Medicare Supplement Insurance Policies
What to Know About Medigap
Medicare Supplement Insurance, often called Medigap, is private insurance that can help pay some of the out-of-pocket costs left over by Original Medicare. Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B, but it does not pay every cost. Depending on the care you receive, you may still be responsible for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
A Medicare Supplement policy is designed to work with Original Medicare, not replace it. Medicare generally pays its approved share first. Then, your Medigap policy pays its share based on the plan letter you selected. This can make health care costs more predictable for people who want to stay with Original Medicare and use providers nationwide who accept Medicare.
Medigap is different from Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage is another way to receive Medicare benefits through a private insurance company. A Medicare Supplement policy is additional coverage that helps pay certain costs under Original Medicare. You generally cannot use a Medigap policy to pay costs in a Medicare Advantage plan.
What Is a Medicare Supplement Policy?
A Medicare Supplement policy is health insurance sold by a private insurance company. It helps fill some of the “gaps” in Original Medicare, such as Medicare-approved copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. To buy a Medigap policy, you generally need to have both Medicare Part A and Part B.
Medigap policies are standardized in most states. This means that the same plan letter provides the same basic benefits no matter which insurance company sells it. For example, a Plan G from one company must provide the same standardized Plan G benefits as a Plan G from another company. The premium, rate history, discounts, underwriting rules, household discount rules, and customer service can vary by company.
Medigap policies do not usually include prescription drug coverage. Policies sold after 2005 do not include Part D prescription drug coverage. If you want prescription coverage with Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement policy, you typically enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
What Does a Medicare Supplement Policy Help Pay For?
The exact benefits depend on the Medigap plan letter you choose. In general, Medicare Supplement policies may help pay for:
Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs after Medicare benefits are used up, up to plan limits.
Part B coinsurance or copayments.
The first three pints of blood.
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments.
Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, depending on the plan.
The Part A deductible, depending on the plan.
Part B excess charges, if the selected plan covers them.
Foreign travel emergency care, up to plan limits, for certain plans.
Medigap does not cover everything. It generally does not cover long-term care, routine dental care, routine vision care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, or private-duty nursing. These items may require separate coverage or separate planning.
Types of Medicare Supplement Plans Available
In most states, standardized Medigap plan letters include Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Not every company offers every plan, and not every plan is available to every person. Plan availability can vary by state, county, company, and eligibility rules.
Important note about Plans C and F: People who became newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020 generally cannot buy Medigap Plans C or F because those plans cover the Part B deductible. If someone was eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, they may still be able to buy Plan C or Plan F if those plans are available and the person qualifies under applicable rules.
Plan G and Plan N are among the most commonly discussed options for people who are new to Medicare today because they offer broad coverage while still requiring the member to pay the Medicare Part B deductible. Plan G usually provides broader coverage than Plan N, while Plan N may have a lower monthly premium in exchange for certain cost-sharing and possible exposure to Part B excess charges.
What to Know About Medigap
Medicare Supplement Insurance, often called Medigap, is private insurance that can help pay some of the out-of-pocket costs left over by Original Medicare. Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B, but it does not pay every cost. Depending on the care you receive, you may still be responsible for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
A Medicare Supplement policy is designed to work with Original Medicare, not replace it. Medicare generally pays its approved share first. Then, your Medigap policy pays its share based on the plan letter you selected. This can make health care costs more predictable for people who want to stay with Original Medicare and use providers nationwide who accept Medicare.
Medigap is different from Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage is another way to receive Medicare benefits through a private insurance company. A Medicare Supplement policy is additional coverage that helps pay certain costs under Original Medicare. You generally cannot use a Medigap policy to pay costs in a Medicare Advantage plan.
What Is a Medicare Supplement Policy?
A Medicare Supplement policy is health insurance sold by a private insurance company. It helps fill some of the “gaps” in Original Medicare, such as Medicare-approved copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. To buy a Medigap policy, you generally need to have both Medicare Part A and Part B.
Medigap policies are standardized in most states. This means that the same plan letter provides the same basic benefits no matter which insurance company sells it. For example, a Plan G from one company must provide the same standardized Plan G benefits as a Plan G from another company. The premium, rate history, discounts, underwriting rules, household discount rules, and customer service can vary by company.
