There are two primary options for receiving Medicare benefits beyond Original Medicare: a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare supplement plan, also known as a Medigap plan. While both plans offer additional benefits, a Medigap plan may be the better option for some individuals. Here are 10 reasons why someone should choose a Medicare supplement over a Medicare Advantage plan.

1. More provider options: Medigap plans allow individuals to choose any provider who accepts Medicare, which can be especially helpful if you have a preferred doctor or specialist. In contrast, Medicare Advantage plans typically have a network of providers, limiting your choices for healthcare. Doctors may also decide to leave a plans network which can complicate keeping your doctors.
2. No network restrictions: Medigap plans allow individuals to receive care from any provider in the United States that accepts Medicare, making it easier to get care when traveling or when away from home. In contrast, Medicare Advantage plans may have network restrictions, limiting your ability to receive care outside of your service area.
3. Predictable out-of-pocket costs: Medigap plans have higher monthly premiums but offer lower out-of-pocket costs when you receive healthcare services. This can make it easier to budget for healthcare expenses and avoid surprise bills. In contrast, Medicare Advantage plans may have lower monthly premiums, but they often have higher out-of-pocket costs, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
4. No referrals needed: Medigap plans do not require referrals to see specialists, giving you the freedom to choose any specialist you need without having to get approval from your primary care physician. This can be especially helpful if you have a complex medical condition that requires multiple specialists.
5. No copayments or coinsurance for Medicare-covered services: Some Medigap plans cover all costs associated with Medicare-covered services, which can save you money in the long run, especially if you have high healthcare needs.
6. Standardized coverage: Medigap plans are standardized across all insurers, which means that the coverage offered by each plan is the same across all insurers. This ensures that your coverage will not change from year to year, and you can easily compare plans and choose the one that best fits your needs.
7. No surprises: Coverage with Medigap plans does not change from year to year, ensuring that you always know what your coverage will be and can plan accordingly.
8. Ability to change plans: You can switch to a different Medigap plan any time of the year if your needs change or if you find a plan that better fits your needs. Although, you may need to pass underwriting with the new company.
9. Additional coverage: Medigap plans cover some costs that Medicare Advantage plans do not, such as foreign travel emergency coverage and expand coverage for some services such as hospitalization and skilled nursing. 
10. Simplicity: Medigap plans are easier to understand than Medicare Advantage plans, which can have complex benefit structures and networks. With Medigap, you simply pay your monthly premium, and the plan covers the rest of the costs.

In conclusion, while Medicare Advantage plans may work well for some individuals, a Medigap plan may be the better choice for those who value flexibility, predictable costs, and stable coverage. With a Medigap plan, you have more provider options, no network restrictions, predictable costs, and standardized coverage, making it easier to get the care you need without worrying about surprise bills or network limitations.