium) |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | Generally lower when you use care | Generally higher when you use care, up to an annual maximum |
| Prescription Drugs | Usually requires a separate Part D plan | Often included in the plan |
| Extra Benefits | None | May include dental, vision, hearing, fitness, etc. |
| Consider For... | Those who want maximum flexibility and predictable costs. | Those who want lower monthly premiums and bundled extras, and don't mind network restrictions. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B in 2026?
The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B in 2026 is $202.90.
Can I have both a Medicare Supplement plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time?
No, you cannot have both a Medicare Supplement plan and a Medicare Advantage plan simultaneously. You must choose one or the other.
What is the out-of-pocket maximum for prescription drugs in 2026?
For 2026, the out-of-pocket maximum for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D is $2,100.
Choosing the right Medicare coverage is a personal journey. Whether you're in Altamonte Springs, Orlando, or anywhere in Central Florida, understanding these differences will help you find the plan that best fits your lifestyle and healthcare needs.
Ready to explore your options? Speak with an IM65 Approved Advisor. They can help you navigate the complexities and find the coverage that's right for you.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
This article was researched and drafted with AI assistance and screened for accuracy before publication. It is general education, not a recommendation about any specific plan. For advice about your own situation, speak with a licensed advisor.