Medigap policies do not usually include prescription drug coverage. Policies sold after 2005 do not include Part D prescription drug coverage. If you want prescription coverage with Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement policy, you typically enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
What Does a Medicare Supplement Policy Help Pay For?
The exact benefits depend on the Medigap plan letter you choose. In general, Medicare Supplement policies may help pay for:
Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs after Medicare benefits are used up, up to plan limits.
Part B coinsurance or copayments.
The first three pints of blood.
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments.
Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, depending on the plan.
The Part A deductible, depending on the plan.
Part B excess charges, if the selected plan covers them.
Foreign travel emergency care, up to plan limits, for certain plans.
Medigap does not cover everything. It generally does not cover long-term care, routine dental care, routine vision care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, or private-duty nursing. These items may require separate coverage or separate planning.
Types of Medicare Supplement Plans Available
In most states, standardized Medigap plan letters include Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Not every company offers every plan, and not every plan is available to every person. Plan availability can vary by state, county, company, and eligibility rules.
Important note about Plans C and F: People who became newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020 generally cannot buy Medigap Plans C or F because those plans cover the Part B deductible. If someone was eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, they may still be able to buy Plan C or Plan F if those plans are available and the person qualifies under applicable rules.
Plan G and Plan N are among the most commonly discussed options for people who are new to Medicare today because they offer broad coverage while still requiring the member to pay the Medicare Part B deductible. Plan G usually provides broader coverage than Plan N, while Plan N may have a lower monthly premium in exchange for certain cost-sharing and possible exposure to Part B excess charges.
Medigap Open Enrollment Period
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is important because it is usually the easiest time to buy a Medicare Supplement policy. Under federal rules, this period lasts for six months and begins the first month you have Medicare Part B and are age 65 or older.
During this one-time Medigap Open Enrollment Period, an insurance company generally cannot refuse to sell you a Medigap policy it offers, cannot use medical underwriting to deny your application because of health conditions, and cannot charge you more because of pre-existing health problems.
This Medigap Open Enrollment Period does not repeat every year like the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. If you miss your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you may still apply for a policy later, but the insurance company may be allowed to use medical underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right or a state-specific protection.
State rules matter. Some states provide additional Medigap protections. In Nevada, the Division of Insurance describes a six-month Medicare Supplement open enrollment period when someone elects Part B due to age or disability. Nevada also has a Medicare Supplement “birthday rule” that may allow existing Medicare Supplement policyholders to buy a new Medicare Supplement policy with the same or lesser benefits during a special birthday-month window without underwriting, subject to state rules and eligibility.
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is important because it is usually the easiest time to buy a Medicare Supplement policy. Under federal rules, this period lasts for six months and begins the first month you have Medicare Part B and are age 65 or older.
During this one-time Medigap Open Enrollment Period, an insurance company generally cannot refuse to sell you a Medigap policy it offers, cannot use medical underwriting to deny your application because of health conditions, and cannot charge you more because of pre-existing health problems.
This Medigap Open Enrollment Period does not repeat every year like the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. If you miss your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you may still apply for a policy later, but the insurance company may be allowed to use medical underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right or a state-specific protection.
State rules matter. Some states provide additional Medigap protections. In Nevada, the Division of Insurance describes a six-month Medicare Supplement open enrollment period when someone elects Part B due to age or disability. Nevada also has a Medicare Supplement “birthday rule” that may allow existing Medicare Supplement policyholders to buy a new Medicare Supplement policy with the same or lesser benefits during a special birthday-month window without underwriting, subject to state rules and eligibility.
Plan G vs. Plan N: How They Compare
Plan G and Plan N are both Medicare Supplement policies that work with Original Medicare. Both can help reduce out-of-pocket costs compared with having Original Medicare alone. The main differences are how they handle Part B excess charges and certain copayments
Plan G and Plan N are both Medicare Supplement policies that work with Original Medicare. Both can help reduce out-of-pocket costs compared with having Original Medicare alone. The main differences are how they handle Part B excess charges and certain copayments
A simple way to think about it: Plan G is usually the more comprehensive option because it covers Part B excess charges and does not require the Plan N office visit or emergency room copay structure. Plan N may be attractive when the premium savings are meaningful and the person is comfortable reviewing provider billing practices and potential copays.
