Medicare Supplement · Medigap
Fill the gaps in Original Medicare.
Original Medicare doesn't cover everything — you pay deductibles, coinsurance and copays, with no yearly cap. A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan helps pay your share, and you can see any provider that accepts Medicare.
- Any provider that takes Medicare
- Standardized plans
- No cost to compare
The basics
How Medicare Supplement plans work
Works with Original Medicare
You need Medicare Part A and Part B. Medigap helps pay your share of costs after Medicare pays its part.
Standardized by letter
Most states offer 10 plan types named by letter: A–D, F, G and K–N. The same letter has the same basic benefits from every company — price and service are what differ.
Massachusetts, Minnesota, Wisconsin
These states standardize Medigap plans differently. We'll explain the options if you live there.
Drug coverage is separate
Medigap plans sold today don't include prescription coverage. Most people add a Part D drug plan.
Plan G vs. Plan N at a glance
| Topic | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part B deductible | You pay it | You pay it |
| Part B coinsurance | Covered | Covered, except copays up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that don't lead to admission |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Part A deductible and hospital coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
Timing matters
When to buy a Medigap plan
Best time
Medigap Open Enrollment
The 6 months starting the first day of the month you're 65 or older and signed up for Part B. Companies can't use your health to deny you or charge you more.
After that
Health questions may apply
Outside your open enrollment, your options may be limited and the policy may cost more unless you have a guaranteed issue right.
Leaving an Advantage plan
Guaranteed issue rights
Certain situations, like some moves from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, give you a protected window to buy specific Medigap plans.
Medigap FAQ
What does a Medicare Supplement plan cover?
It helps pay your share of costs in Original Medicare, like deductibles, coinsurance and copays. What's covered depends on the plan letter.
Can I have Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
No. Medigap only works with Original Medicare. It's illegal for anyone to sell you a Medigap policy if you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, unless you're switching back to Original Medicare.
Is Plan G the same with every company?
The benefits are standardized, so Plan G covers the same things from every company in most states. Premiums and customer service differ, which is why comparing companies matters.
When is the best time to buy?
During your Medigap Open Enrollment Period: the 6 months starting the month you're 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. After that, you may have to answer health questions.
Does Medigap include drug coverage?
No. Medigap plans sold today don't cover prescriptions, so most people pair a Medigap plan with a Part D drug plan.
Sources
Last reviewed by a licensed agent. Figures change each year — confirm current amounts at the sources above.
Compare Medigap plans in your ZIP.
Licensed agents · Same plan, different prices · No cost to you.