Understanding Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)
Medicare Supplement Plans, commonly known as Medigap, are private insurance policies designed to help cover some of the out-of-pocket healthcare costs not paid by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
These costs may include copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap policies are sold by private companies and are standardized by the federal government, meaning that each plan of the same letter type (e.g., Plan G or Plan N) offers the same basic benefits regardless of the insurance provider, although prices can vary.
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To be eligible for a Medigap policy, individuals must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. These policies only work with Original Medicare and cannot be used with Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C).
Medigap policies do not include prescription drug coverage, so beneficiaries often pair them with a standalone Medicare Part D plan for drug costs. One of the primary benefits of Medigap is the predictability and reduced out-of-pocket expenses it offers, which can be especially helpful for those with frequent medical needs.
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There are ten standardized Medigap plans in most states, labeled A through N, each offering a different level of coverage. For example, Plan G is one of the most comprehensive, covering everything except the Medicare Part B deductible.
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Enrollment is most advantageous during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the first month a person is 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this time, insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions. Outside this window, individuals may face underwriting or be denied coverage based on health status.
Medigap plans provide peace of mind and financial protection by helping to manage the unpredictability of healthcare costs in retirement.
General disclaimers
This website is operated by MediLife & Health, LLC. Nothing contained herein constitutes nor is intended to constitute an offer, inducement, promise, or contract of any kind, or a recommendation to purchase insurance from any particular insurance company at any particular level of benefits or plan design. MediLife & Health, LLC is not an insurance company. In offering this website, MediLife & Health, LLC is required to comply with all applicable federal laws, including the standards established under 45 CFR 155.220(c) and (d) and standards established under 45 CFR 155.260 to protect the privacy and security of personally identifiable information. MediLife & Health, LLC intends that the general and insurance specific information contained on this web site be accurate and reliable, however, MediLife & Health, LLC makes no warrantees or representations as to the completeness, accuracy or timeliness of the web site materials. The company will not be liable for any damages of any kind from or relating to the use of, or reliance upon, results obtained by users from the web site and related services.
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The benefits mentioned are Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI). You may qualify for SSBCI if you have a high risk for hospitalization and require intensive care coordination to manage chronic conditions such as Chronic Kidney Diseases, Chronic Lung Disorders, Cardiovascular Disorders, Chronic Heart Failure, or Diabetes. For a full list of chronic conditions or to learn more about other eligibility requirements needed to qualify for SSBCI benefits, please refer to Chapter 4 in the plan’s Evidence of Coverage.
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We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1–800–MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day/7 days a week to get information on all of your options.
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