What it is
Medigap Plan H was one of the standardized Medicare Supplement plans. Plans E, H, I and J were discontinued, and they are not sold to new buyers today. People still search for Plan H because older paperwork, relatives or longtime policies may mention it.
Medigap, also called Medicare Supplement insurance, is sold by private insurance companies. It is meant to help with some of the costs Original Medicare does not pay. It works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B). It is not the same as Medicare Advantage.
If you already have Plan H, the rules for keeping an existing policy can differ from the rules for buying a new one. Check your policy documents and confirm the details with your insurance company, Medicare.gov, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or a licensed agent.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Many people with a discontinued plan have simply kept it. Others have looked at current plans when their needs, budget or health changed. Both approaches are common, and neither is wrong.
Today, plans sold to people newly eligible for Medicare are Plans 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. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently.
People often compare plan letters by looking at which cost-sharing gaps each one covers and how much of the cost they would rather pay up front versus when they get care. Many also look at Medicare Advantage as another way to approach coverage. That route often has lower premiums, an annual out-of-pocket maximum and extra benefits. It also uses networks and may require prior authorization.
How the right licensed agent may help
A Medigap agent may help you work out whether your old Plan H is still in force, and what current plans could be compared to it. Agents who are licensed in your state can explain how the standardized plans line up. They may also explain what applies to your situation.
A conversation is usually a chance to talk through your doctors, your prescriptions and how you like to pay for care. Useful questions include: Which current plan letters are closest to what I have now? Would I face medical underwriting if I switched? Do I have open enrollment or guaranteed issue rights? How would I handle drug coverage with a separate Part D plan?
An agent can also describe how Medigap compares fairly with Medicare Advantage. Medigap generally lets you see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare, with no network or referrals, and has predictable cost-sharing. Its trade-offs include generally higher monthly premiums, possible underwriting, a separate drug plan, and no routine dental, vision or hearing. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
The bigger picture
Insurance choices can weigh on your mind, especially when a plan you know no longer exists. Feeling unsure is normal. Taking time to understand your options may bring more peace of mind about both your health and your finances.
Wellbeing includes knowing you can reach the care you need without worry about surprises. If you are also looking for care providers, Providers.plus may be one place to explore. Go at your own pace, and ask a trusted family member or advisor to join you if that helps.
Keep in mind
- Plan H is discontinued and is not sold today; current plan letters are different.
- Open enrollment, guaranteed issue and switching rules vary by state and change over time, so confirm them with Medicare.gov, your SHIP or a licensed agent.
- Neither Medigap nor Medicare Advantage is best for everyone. Each has real strengths and trade-offs.
- This page is insurance 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
Is Medigap Plan H still available?
No. Medigap Plan H is discontinued and is not sold today. Plans E, H, I and J are no longer offered to new buyers. A Medigap agent may help you compare the plans that are sold now.
What replaced Medigap Plan H?
No single plan replaced it. Current plans are standardized, and each has its own mix of benefits. For people newly eligible for Medicare, these are Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N, plus high-deductible Plan G. A licensed agent may help you see which ones look closest to what you had.
Can I keep my Medigap Plan H if I already have it?
Generally, people with an existing policy may be able to keep it, but you should confirm this with your insurance company. Rules can vary by state and carrier. Medicare.gov, your SHIP or a licensed agent can also help you check.
Can I buy Medigap Plan C or F instead?
Only if you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Plans C and F, and high-deductible F, are not sold to people newly eligible after that. Eligibility details are best confirmed with Medicare.gov or a licensed agent.
How do I compare current Medigap plans to Plan H?
Start by listing what your old plan covered and what you use most. Then compare plan letters side by side, since benefits are standardized across companies in most states. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin work differently. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
Is Medigap better than Medicare Advantage?
Neither is best for everyone. Medigap generally allows any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, with no network and predictable cost-sharing, but it often has higher premiums and needs a separate drug plan. Medicare Advantage often has lower premiums, an out-of-pocket maximum and extra benefits, but it uses networks and may require prior authorization.
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.