What Is Medigap And How Does It Work With Medicare?

If you’re familiar with Medicare, you’ve probably heard of Medigap. But what exactly is Medigap and how is it related to Medicare?

Medigap is another name for Medicare Supplement Insurance. This is a type of optional insurance sold by private insurance companies that may be used to supplement your Medicare benefits.

What does Medigap cover?

When you use Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B), you will still be responsible for some out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copayments or coinsurance. A Medigap plan covers these out-of-pocket costs for you.

In other words, Medicare Supplement Insurance fills in the gaps that exist in Medicare, hence the nickname “Medigap.” There are nine such coverage gaps in Original Medicare that may be covered by a Medigap plan.

How many Medigap plans are there?

There are 10 different Medigap plans available in most states, and each one is identified by a letter, such as Plan F, Plan G or Plan N. Each plan offers its own combination of coverage so you can choose from a very basic plan covering only a few of Medicare’s gaps to a more comprehensive plan that will cover almost all of your out-of-pocket costs.

For example, Medicare charges a deductible when you are admitted to the hospital. Medigap Plan A does not cover this deductible at all. But Plan M covers 50% of the deductible. Plan L covers 75% of the deductible. And Plan C covers 100% of the deductible.

A Medicare Supplement Insurance plan comparison chart shows which coverage gaps are covered by each Medigap plan.

The coverage included in each Medigap plan is standardized by the federal government. That means a Medigap Plan D sold by one insurance company in New York will offer the exact same coverage as a Plan D sold by a different insurance company in California.

Questions about Medigap and which plan may be right for you? Visit MedicareSupplement.com or call 855-508-0919 to connect with a licensed insurance agent.

Where can you use Medigap?

Unlike most other types of health insurance, Medigap plans are not restricted to a network of health care providers. Any doctor or other health care provider who accepts Medicare must by law accept your Medigap plan. And that’s true even if you’re visiting a doctor in another state.

(Medicare Supplement Insurance works a little bit differently in Minnesota, Massachusetts and Wisconsin. Speak to a licensed insurance agent to learn more if you live in one of those states.)

How many people have a Medigap plan?

According to the Kaiser Foundation, approximately 1 out of every 5 people with Medicare are enrolled in Medicare Supplement Insurance. That equates to around 11.5 million Americans with a Medigap plan.¹

Who is eligible to enroll in Medigap?

All you need to be eligible for Medigap is to be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

In some states you may need to be at least 65 years old to be eligible for a Medigap plan. In other states you may be able to enroll if you are under 65 and have qualified for Medicare because of a disability.

When can you enroll in a Medigap plan?

The month that you are at least 65 years old and enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B will mark the start of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period lasts for six consecutive months and is the best time to enroll in a Medigap plan.

During this enrollment period, you will have guaranteed issue rights that protect you from any increased premiums due to poor health. You may still enroll in a Medigap plan outside of this enrollment period, but you will no longer have your guaranteed issue rights. You may be charged a higher premium – or even denied coverage entirely – if you are in poor health.

Visit MedicareSupplement.com today to learn more about your Medicare Supplement eligibility. You can request a free, no-obligation quote for Medicare Supplement plans available where you live, or you can call to get help from a Medicare licensed insurance agent.

How do you enroll in Medigap?

The selection of Medigap plans can vary by location as not all insurance companies sell every plan in every zip code.

One easy way to shop for and compare Medicare Supplement Insurance is to speak to a licensed insurance agent from MedicareSupplement.com. An agent can then help you enroll in a plan right over the phone.

An agent will be able to provide you with plan options available in your area so you can compare pricing. And if you’re unsure about which plan may be best for you, an agent can talk you through the differences in each plan and help you determine which Medigap plan may be best structured for your health care needs and budget.

Visit MedicareSupplement.com or call 855-508-0919 today to request your free Medicare Supplement plan quote or to connect with a licensed insurance agent.

¹Clerveau, G. A Snapshot of Sources of Coverage Among Medicare Beneficiaries. Kaiser Family Foundation. www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/a-snapshot-of-sources-of-coverage-among-medicare-beneficiaries.

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