The best choice depends on your budget, provider usage, premium difference, risk tolerance, travel patterns, and how important predictable costs are to you.
Need-to-Knows About Medicare Supplement Insurance
Medigap works with Original Medicare. It is not a replacement for Original Medicare and is not the same as Medicare Advantage.
You generally need both Medicare Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy.
Plan letters are standardized in most states. The benefits for the same letter are the same, but premiums and company service can vary.
Medigap policies sold after 2005 do not include prescription drug coverage. Consider a separate Part D plan if you need prescription coverage.
You usually pay a monthly premium for your Medigap policy in addition to your Medicare Part B premium and any Part D premium.
There is no annual Medigap open enrollment period like there is for Medicare Advantage and Part D.
Your first Medigap Open Enrollment Period is usually a one-time opportunity.
Changing Medigap plans later may require medical underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right or a state-specific rule.
Medigap usually gives you freedom to use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, without the network structure common in Medicare Advantage plans.
Medigap does not usually include extra benefits like routine dental, routine vision, hearing aids, or fitness benefits. Separate coverage may be needed.
Rates can change over time. Compare the current premium, rating method, household discounts, and historical rate stability when possible.
Nevada residents should review Nevada-specific rules, including the Medicare Supplement birthday rule and current premium comparison resources from the Nevada Division of Insurance.
How to Compare Medicare Supplement Policies
1.Confirm that Original Medicare plus a Medigap policy matches the way you want to receive care.
2.Decide which plan letter fits your risk tolerance and budget.
3.Compare premiums from multiple companies for the same plan letter.
4.Review whether household discounts or other rating factors apply.
5.Ask how rates are determined and how often premiums may change.
6.Confirm whether the application requires underwriting or whether you are in an open enrollment or guaranteed issue period.
7.Pair your Medigap choice with a separate Part D prescription drug plan review if you need prescription coverage.
8.Review your overall annual costs, not just the monthly premium.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Supplement Policies
What is the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medigap?
They refer to the same type of coverage. Medicare Supplement Insurance is often called Medigap because it helps fill some of the cost gaps in Original Medicare.
Can I have a Medicare Supplement policy and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time?
No. A Medicare Supplement policy is designed to work with Original Medicare. It does not pay Medicare Advantage plan copays, coinsurance, or deductibles.
Do I need Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy?
Yes, you generally need both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B to buy a Medigap policy.
When is the best time to buy a Medicare Supplement policy?
For many people, the best time is during the six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the first month you have Part B and are 65 or older. State-specific rules may provide additional protections.
Can I be denied a Medigap policy?
During your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you generally cannot be denied a Medigap policy offered by the company because of health conditions. Outside that period, medical underwriting may apply unless you have a guaranteed issue right or state-specific protection.
Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?
Modern Medigap policies sold after 2005 do not include prescription drug coverage. Many people who choose Original Medicare plus Medigap also enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.
Which is better, Plan G or Plan N?
Neither plan is automatically better for everyone. Plan G generally offers broader coverage and includes Part B excess charges. Plan N may cost less per month but can include office visit and emergency room copays and does not cover Part B excess charges.
What are Part B excess charges?
A Part B excess charge can occur when a provider who does not accept Medicare assignment is allowed to charge more than the Medicare-approved amount, up to applicable limits. Plan G covers Part B excess charges; Plan N does not.
Does Medigap include dental, vision, and hearing benefits?
Generally, no. Medigap does not usually cover routine dental care, routine vision care, glasses, hearing aids, or long-term care. Separate coverage may be needed.
Can I change Medicare Supplement plans later?
You can apply to change plans, but you may have to answer health questions or go through medical underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right or a state-specific rule such as Nevada’s Medicare Supplement birthday rule.
Are all Plan G policies the same?
The standardized benefits of Plan G are the same in most states, no matter which insurance company sells the policy. However, premiums, rate increases, discounts, underwriting, and customer service can vary.
Do Medicare Supplement policies have networks?
Standard Medigap policies generally do not have provider networks. You can usually see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare. Medicare SELECT policies are a special type of Medigap policy that may use a network.
