You pay a higher premium, and for that the insurance company pays most if not all the medical expenses not covered by Medicare, including inpatient, outpatient, doctor visits, nursing care and more.

Does NOT include Part D prescription drug coverage- you will need to sign up for a standalone drug plan for an extra premium if you wish to have drug coverage.

Premium rates usually increase each year as you get older.

You are guaranteed to be approved, regardless of health history if you are just turning 65, or if your current plan is being discontinued.  However, if you wish to switch to another medicare supplement plan later, you may need to be underwritten again, and coverage may not be guaranteed, based on your health status.

You can apply to switch or change your supplement plan anytime.

Most plans offer a small, or even NO premium, but you will have out of pocket co-pays and co-insurance when you need medical treatment.

Many Medicare Advantage plans have Part D drug coverage built-in for little or sometimes NO extra cost, depending on the plan.

Premiums don't automatically increase each year due to age.

All pre-existing health conditions are acceptable, except for End Stage Renal Disease or if you are currently residing in a nursing home.

To provide service to you, doctors must first accept the plans terms and conditions, or be part of the plan's network (except in emergency situations).

You can sign up or switch to another Medicare Advantage plan only during the Annual Enrollment period (which falls towards the end of each year), or under special circumstances.