What it is
Medigap is also called Medicare Supplement insurance. Private companies sell it. It may help pay some costs that Original Medicare does not pay, such as certain deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.
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 Plan 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. People still search for Plan H, but it is not available to new buyers. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently, so their plans do not follow the same lettered system.
How it’s traditionally been approached
People often compare Medigap plans by looking at how much of the cost-sharing each letter covers. Plan G and Plan N are two commonly discussed choices. Plan G is known for broad coverage, and Plan N generally involves some cost-sharing at the time of care.
Plans K, L and M share costs with the policyholder in other ways. Plans A, B and D offer more basic or middle-range coverage. Many people weigh how much predictability they want against how much monthly premium they are comfortable with.
Some people also compare Medigap with Medicare Advantage. Medigap may let you see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, with no network or referrals, and its cost-sharing is 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 coverage. Medicare Advantage 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 is a licensed professional who may help you line up the plan letters side by side. A conversation is generally relaxed. The agent may ask about your doctors, how often you use care, your health needs, your budget and your comfort with cost-sharing.
Questions you might ask include which letters are available to you based on when you became eligible for Medicare. You could ask how your state handles open enrollment and guaranteed issue. You could also ask how premiums may change over time and which companies sell the letter you are considering.
An agent may also explain how a separate Part D drug plan fits in. Agents cannot promise acceptance, savings or a "best" plan. They may help you understand your options so you can decide with more confidence. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
The bigger picture
Choosing a plan can feel heavy. Health coverage touches your finances and your peace of mind. Some people value knowing what to expect. Others prefer to keep monthly costs low. Both choices are reasonable.
Taking your time and asking questions may help you feel steadier about the decision. If you are also looking for care providers, Providers.plus is one place to explore. Caring for your overall wellbeing includes feeling secure in how you will handle health costs.
Keep in mind
- This page is education only. It 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. Official information is at Medicare.gov.
- Open enrollment, guaranteed issue, birthday or anniversary rules and under-65 access vary by state and change over time. Confirm current rules with Medicare.gov, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or a licensed agent.
- Premiums and costs vary by carrier, state and age, so get current details before deciding.
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
How do I compare Medigap plans?
Compare Medigap plans by looking at which benefits each letter covers, then at the premiums and rules in your state. Standardized letters make this easier because the basic benefits are the same across companies in most states. A Medigap agent may help you check what is available to you.
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 people who became eligible before January 1, 2020. Availability can vary by state, so confirm with Medicare.gov, your SHIP or a licensed agent.
What is the difference between Medigap Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G generally covers more of the cost-sharing that Original Medicare leaves, while Plan N generally involves some cost-sharing when you receive care. Plan N may have a different monthly premium than Plan G. A Medigap agent can explain how the two compare for your situation.
Can I still get Medigap Plan F or Plan C?
Only if you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. High-deductible Plan F follows the same rule. People who became eligible later can look at other letters, such as Plan G.
Is Medigap Plan H still available?
No. Plan H was discontinued and is not sold today, along with Plans E, I and J. If you already have one of these plans, you may be able to keep it. Ask the company or a licensed agent about your options.
Is Medigap better than Medicare Advantage?
Neither is better for everyone. Medigap may offer any-provider access nationwide and predictable cost-sharing, but premiums are generally higher and drugs need a separate Part D plan. Medicare Advantage often has lower premiums, an out-of-pocket maximum and extra benefits, but it can involve networks, prior authorization and copays.
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.