What it is
Medigap is a type of health insurance sold by private companies. It works alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Depending on the plan, it may help with certain out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves to you, such as deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.
Medigap plans are identified by 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, even though people still search for Plan H.
Medigap is not Medicare, and 1-800-MEDIGAP is not Medicare either. We are an independent, privately run educational directory. We are not Medicare.gov, CMS, Social Security or any government agency, and we are not endorsed by the U.S. government. Official Medicare information is at Medicare.gov. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently from other states.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Many people first meet Medigap when they turn 65 or start Medicare Part B. They often compare it with Medicare Advantage, which is another way to receive Medicare benefits. Neither path is right for everyone.
Medigap's real strengths are that you may see any provider in the country who accepts Medicare, with no network and no referrals needed. Its cost-sharing is also standardized by plan letter, which many people find predictable. The trade-offs are that monthly premiums are generally higher, and outside certain enrollment windows a company may use medical underwriting. Drug coverage requires a separate Part D plan, and routine dental, vision and hearing are generally not included.
Medicare Advantage has strengths too. Premiums are often lower, there is an annual out-of-pocket maximum, many plans include drug coverage, and some offer extra benefits. Its trade-offs include provider networks, prior authorization and copays. Some people weigh these differences by thinking about their health, budget, travel habits and doctors.
How the right licensed agent may help
A Medigap agent is a licensed professional who may help you understand how the plan letters differ. For example, people often ask about Medigap Plan G and Medigap Plan N and how each shares costs. An agent may also explain how your timing, such as turning 65 and first-time enrollment, can affect your options.
A conversation is generally relaxed. An agent may ask which doctors and hospitals you use, whether you travel, how you take medications, and how you feel about costs that vary versus costs that are steady. They may then explain which plans are available where you live.
Good questions to ask include: Which plan letters are available to me? Is my open enrollment period active, and do guaranteed issue rights apply? Will I need medical underwriting? How do I add Part D drug coverage? Which companies sell plans in my state? Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
The bigger picture
Choosing health coverage is about more than paperwork. For many people, knowing how medical bills may be handled brings peace of mind, and worry about surprise costs can affect sleep, stress and how freely someone seeks care. Taking time to understand your options may help you feel more settled.
It can help to look at the whole picture: your health, your budget, your family and your comfort with change. If you are also looking for care, Providers.plus may be one resource for finding providers. There is no single right path, and each approach can work well for the right person.
Keep in mind
- This page is insurance education only, not insurance, legal, tax or medical advice.
- 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.
- Premiums and costs vary by carrier, state and age, so ask for current details instead of relying on general information.
- An agent may help you explore options, but acceptance and savings are never guaranteed.
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 Medigap?
Medigap is private insurance that may help pay some costs Original Medicare does not, such as deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. It is also called Medicare Supplement insurance. It works only alongside Original Medicare, not with Medicare Advantage.
Is Medigap the same as Medicare?
No. Medicare is the federal program, while Medigap is sold by private insurance companies. 1-800-MEDIGAP is an independent educational site and is not Medicare.gov, CMS or any government agency. Official information is at Medicare.gov.
What does Medigap cover?
It depends on the plan letter you choose. Medigap generally helps with some of the cost-sharing in Original Medicare. It generally does not include drug coverage or routine dental, vision and hearing, so many people add a separate Part D plan.
Which Medigap plans can I buy?
People newly eligible for Medicare can buy Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N, plus high-deductible Plan G. Plans C and F are only for those eligible before January 1, 2020. Plans E, H, I and J are discontinued. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize plans differently.
When can I sign up for Medigap?
Many people sign up during a Medigap open enrollment period tied to starting Part B. Outside that window or guaranteed issue rights, a company may use medical underwriting. Rules vary by state and change, so confirm with Medicare.gov, your SHIP or a licensed agent.
How can a Medigap agent help me?
A Medigap agent may explain plan letters, enrollment timing and which companies sell in your state. They can also help you compare Medigap with Medicare Advantage fairly. 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.