What it is
Medigap is private insurance that may help pay some costs Original Medicare does not cover, such as certain deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. It is also called Medicare Supplement insurance. You must have Medicare Part A and Part B to use it.
Medigap plans are labeled with letters. Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N (and high-deductible Plan G) are sold to people who are 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, so Plan H cannot be bought now.
Each lettered plan covers the same basic benefits no matter which company sells it. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently, so plans there look different. Prices and some rules vary by company and state. Official information is at Medicare.gov.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Many people start by asking what they want from a plan. Some want fewer surprise bills. Others prefer a lower monthly premium and are comfortable with more cost-sharing. Comparing the letter plans side by side is a common first step.
Medigap is often compared with Medicare Advantage. Medigap may let you see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, with no network or referrals, and its cost-sharing is generally predictable. Trade-offs can include generally higher monthly premiums, possible medical underwriting outside open enrollment or guaranteed issue, a separate Part D plan for drugs, and no routine dental, vision or hearing.
Medicare Advantage has strengths too. It often has lower premiums, an annual out-of-pocket maximum, extra benefits and drug coverage in many plans. Its trade-offs can include networks, prior authorization and copays. Neither approach is right for everyone.
How the right licensed agent may help
A Medigap agent may help you sort through the options without pressure. Licensed agents can often explain the plan letters, show which companies sell in your area and describe how each handles rate changes over time. They may also explain how your enrollment timing could affect your choices.
A conversation is usually a simple chat. You might share your doctors, your prescriptions, your budget and your travel habits. The agent may then walk you through plans that could fit. You decide what, if anything, to do next.
Good questions to ask include: Which plan letters are sold to me? How might my timing affect acceptance? How has this company handled rate increases? What does this plan not cover? Do I need a separate drug plan? Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
The bigger picture
Choosing a plan is about more than paperwork. Worry about medical bills can weigh on sleep, mood and daily comfort. A plan that fits your life may help you feel more at ease about seeing the doctors you trust.
Take your time and ask for help if you need it. Feeling rushed rarely leads to a good decision. If you are also looking for care providers, Providers.plus may be one place to explore.
Keep in mind
- Open enrollment, guaranteed issue and birthday or anniversary rules vary by state and change over time. Confirm current rules with Medicare.gov, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), or a licensed agent.
- No plan is guaranteed to be best, and acceptance is never guaranteed, especially if medical underwriting applies.
- This page is educational only and is not insurance, legal, tax or medical advice.
- 1-800-MEDIGAP is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
Take the next step
- Talk with a Medigap agent ↗Jeff Cline on contacts.plus — a person, not a call center.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Medigap plan for me?
It depends on your health needs, budget, location and comfort with cost-sharing. No one plan is best for everyone. A licensed agent may help you compare the plan letters sold in your area.
Which Medigap plans can I buy if I am new to Medicare?
People newly eligible for Medicare can generally buy Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N, plus high-deductible Plan G. Plans C and F are only for those who became eligible before January 1, 2020. Rules differ in Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Is Plan H still available?
No. Plan H was discontinued and is not sold today. Plans E, I and J were also discontinued. If you already have one, you may be able to keep it.
Is Medigap better than Medicare Advantage?
Neither is better for everyone. Medigap may offer nationwide provider choice and predictable cost-sharing, but often has higher monthly premiums and needs a separate drug plan. Medicare Advantage often has lower premiums, an out-of-pocket maximum and extra benefits, but may use networks and prior authorization.
Can I switch my Medigap plan later?
Often you can try, but rules vary by state and situation. Outside certain windows, a company may use medical underwriting and could decline an application. Check with Medicare.gov, your SHIP or a licensed agent.
How can a Medigap agent help me choose?
A Medigap agent may explain plan letters, show which companies sell in your area and describe how timing could affect your options. They may also answer questions about rate changes. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
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.