What it is
Medigap plans are private insurance policies that help pay some costs Original Medicare leaves behind. Those can include deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. You must have Medicare Part A and Part B to buy one.
Medigap plans are standardized by letter. Only Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N (and high-deductible Plan G) are sold to people newly eligible for Medicare. Plans C and F (and high-deductible F) are available only to people who became eligible before January 1, 2020. Plans E, H, I and J were discontinued and are not sold today, even though people still search for Plan H. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently.
Medigap does not usually include drug coverage, and it does not cover routine dental, vision or hearing. People who want drug coverage often add a separate Part D prescription drug plan. Official Medicare details are at Medicare.gov.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Many people start by learning about their Initial Enrollment Period. It generally surrounds the month you turn 65. Enrolling in Part A and Part B is a first step, and Social Security or Medicare.gov can explain how to do that.
Medigap has its own timing. Many states give a limited open enrollment window once you are 65 and have Part B. During that window, companies generally cannot use medical underwriting to turn you down. Outside it, a company may ask health questions. Rules vary by state and change over time.
Many people compare Medigap with Medicare Advantage. Medigap offers the freedom to see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare, with no network or referrals, and predictable cost-sharing. Its trade-offs are generally higher monthly premiums and a separate Part D plan. Medicare Advantage often has lower premiums, an annual out-of-pocket maximum, extra benefits and drug coverage in many plans. Its trade-offs include networks, prior authorization and copays. Both are real options.
How the right licensed agent may help
A Medigap agent is a licensed professional who can explain how these pieces may fit your situation. Agents who work with people turning 65 may help you understand the order of steps and the dates that apply in your state. They can't promise a result, and you decide what's right for you.
A conversation is generally relaxed. You may be asked about your birthday, your doctors, how you use care, and which medicines you take. Many agents also explain how Plan G and Plan N are traditionally described, and how a Part D plan may work alongside Medigap.
Good questions to bring include: When does my enrollment window start and end? When does my Medigap open enrollment begin in my state? What happens if I wait? Which plans are sold to me, given when I became eligible? Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
The bigger picture
Turning 65 can feel like a lot of paperwork at once. Worry about surprise bills or missed deadlines can weigh on sleep and mood. Having a clear timeline may bring some peace of mind.
Health and finances are connected. Some people also find it helpful to line up their care team early, and Providers.plus may be one place to explore. Take your time, ask questions, and choose what feels right for you.
Keep in mind
- Deadlines are real, and missing one may affect your options, so confirm your dates early.
- Open enrollment, guaranteed issue and similar rules vary by state and change over time. Confirm them with Medicare.gov, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), or a licensed agent.
- No plan is best for everyone. Medigap and Medicare Advantage each have strengths and trade-offs.
- This page is education only, not insurance, legal, tax or medical advice. Costs vary by carrier, state and age.
Licensed agents who often help
Get matched privatelyCall 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information
Frequently asked questions
What should I do before turning 65 to get ready for Medicare and medigap plans?
Start by learning your Medicare enrollment window, which generally surrounds your 65th birthday month. Then think about whether you want Original Medicare with Medigap or another approach. Confirm dates with Medicare.gov, your SHIP, or a licensed agent. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
When can I buy medigap plans after turning 65?
It depends on your state, but many states offer a limited Medigap open enrollment period once you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During that time, companies generally can't use health questions to decline you. Check your state's current rules with Medicare.gov or your SHIP.
Do I need Part B before I can buy a Medigap plan?
Yes. You generally need both Medicare Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy. Because timing rules can be tricky, confirm your own situation with Medicare.gov, Social Security or a licensed agent.
Which Medigap plan letters can I get if I'm newly eligible?
Newly eligible people can generally choose from Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N, plus high-deductible Plan G. Plans C and F are only for people who became eligible before January 1, 2020. Plan H and Plans E, I and J were discontinued and aren't sold today. Some states, including Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin, standardize differently.
Do medigap plans cover prescription drugs?
Medigap plans generally do not cover prescription drugs. Many people add a separate Part D prescription drug plan. A Medigap agent can explain how the two may work together.
Is Medigap or Medicare Advantage better when turning 65?
Neither is best for everyone. Medigap offers any-provider access nationwide among those accepting Medicare, no networks or referrals, and predictable cost-sharing, but generally higher premiums and a separate drug plan. Medicare Advantage often has lower premiums, an out-of-pocket maximum and extra benefits, but uses networks and may require prior authorization.
Educational resource. 1-800-MEDIGAP shares general information and connects people with independent licensed agents. It is not professional advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your own situation.