Learn More About Medicare Supplement Insurance
These plans help you pay for certain out-of-pocket costs like copayments, deductibles and coinsurance.
Nationwide coverage
No network restrictions
Keep your Medicare doctor
Less surprise Medicare bills
Medicare Supplement Resources:
Medicare Supplement Insurance, commonly known as Medigap, is a type of health insurance policy offered by private insurance companies to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay. These costs can include deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance associated with Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). While Original Medicare provides broad coverage, it doesn’t cover everything—leaving enrollees responsible for certain costs unless they have supplemental coverage.
Types of Medicare Supplement Plans:
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Plan A: Covers the most basic benefits, including Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance/copayments, and the first three pints of blood. All Medigap providers must offer Plan A.
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Plan B: Includes everything in Plan A, plus coverage for the Medicare Part A deductible. Offers slightly more protection than Plan A.
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Plan C: (Only available to those eligible for Medicare before 1/1/2020)
Covers almost all Medigap benefits, including the Part B deductible. No longer available to newly eligible beneficiaries. -
Plan D: Covers many of the same benefits as Plan C but does not include the Part B deductible. Offers solid coverage for common out-of-pocket costs.
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Plan F: (Only available to those eligible for Medicare before 1/1/2020): Offers the most comprehensive coverage, including all Medigap benefits: Part A and B deductibles, coinsurance, excess charges, and foreign travel emergency care.
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Plan G: Similar to Plan F but does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible. It's the most comprehensive plan available to new enrollees today.
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Plan K: Covers 50% of most benefits (except Part A coinsurance, which is fully covered). Has an annual out-of-pocket limit for added financial protection.
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Plan L: Covers 75% of most benefits and includes an annual out-of-pocket maximum. Offers more coverage than Plan K but still shares costs.
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Plan M: Covers most benefits and 50% of the Medicare Part A deductible. Does not cover the Part B deductible or excess charges. Typically has lower premiums.
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Plan N: Offers comprehensive coverage with lower premiums, but requires small copayments (e.g., up to $20 for office visits and $50 for ER visits). Does not cover Part B excess charges.
Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government, which means a Plan G offered by one insurance company provides the same core benefits as a Plan G from another company. However, premiums may vary based on the insurer, your location, age, and other factors. These plans are identified by letter names (such as Plan A, Plan G, and Plan N), and each offers a different combination of benefits.
Prescription Drug Coverage:
One important aspect to note is that Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. To get help with the cost of medications, individuals typically enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan. It’s also worth mentioning that you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B to purchase a Medigap policy, and these policies are for individuals only—spouses need to purchase separate plans if coverage is desired.
Medigap Resources:
Final Thoughts on Medigap Plans:
Medigap can be a valuable solution for those looking to reduce unexpected healthcare costs and gain more predictable monthly expenses in retirement. Choosing the right plan depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and how much financial protection you want against out-of-pocket costs.
