What it is
Medicare supplement insurance is a type of policy sold by private insurance companies. It works alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). It is designed to help with some out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves to you.
Medigap plans are standardized and labeled with letters. 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 available only 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.
Medigap is not the same as Medicare Advantage. A Medigap policy pairs with Original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage replaces it with a private plan. Medigap also does not usually include drug coverage, so many people add a separate Part D plan. Routine dental, vision and hearing are generally not part of Medigap either.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Many people first look at Medigap when they turn 65 or enroll in Medicare Part B. This is often when a special open enrollment period applies. Rules about timing differ by state and change over time, so it helps to confirm what applies to you.
Traditionally, people choose between two broad paths. Some pair Original Medicare with a Medigap policy and a separate drug plan. Others choose a Medicare Advantage plan, which often has lower monthly premiums, a yearly out-of-pocket maximum and extra benefits, but uses networks and may require prior authorization.
Medigap's strengths include the ability to see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare, no networks or referrals, and fairly predictable cost-sharing. Its trade-offs include generally higher monthly premiums and possible medical underwriting if you apply outside open enrollment or a guaranteed issue period. Neither path is right for everyone.
How the right licensed agent may help
A licensed agent who works with Medigap may help you sort through the letter plans and understand how they differ. A conversation is usually relaxed and informational. You are never expected to decide on the spot.
An agent may ask about your health needs, the doctors you see, your travel habits and how you feel about monthly costs versus surprise bills. They may also ask when you became eligible for Medicare, since that can affect which plans are available to you.
Good questions to ask include: Which plans are available in my state? How does underwriting apply to me? What would I need for drug coverage? Are there rules about my enrollment timing? Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information, or connect with a Medigap agent who can walk through your situation.
The bigger picture
Choosing health coverage is about more than paperwork. Worry about unexpected medical bills can weigh on sleep, mood and daily comfort. Many people find that understanding their options brings a sense of calm and control.
Take your time and involve people you trust. If you are also looking for care providers, Providers.plus may be one place to explore. Your wellbeing matters as much as the plan details, and no single approach is right for everyone.
Keep in mind
- This page is education only. It is not insurance, legal, tax or medical advice.
- 1-800-MEDIGAP is independent and is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Official information is at Medicare.gov.
- Enrollment rules, guaranteed issue rights 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.
- Costs vary by carrier, state and age, and no plan can be promised as best or guaranteed to save money.
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 medicare supplement insurance?
Medicare supplement insurance is private insurance that may help pay some costs Original Medicare does not, such as certain deductibles and coinsurance. It is also called Medigap. It works only with Original Medicare, not with Medicare Advantage.
Is medicare supplement insurance the same as Medicare Advantage?
No, they are different. Medigap pairs with Original Medicare and generally lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that often has lower premiums and extra benefits but may use networks and prior authorization.
Which medicare supplement plans can I buy today?
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, and high-deductible F, are only for 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 work differently.
When can I sign up for medicare supplement insurance?
Many people have a special open enrollment period when they first have Part B, often around turning 65. Other rights, such as guaranteed issue, may apply in certain situations. Rules vary by state and change, so confirm with Medicare.gov, your SHIP, or a licensed agent.
Does medicare supplement insurance cover prescription drugs?
Generally no. Medigap policies sold today do not include drug coverage. Many people add a separate Medicare Part D plan, and a Medigap agent may help explain how the pieces fit together.
Does medicare supplement insurance cover dental, vision and hearing?
Generally no. Medigap focuses on cost-sharing for Original Medicare-covered services and does not usually include routine dental, vision or hearing. Some people look at separate coverage for these. 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.