What it is
Medigap, also called Medicare Supplement insurance, is private insurance that may help pay some costs Original Medicare leaves behind, such as certain coinsurance, copayments and deductibles. It works alongside Original Medicare. It is not a replacement for it.
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, so a search for Plan H will not lead to a plan you can buy. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently.
Because medigap plans follow Original Medicare's rules, they generally do not add routine dental, vision or hearing benefits. Original Medicare itself usually does not cover routine checkups, cleanings, dentures, eyeglasses or hearing aids. Medigap supplements what Medicare covers, so those gaps usually remain. Official details are at Medicare.gov.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Many people with Original Medicine and a Medigap plan have handled dental and vision separately. Some buy a stand-alone dental plan, a vision plan, or a discount program. Others pay out of pocket for routine visits and keep their budget in mind for larger needs.
Some people choose Medicare Advantage instead, because many of those plans include extra benefits such as dental, vision or hearing, along with an annual out-of-pocket maximum and often lower monthly premiums. The trade-offs can include provider networks, prior authorization and copays. Medigap, by comparison, lets you see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, with no network or referrals, and offers predictable cost-sharing. Its trade-offs are generally higher monthly premiums, possible medical underwriting outside open enrollment or guaranteed issue, and a separate Part D plan for drugs. Neither path is right for everyone.
Others look at coverage they may already have, such as retiree benefits, a spouse's plan, or state or community programs. Eye exams related to certain medical conditions may be handled differently than routine exams, so it helps to ask. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can explain what may be available where you live.
How the right licensed agent may help
A Medigap agent may help you sort out what each type of coverage does and does not include. A licensed, independent agent can explain how medigap plans fit with Original Medicare, and how stand-alone dental or vision coverage might sit alongside them. An agent may also point out when a different type of plan is worth a look.
A conversation is usually relaxed and informational. You might be asked about your doctors, your prescriptions, your budget and which services matter most to you. Rules such as open enrollment, guaranteed issue and birthday or anniversary rights vary by state and change over time, so an agent may help you confirm what applies to you.
Good questions to ask include: Which dental and vision services would I still pay for myself? How would a separate drug plan work with this Medigap plan? How do the trade-offs compare with Medicare Advantage for my situation? Do I need to worry about medical underwriting? Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
The bigger picture
Dental, vision and hearing care are closely tied to daily comfort, eating well, staying independent and feeling confident. When those needs go unmet because of cost worries, it can affect both health and peace of mind. Thinking about them early may help you plan with fewer surprises.
Choosing coverage is a personal decision, and every approach has strengths. Some people value freedom to see any Medicare provider, while others value built-in extras. If you are also looking for care providers, Providers.plus may be one place to explore. Take your time and ask questions.
Keep in mind
- Medigap plans generally do not cover routine dental, vision or hearing care.
- Stand-alone dental or vision coverage is a separate product with its own rules, so read the details carefully.
- Enrollment rules vary by state and change over time. Confirm current rules with Medicare.gov, your SHIP, or a licensed agent.
- This page is education only, not insurance, legal, tax or medical advice, and 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
Does Medigap cover dental and vision?
Generally, no. Standardized medigap plans do not include routine dental or vision care. They are designed to help with certain Original Medicare cost-sharing, not to add new benefit categories. Confirm details with Medicare.gov or a licensed agent.
Does Medigap Plan G cover dental and vision?
No, Medigap Plan G does not generally cover routine dental or vision. Plan G helps with certain Original Medicare cost-sharing, but it does not add extra benefits like cleanings, dentures or eyeglasses. Many people pair it with separate coverage if they want those services.
Does Original Medicare cover dental and vision?
Usually not for routine care. Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental checkups, dentures, eyeglasses or contact lenses. Some limited situations may differ, so check Medicare.gov for the current rules.
How can I get dental and vision coverage with Medigap?
People often add a separate dental or vision plan, use a discount program, or pay out of pocket. Some use coverage from a former employer or a spouse. A Medigap agent may help you compare these options. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover dental and vision?
Many Medicare Advantage plans include some dental, vision or hearing benefits, but it varies by plan. These plans also tend to use networks and may require prior authorization or copays. Review each plan's details before deciding.
Is Plan H a Medigap plan that covers dental or vision?
No. Plan H was discontinued and is not sold today, and it did not include dental or vision either. Only Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N (and high-deductible Plan G) are sold to people newly eligible for Medicare.
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.