Can someone with a Medicare Advantage plan purchase a Medicare Supplement plan?

Individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan are not permitted to purchase a Medicare Supplement insurance plan at the same time. Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, provide an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits. They are comprehensive plans that often combine the coverage of Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), and they may include additional benefits such as vision, dental, or wellness services.

Medicare Supplement plans, on the other hand, are designed to help cover out-of-pocket costs and gaps in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) such as deductibles and co-pays. Since Medicare Advantage plans already offer extensive coverage, having a Supplement plan alongside would not be necessary and could lead to duplication of benefits.

Therefore, the rule is clear: once someone enrolls in a Medicare Advantage plan, they cannot hold a Medicare Supplement plan simultaneously, which underscores the rationale behind the correct answer.