Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap in San Antonio: Which Is Right for You?
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans for San Antonio residents. Costs, networks, doctors, travel, and how to decide.
Roughly half of new Medicare enrollees nationwide pick a Medicare Advantage plan; the other half choose Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap). In San Antonio the split tilts slightly toward Advantage because of the strong local network plans, but both can be excellent — it depends on what matters most to you.
Quick comparison
- Monthly premium: Advantage plans often $0 in San Antonio; Medigap Plan G runs roughly $120–$190 at age 65 plus a Part D plan.
- Out-of-pocket max: Advantage 2026 federal max is $9,250 in-network ($13,900 combined); Medigap leaves only the Part B deductible ($257) in most years.
- Provider network: Advantage uses HMO or PPO networks; Medigap works with any U.S. doctor that accepts Medicare.
- Prescription drugs: usually built into Advantage; sold separately with Medigap.
- Extra benefits: Advantage often includes dental, vision, hearing, gym, OTC allowance; Medigap covers medical only.
- Travel: Medigap is best for snowbirds and frequent travelers; Advantage HMOs tie you to a local network.
When Medicare Advantage usually wins
Advantage is often the better fit if you live in San Antonio year-round, you're comfortable using a network, you want predictable copays and bundled extras, and you want to keep monthly premium close to $0. Bexar County has competitive plans built around Methodist, Baptist, and University Health networks.
When Medigap usually wins
Medigap is the better fit if you travel often, split time between Texas and another state, see specialists outside major networks, want maximum predictability of out-of-pocket costs, or have chronic conditions where seeing any Medicare-accepting provider matters. Plan G plus a low-cost Part D plan is the most common combination.
Three questions that almost always settle it
- Which doctors and hospital systems do you want to keep using?
- Will you spend more than 6 months a year in San Antonio?
- How comfortable are you with paying a higher monthly premium in exchange for lower variable costs?
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