Medicare 101
Understanding Medigap
Learn how Medicare Supplement Insurance can help with certain out-of-pocket costs from Original Medicare.
The Basics
What Is Medigap?
Medigap is private Medicare Supplement Insurance that works alongside Original Medicare. It may help pay some of the deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments that Original Medicare does not cover.
Policies are standardized in most states, but premiums, availability, and benefits can vary. A Medigap policy covers one person and generally does not include prescription drug coverage.
Before You Enroll
Key Medigap Considerations
The right time to consider Medigap often depends on your Medicare enrollment timing, health needs, budget, and coverage preferences.
Enrollment Timing
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period lasts six months. It starts the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. This window matters because insurers generally must sell you any Medigap policy they offer, cannot use your health history to deny coverage, and cannot charge you more because of pre-existing health conditions. After it ends, you may face medical underwriting, higher premiums, or fewer choices unless you qualify for a protected situation. Learn more from Medicare.gov.
Monthly Premiums
You pay a monthly Medigap premium in addition to your Medicare Part B premium. Costs can vary by insurer, location, age, and pricing method.
Plan Availability
Most states standardize Medigap plans by letter, so a Plan G from one company has the same basic benefits as Plan G from another company, though premiums and service can differ. Plan G generally covers many of Original Medicare’s cost-sharing amounts after you pay the Part B deductible. Plan N can have a lower premium but may include copayments for some office and emergency room visits and does not cover Part B excess charges. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently, so compare the rules in your state. Compare plan benefits on Medicare.gov.
Medicare Advantage
You cannot use a Medigap policy with a Medicare Advantage Plan. Outside your Open Enrollment Period, insurers may use medical underwriting in many states, which can affect whether they accept your application and what you pay. You may have guaranteed-issue rights in certain situations, such as losing qualifying coverage or when a Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area; these rights can let you buy certain Medigap policies without underwriting. Review guaranteed-issue rights on Medicare.gov.