Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, are policies designed to help cover the out-of-pocket expenses left by Medicare, such as deductibles and coinsurance.
Medicare Supplemental Insurance, often referred to as Medigap, is a private insurance plan that works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B). It helps cover some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t fully pay. Here’s a closer look at what Medigap is and how it functions:
Medicare Supplement Comparison Chart
Different Medicare Supplement plans are labeled with a different letter between A through N.
Medicare Supplements feature different benefits. However, each plan must have the same standardized coverage no matter which insurance company you purchase the plan from.
Some Medicare beneficiaries want a plan that covers everything so they don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses. Others simply want some of their deductibles and copays paid for but are mostly worried about low premiums. Ultimately, the choice is up to you.
Medicare Supplemental Plan F has the highest level of coverage. It pays for all of your cost-sharing on covered services so you have no out-of-pocket expenses.
Medicare Supplemental Plan G is the second-best in terms of coverage. The only thing not covered is that you still pay the Part B deductible once per year. This keeps your Medigap premium lower and, in turn, may save some beneficiaries some money in the long run.
1. Medigap Open Enrollment Period
When It Starts:
● Begins when you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B.
● Lasts for six months from the first day of that month.
Why It’s Important:
● You have guaranteed issue rights—insurers can’t deny coverage or charge higher rates due to health.
● You can pick any available Medigap plan in your area.
2. Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
When They Apply:
● Losing employer-sponsored coverage (e.g., retirement or job changes).
● Moving to a different state with new Medigap options.
Why It Matters:
● You may qualify for coverage without higher premiums or denial, depending on your situation.
3. Guaranteed Issue Rights
When They Apply:
● Your insurer cancels your Medigap plan.
● Your Medicare Advantage plan exits Medicare.
● You try a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time but switch back to Original Medicare.
Why It Matters:
● Protects you from being denied or charged more due to pre-existing conditions.
4. Switching Medigap Plans
● You can apply for a new Medigap plan anytime.
● Outside of Open Enrollment or an SEP, medical underwriting may apply, affecting approval and pricing.
5. Enrollment Tips
● Apply Early: Enroll as soon as you’re eligible to avoid restrictions or higher costs.
● Compare Plans: Choose a plan that meets your healthcare needs and budget.
Call us today!
If you have questions about enrolling in a Medigap plan, our licensed agents are ready to assist. We’ll create a timeline for your Medicare benefits and guide you through enrollment when you're eligible. With our support, you'll never miss an enrollment period.
A Medicare Supplement plan helps pay for costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Some plans also cover excess charges and emergency care while traveling abroad.
Most Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help cover Medicare deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. However, some plans may still have out-of-pocket costs, like the Part B deductible (except for older Plans C and F) or copays under Plan N.
No, Medigap does not cover prescription drugs. You’ll need a separate Medicare Part D plan for drug coverage.
Medigap helps pay your Medicare costs, like copays and deductibles. Medicare Advantage is a private plan that replaces Medicare and may include extra benefits, but you must use its network of doctors.
All Medigap plans are standardized, meaning each plan (like Plan G or Plan N) has the same benefits no matter which insurance company sells it. The only difference is the price.
We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area, and any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please get in touch with Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.
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