The best choice depends on your budget, provider usage, premium difference, risk tolerance, travel patterns, and how important predictable costs are to you.
Need-to-Knows About Medicare Supplement Insurance
Medigap works with Original Medicare. It is not a replacement for Original Medicare and is not the same as Medicare Advantage.
You generally need both Medicare Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy.
Plan letters are standardized in most states. The benefits for the same letter are the same, but premiums and company service can vary.
Medigap policies sold after 2005 do not include prescription drug coverage. Consider a separate Part D plan if you need prescription coverage.
You usually pay a monthly premium for your Medigap policy in addition to your Medicare Part B premium and any Part D premium.
There is no annual Medigap open enrollment period like there is for Medicare Advantage and Part D.
Your first Medigap Open Enrollment Period is usually a one-time opportunity.
Changing Medigap plans later may require medical underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right or a state-specific rule.
Medigap usually gives you freedom to use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, without the network structure common in Medicare Advantage plans.
Medigap does not usually include extra benefits like routine dental, routine vision, hearing aids, or fitness benefits. Separate coverage may be needed.
Rates can change over time. Compare the current premium, rating method, household discounts, and historical rate stability when possible.
Nevada residents should review Nevada-specific rules, including the Medicare Supplement birthday rule and current premium comparison resources from the Nevada Division of Insurance.
How to Compare Medicare Supplement Policies
1.Confirm that Original Medicare plus a Medigap policy matches the way you want to receive care.
2.Decide which plan letter fits your risk tolerance and budget.
3.Compare premiums from multiple companies for the same plan letter.
4.Review whether household discounts or other rating factors apply.
5.Ask how rates are determined and how often premiums may change.
6.Confirm whether the application requires underwriting or whether you are in an open enrollment or guaranteed issue period.
7.Pair your Medigap choice with a separate Part D prescription drug plan review if you need prescription coverage.
8.Review your overall annual costs, not just the monthly premium.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Supplement Policies
What is the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medigap?
They refer to the same type of coverage. Medicare Supplement Insurance is often called Medigap because it helps fill some of the cost gaps in Original Medicare.
Can I have a Medicare Supplement policy and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time?
No. A Medicare Supplement policy is designed to work with Original Medicare. It does not pay Medicare Advantage plan copays, coinsurance, or deductibles.
Do I need Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy?
Yes, you generally need both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B to buy a Medigap policy.
When is the best time to buy a Medicare Supplement policy?
For many people, the best time is during the six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the first month you have Part B and are 65 or older. State-specific rules may provide additional protections.
Can I be denied a Medigap policy?
During your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you generally cannot be denied a Medigap policy offered by the company because of health conditions. Outside that period, medical underwriting may apply unless you have a guaranteed issue right or state-specific protection.
Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?
Modern Medigap policies sold after 2005 do not include prescription drug coverage. Many people who choose Original Medicare plus Medigap also enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.
Which is better, Plan G or Plan N?
Neither plan is automatically better for everyone. Plan G generally offers broader coverage and includes Part B excess charges. Plan N may cost less per month but can include office visit and emergency room copays and does not cover Part B excess charges.
What are Part B excess charges?
A Part B excess charge can occur when a provider who does not accept Medicare assignment is allowed to charge more than the Medicare-approved amount, up to applicable limits. Plan G covers Part B excess charges; Plan N does not.
Does Medigap include dental, vision, and hearing benefits?
Generally, no. Medigap does not usually cover routine dental care, routine vision care, glasses, hearing aids, or long-term care. Separate coverage may be needed.
Can I change Medicare Supplement plans later?
You can apply to change plans, but you may have to answer health questions or go through medical underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right or a state-specific rule such as Nevada’s Medicare Supplement birthday rule.
Are all Plan G policies the same?
The standardized benefits of Plan G are the same in most states, no matter which insurance company sells the policy. However, premiums, rate increases, discounts, underwriting, and customer service can vary.
Do Medicare Supplement policies have networks?
Standard Medigap policies generally do not have provider networks. You can usually see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare. Medicare SELECT policies are a special type of Medigap policy that may use a network.
Download Medicare Supplement Insurance/ An Overview / 2026 Choosing a Medigap Policy
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