When you enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you gain access to valuable health coverage. But it doesn’t cover everything. You’re still responsible for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance—and there’s no limit on your out-of-pocket costs.
That’s where a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan, also known as Medigap, can help.
What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap, is private insurance that helps cover the “gaps” in Original Medicare. These plans are sold by private insurance companies and are standardized by the federal government, meaning the benefits are the same across companies for each plan letter (like Plan G or Plan N).
You must have Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to purchase a Medigap policy. These plans do not work with Medicare Advantage.
What Does a Medigap Plan Cover?
A Medigap plan can help pay for:
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Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
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Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments
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Blood (first 3 pints)
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Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
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Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
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Part A and B deductibles (varies by plan)
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Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits)
💡 Note: Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You’ll need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan for medications.
Standardized Medigap Plans
There are currently 10 standardized Medigap plans available in most states: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Each offers a different level of coverage, but the benefits of each plan are the same regardless of the insurance company offering it.
Two of the most popular Medigap plans:
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Plan G – Offers the most comprehensive coverage available to new Medicare enrollees.
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Plan N – Offers lower premiums in exchange for small copays and cost-sharing.
Who Should Consider a Medigap Plan?
A Medigap plan may be a good fit for you if:
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You want predictable, low out-of-pocket costs
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You prefer nationwide access to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare
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You travel frequently or split time between different states
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You want to avoid network restrictions
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
| Feature | Medigap (with Original Medicare) | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Choice | Any provider that accepts Medicare | Usually in-network |
| Referrals Needed | No | Often required |
| Prescription Drugs | Not included | Usually included |
| Out-of-Pocket Limit | No official cap (but Medigap helps control costs) | Has a yearly cap |
| Travel Coverage | Covers nationwide and sometimes abroad | Mostly local/regional |
| Monthly Premium | Higher (plus Part D) | Often lower |
When Can You Enroll?
The best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period—a six-month window that begins the month you are both:
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Age 65 or older and
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Enrolled in Medicare Part B
During this time, you can buy any Medigap policy available in your area without medical underwriting—meaning you can’t be denied for health conditions.
Final Thoughts
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans offer powerful peace of mind by covering costs that Original Medicare leaves behind. If you value flexibility, nationwide coverage, and predictable medical expenses, a Medigap policy might be the right choice for you.
Need help choosing the right Medigap plan? Contact us today at 704-689-2181 and we’ll walk you through your options with no pressure—just clear, expert advice.