What is a Medicare Supplement?
A Medicare Supplement, also called Medigap, is a policy from a private insurance company that helps pay your share of costs under Original Medicare.
That can include deductibles, copays and coinsurance. You keep Original Medicare, and the supplement fills in the gaps.
How plans are set up
- Standardized plans: plans are named with letters, like Plan G or Plan N. A Plan G covers the same basic benefits no matter which company sells it. The price can be different.
- Doctor choice: you can see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.
- No drug coverage: Medigap plans don’t include prescriptions, so most people add a Part D drug plan.
When to enroll
Your best time to buy is usually your Medigap Open Enrollment Period: the six months starting the month you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During that time, companies generally can’t turn you down or charge more because of your health.
After that window, you may have to answer health questions in many states. Rules vary by state, so call us before you make changes.
What to compare
- Which plan letter fits your budget and how much risk you’re comfortable with
- Monthly premium, and how the company prices its plans as you age
- The insurance company’s history of rate increases
- Household or other discounts
Common questions
Do Medicare Supplements cover dental and vision?
No. Medigap plans don’t include routine dental, vision or hearing. Many people add a separate plan for those.
Can I switch supplements later?
Sometimes. In many states, you’ll need to answer health questions to switch after your open enrollment period. We’ll check the rules in your state.
Other coverage we can help with
Questions about medicare supplement?
Talk with a licensed agent. It’s free, and there’s no pressure.
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Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Plan availability, costs and enrollment rules vary by plan, insurance company and state.