What it is
Medigap and Medicare supplement are two names for the same kind of coverage. "Medigap" is the common nickname. "Medicare Supplement Insurance" is the more formal name. Both refer to policies sold by private insurance companies.
These plans work alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Original Medicare leaves some costs to you, such as deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. A Medigap plan may help pay some of those shared costs, depending on the plan letter you choose.
Plans are labeled with letters. 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. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently. Medigap is not the same as Medicare Advantage, and it does not include drug coverage.
How it’s traditionally been approached
People have long used Medigap to add predictability to Original Medicare. Many like knowing that standardized plan benefits are the same from one company to the next, even though the carriers differ.
Some people compare Medigap with Medicare Advantage. Medigap offers the freedom to see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, with no network or referrals, and fairly predictable cost-sharing. Its 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.
Medicare Advantage has its own strengths. Plans often have lower premiums, an annual out-of-pocket maximum, extra benefits, and drug coverage in many cases. Trade-offs can include provider networks, prior authorization and copays. Neither path is right for everyone. Many people start with Plan G or Plan N, then weigh their health, budget and travel habits.
How the right licensed agent may help
A Medigap agent is a licensed professional who may help you sort out the terms and compare plan letters. A conversation is usually relaxed. The agent may ask about your doctors, your health needs, your budget and when you became eligible for Medicare.
Good questions to bring include: Which plan letters are available to me? Do I have an open enrollment window or guaranteed issue rights in my state? Will I need medical underwriting? How do I add a separate Part D drug plan? An agent may also explain how different carriers set their rates, without promising any result.
Rules on open enrollment, guaranteed issue and birthday or anniversary windows vary by state and change over time. You can confirm current rules with Medicare.gov, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), or a licensed agent. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
The bigger picture
Health coverage is about more than paperwork. Knowing what you may owe after a doctor visit can bring real peace of mind. Confusion over terms like Medigap and Medicare supplement can add stress at a time when you would rather focus on your health.
Taking your time, asking questions and involving someone you trust may help you feel steady about the decision. If you are also looking for care providers, Providers.plus may be one place to explore. Every approach has value, and the right fit depends on your life.
Keep in mind
- Medigap and Medicare supplement are usually the same thing, so you only need to compare the plan letters and carriers.
- Medigap works only with Original Medicare. It does not work with a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Medigap does not include drug coverage, so you may need a separate Part D plan.
- This page is insurance education only, not insurance, legal, tax or medical advice. Official 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 the same as Medicare supplement?
Yes, in most cases the two terms mean the same thing. Medigap is the nickname for Medicare Supplement Insurance. Both describe private plans that may help pay some costs Original Medicare leaves behind.
What is the difference between Medigap vs Medicare supplement plans?
There is generally no difference in the coverage. The names are used interchangeably by agents, insurers and consumers. What matters more is the plan letter and the carrier you compare.
Is Medigap the same as Medicare Advantage?
No. Medigap works with Original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits through a private plan. You generally cannot use both together. Each has strengths and trade-offs worth weighing.
Which Medigap plan letters can I buy today?
It depends on when you became eligible for Medicare. Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N (and high-deductible Plan G) are sold to people newly eligible. Plans C and F are for people eligible before January 1, 2020. Plan H and other older letters are discontinued.
Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?
No. Medigap plans sold today do not include drug coverage. People who want it usually add a separate Medicare Part D plan. A Medigap agent may help explain how the two fit together.
When can I sign up for a Medicare supplement plan?
Many people sign up during a Medigap open enrollment period tied to Medicare Part B. Rules differ by state and can change, and outside certain windows you may face medical underwriting. Confirm current rules with Medicare.gov, your SHIP, or a licensed agent. 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.