What is Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance?

Understanding Medicare Supplements / Medigap Plans

"Peace of Mind and Freedom of Choice"

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) provides core health coverage but has some coverage gaps, meaning you'll have out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. To bridge these gaps, many beneficiaries choose supplemental insurance policies, primarily Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans. 

Medigap policies: Filling the Gaps

Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies and help cover the out-of-pocket expenses associated with Original Medicare. They are standardized with letter names (A through N, though not all plans are available in every state) and offer a range of benefits. You must have Medicare Parts A and B to be eligible for a Medigap policy.

Key Features of Med Supps / Medigap

• Standardized plans: Plans with the same letter offer the same benefits, regardless of the insurance company.
• Premiums: You'll pay a monthly premium to the Medigap insurance company in addition to your Medicare Part B premium.
• Out-of-pocket costs: Medigap plans help pay for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance not covered by Original Medicare.
• Network flexibility: With Medigap, you can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, as you remain in Original Medicare.
• Guaranteed renewability: Your Medigap policy is guaranteed renewable, meaning the insurer can't cancel it as long as you pay your premiums. 
• Part D - Prescription/Rx Coverage is not included, so we typically help you add a Stand-Alone Part D Plan.  Those are chosen based on your current medications (if any) and start at $0/month.

To Review Your Best Options, can Call / Text at 346-567-8300, E-mail or Schedule an Appointment at the top right of this web site.

Popular Medigap plans for 2026

• Plan G: The most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new enrollees (those eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020). It covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare Part A and B, including coinsurance and the Part A deductible, Plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible ($257 in 2025, $288 in 2026).
• Plan F: The most comprehensive Medigap plan, covering all gaps in Medicare. However, it is only available to beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
• Plan N: Offers lower premiums than Plan G, but requires some minor cost-sharing, meaning you pay up to $20 copays for SOME office visits and $50 emergency room visits.  Thers is also the Part B Deductible like Plan G, which was $257 in 2025, $288 in 2026. (Note: Plan N doesn't cover Part B excess charges which are VERY Rare).  But the lower premiums to start with typically make up for these expenses for most.  And they are known for smaller yearly premium increases as you age.

High-deductible Medigap plans

Some Medigap plans, including F and G, offer a high-deductible option. These plans have lower premiums, but you'll need to pay a deductible ($2,870 in 2025, 2026 Pending) before your Medigap coverage starts to pay. 

Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap

It's crucial to understand that Medigap policies are different from Medicare Advantage plans.  Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through private insurance companies.  They bundle Part A and B coverage and often include additional benefits like prescription drug coverage (Part D), gyms, OTC allowance, vision, dental, and hearing care, etc. 

Note:  You cannot have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap policy at the same time. 

Deciding between Medicare Advantage and Medigap

• Consider Original Medicare with Medigap if you:
• Want the Flexibility / Freedom to see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.
• Travel frequently, as Medigap provides coverage across the U.S.
• Have a chronic condition or receive frequent medical care, as Medigap can help limit your out-of-pocket costs.
• Want comprehensive coverage with fewer out-of-pocket expenses.
• Consider a Medicare Advantage plan if you:
• Prefer a plan with a provider network and are comfortable with the network restrictions.
• Are looking for lower monthly premiums and are comfortable with potentially higher out-of-pocket costs.
• Want a plan that includes prescription drug coverage and potentially other extra benefits like gym memberships, OTC allowance, vision, dental, and hearing plans, etc. 

In conclusion, the best supplemental health policy for those on Medicare depends on individual needs and preferences.  Medigap plans provide comprehensive coverage for Original Medicare's out-of-pocket costs, while Medicare Advantage plans bundle coverage and may include additional benefits. It is recommended to compare different plans and consider your individual circumstances when making a decision.  You can also consult a licensed insurance agent or broker for guidance in selecting the best option for your needs.

To Review Your Best Options, can Call / Text at 346-567-8300, E-mail or Schedule an Appointment at the top right of this web site.

Some information obtained from www.medicare.gov, organized by GoogleAI, etc