What it is
A Medicare supplement company is a private insurer that sells Medigap plans. Medigap helps pay some costs Original Medicare leaves behind, such as certain deductibles, copays and coinsurance.
In most states, Medigap plans are standardized by letter. Plans sold to people newly eligible for Medicare are A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N, plus high-deductible Plan G. Plans C and F (and high-deductible F) are only available to people who became eligible before January 1, 2020. Plans E, H, I and J were discontinued and are not sold today. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently.
Because a given letter plan covers the same basic benefits no matter who sells it, the differences between companies tend to be elsewhere. These may include how the premium is priced, how rate changes have been handled, customer service, claims handling, and any extras the company offers.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Many people have traditionally started by choosing the plan letter that fits their needs and budget. Then they compare companies offering that same plan. Others begin with a company they already know from home, auto or life insurance.
Common things to look at include the company's financial strength ratings from independent rating services, how long it has sold Medigap, and complaint information that your state insurance department may share. Some people also ask friends, family or a trusted professional about their experiences.
Pricing method is another traditional point of comparison. Companies may set premiums in different ways, such as based on age at enrollment or current age, and premiums can change over time. Rules, discounts and available plans vary by state, so it helps to confirm details for where you live.
How the right licensed agent may help
A Medigap agent may help you compare companies side by side for the plan letter you are considering. An independent agent may be able to show options from more than one company, though which companies are available can vary by state and agent.
A conversation is generally straightforward. You may be asked about your location, your doctors, your health needs and your budget. You can ask how the company prices premiums, how rate increases have been handled, and whether any underwriting applies to you.
Good questions to bring: Is this a plan I can enroll in during my open enrollment or guaranteed issue period? How do household or other discounts work? How does the company handle claims and customer service? Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information. A licensed agent may help, but cannot promise acceptance or savings.
The bigger picture
Choosing a company can feel like a big, long-term decision. It touches your finances, your access to care and your peace of mind. Taking time to learn the basics may help you feel steadier about the choice.
Worry about future medical bills can weigh on well-being. Many people find that knowing who to call, and having questions written down, eases the stress. If you are also looking for health professionals, Providers.plus may be one place to explore.
Keep in mind
- Medigap works with Original Medicare. It is different from Medicare Advantage, which has its own strengths, such as often lower premiums, an annual out-of-pocket maximum, extra benefits and drug coverage in many plans, along with trade-offs like networks, prior authorization and copays.
- Medigap's strengths include use of any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, no networks or referrals, and predictable cost-sharing. Trade-offs 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.
- 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.
- This page is education only, not insurance, legal, tax or medical advice. Official Medicare information is at Medicare.gov.
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 choose a Medicare supplement company?
Start by deciding which plan letter fits your needs, then compare companies offering that plan. Look at financial strength, how premiums are priced, service reputation and complaint information. A Medigap agent may help you compare options in your state.
Are Medigap plans the same from every company?
In most states, a plan with the same letter offers the same basic benefits from every company. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently. Companies can differ in pricing, service and available extras.
Should I just pick the company with the lowest premium?
Not necessarily. Premium matters, but so do how the company raises rates over time and how it handles service and claims. Comparing the full picture may help you make a steadier choice.
Can I switch Medicare supplement companies later?
Often yes, but you may face medical underwriting unless you have open enrollment or a guaranteed issue right. These rules vary by state and change over time. Confirm current rules with Medicare.gov, your SHIP or a licensed agent.
What should I ask a Medicare supplement company or agent?
Ask how premiums are set, how past rate changes have been handled, whether underwriting applies to you, and what discounts exist. Also ask about claims and customer service. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
Is 1-800-MEDIGAP the same as Medicare?
No. 1-800-MEDIGAP is an independent, privately run educational directory. It is not Medicare.gov, CMS, Social Security or any government agency, and it is not endorsed by the federal Medicare program.
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.