What Is Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance?
Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, is a type of private insurance policy that works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to help cover costs Medicare doesn’t pay for, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. It doesn’t replace Original Medicare — it fills in the gaps.
What Medigap Covers
Coinsurance and copayments for hospital and doctor visits under Original Medicare.
The Part A deductible and, depending on the plan, the Part B deductible.
Emergency care during foreign travel, on some plans.
What Medigap Doesn’t Cover
Prescription drugs — you’d need a separate Part D plan.
Dental, vision, hearing, or long-term care.
Anything not already covered under Original Medicare.
How Medigap Plans Work
Medigap plans are standardized and labeled with letters, like Plan G or Plan N; a given letter covers the same benefits no matter which company sells it.
You can generally see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare — no networks or referrals.
The best time to enroll is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, when you can’t be denied coverage or charged more for health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have Medigap and Medicare Advantage at the same time?
No. You can’t have a Medigap policy and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time. Most people choose one or the other based on how they want to access care and manage costs.
When is the best time to enroll in Medigap?
The best time is your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this window, you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state without medical underwriting.
Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?
No. Medigap does not cover prescription drugs. You’ll need a separate Medicare Part D plan for drug coverage alongside your Medigap policy.
Are all Medigap plans the same?
No, but they’re standardized. Each lettered plan (like Plan G) offers the same set of benefits no matter which insurance company sells it, though premiums can vary between companies.
Can I switch Medigap plans later?
Yes, but outside your initial Open Enrollment Period, the insurer can typically ask health questions and may deny coverage or charge more. Some states offer additional protections, so check your options before switching.
Call Us Today to see if Medigap fits your situation. Call 1-800-432-9757 or schedule a free consultation.
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