What Are Medicare Supplement Plans?

What Are Medicare Supplement Plans?

Medicare Supplement Plans—also known as Medigap—are insurance policies designed to help cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t pay for, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and are meant to "fill the gaps" in your Medicare coverage, giving you more predictable healthcare expenses and added peace of mind.

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Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap plans work alongside Original Medicare, not in place of it. You’ll still have Medicare Parts A and B as your primary coverage, and your supplement plan will help cover your share of the costs. There are several standardized Medigap plans available, labeled by letters (Plan A, F, G, N, etc.), each offering different levels of coverage—but the benefits of each plan type are the same no matter which insurance company offers it.

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Medigap plans don’t include prescription drug coverage, so you’ll need to enroll in a separate Part D plan if you want help with medication costs. You also can’t have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap plan at the same time, so it’s important to understand the differences and choose the one that best fits your healthcare needs and budget. If you’re looking for flexibility in choosing any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare nationwide, a Medigap plan may be a great option for you. Reach out to us for a no-cost consultation where we can review all of your options!

What Is Not Covered By Medigap?

While Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help cover many of the out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare—like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments—they don’t cover everything. It’s important to know what’s not included so you can plan accordingly and avoid unexpected expenses.

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Here’s what Medigap plans typically do not cover:

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• Prescription Drugs: Medigap plans do not include Part D drug coverage. If you need help paying for prescriptions you’ll need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.

• Routine Dental, Vision, and Hearing Care: Services such as dental cleanings, eye exams, hearing aids, and glasses are not covered. 

• Cancer-Related Costs Not Covered by Medicare: Medigap won’t help with costs associated with experimental treatments or certain cancer treatments that fall outside of Medicare’s coverage. For example, some chemotherapy drugs, outpatient treatments, or cancer-related therapies that aren't deemed medically necessary by Medicare may not be fully covered, leaving you responsible for part of the cost.

• Long-Term Care: Medigap doesn’t cover services like custodial care in a nursing home or assisted living facility.

• Private-Duty Nursing: Medigap won’t pay for private in-home care that isn’t medically necessary. 

• Medicare Advantage Plan Costs: If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, Medigap won’t help with those out-of-pocket costs—you can only use one or the other, not both.

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Understanding what Medigap doesn’t cover can help you make informed decisions about additional insurance options or assistance programs. We’re here to help guide you through these options to ensure your needs are met.

When Can I Enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan?

You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan (also known as Medigap) during specific periods, with the best time generally being when you first become eligible. Enrolling during certain windows ensures you have guaranteed issue rights, meaning insurance companies can't deny you coverage or charge more due to health conditions.

Here are the main enrollment periods:

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• Medigap Open Enrollment Period: Begins the first month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. This 6-month period is the best time to enroll.

• Guaranteed Issue Rights Periods: Certain situations, like losing other health coverage or moving out of your plan’s service area, allow you to enroll in a Medigap plan without medical underwriting.

• Underwritten Enrollment (Anytime): You can apply for a Medigap plan at any time of the year, but if you're outside the protected periods, insurers may require medical underwriting and could deny coverage or charge more based on your health.

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If you’re unsure which enrollment period applies to you, we’re here to help you navigate your options and find a plan that fits your needs.

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Medigap Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans to help you better understand how they work and whether they’re the right choice for you:

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What is the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to cover additional out-of-pocket costs, like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. In contrast, Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one plan that replaces Original Medicare and may include additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and wellness programs.

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Can I have a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time?

No, you cannot have both a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan simultaneously. Medigap is designed to supplement Original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage replaces it. You will need to choose one or the other.

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How much does a Medigap plan cost?

The cost of a Medigap plan varies based on factors such as the plan type (Plan F, G, N, etc.), the insurance company offering the plan, where you live, and your age. Generally, Medigap plans have a monthly premium, and you may also have out-of-pocket costs depending on the plan and services received. It is important to shop your Medicare Supplement premiums regularly!

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Will Medigap cover all of my medical expenses?

Medigap plans cover many of the out-of-pocket costs from Original Medicare, but they do not cover everything. They do not include prescription drug coverage (for that, you need a separate Part D plan), and they do not cover long-term care, dental, vision, or hearing care, and some costs related to cancer coverage. Each Medigap plan offers different levels of coverage, so it’s important to review what’s included.

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Can I switch my Medigap plan after I’ve enrolled?

Yes, you can switch your Medigap plan at any time, but keep in mind that you may need to go through medical underwriting, which means you might not be guaranteed acceptance into a new plan. We can help you review plans and determine if you are eligible to make a change.

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Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?

No, Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. If you want prescription drug coverage, you will need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.​

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Can I buy Medigap if I am still working and have employer health insurance?

Yes, you can buy a Medigap plan even if you have employer health insurance. However, you must be enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) first. It may also be worth considering whether your employer's insurance already provides the coverage you need.

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Can I use my Medigap plan outside of the U.S.?

Most Medigap plans offer some coverage for emergency care outside the U.S., but the coverage is usually limited. If you frequently travel abroad, you might want to look into a plan that includes this type of coverage or consider purchasing additional travel health insurance.

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How do I apply for a Medigap plan?

To apply for a Medigap plan, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. You can shop for plans through private insurance companies, compare your options, and choose a plan that meets your needs.

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If you have any more questions about Medigap plans or need help finding the best option for you, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We're here to help!

Let Us Help at No Cost!

We’re here to walk you through the process step by step, answer your questions along the way, and help you understand all of your options in a way that actually makes sense. Our goal is to make things simple, clear, and stress-free—so you can feel confident about the choices you’re making.