Medicare Supplement (Medigap): A Plain-Language Overview

A Medicare Supplement policy, often called Medigap, is sold by private insurance companies to work alongside Original Medicare. Here’s a general, plain-language look at how it works.

What Medigap is

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) pays for much, but not all, of the cost of covered health care. A Medigap policy can help pay some of the remaining out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. You must have Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy, and you continue to pay your Part B premium.

Standardized, lettered plans

In most states, Medigap plans are standardized and identified by letters (for example, Plan A, Plan G, or Plan N). Plans with the same letter offer the same basic benefits no matter which insurance company sells them; what can differ is the price and the company’s service. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin standardize their plans differently.

Things to keep in mind

• Medigap generally doesn’t include prescription drug coverage. Many people pair it with a separate Part D plan.
• A Medigap policy covers one person. Spouses each need their own policy.
• Medigap works with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a 6-month window that starts the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this window, insurers generally can’t refuse to sell you a policy they offer or charge more because of health conditions. Outside of this window and certain protected situations, insurers may ask health questions. This window happens once and doesn’t repeat each year.

You can’t use both together

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) are two different paths. A Medigap policy only works with Original Medicare, so it can’t be used to pay costs in a Medicare Advantage plan. If you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you generally can’t use a Medigap policy at the same time.

Other Medicare enrollment periods

These periods apply to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, not to Medigap policies, but they’re useful to know when comparing paths.

• Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7): you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, or return to Original Medicare. Changes generally take effect January 1.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31): if you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make one change to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.
• Other enrollment periods may apply when you first become eligible or in certain special situations.

See also Medicare Advantage (Part C): A Plain-Language Overview and the switching rules article.

Talk it through, with no obligation

If you’d like to talk through how this fits your situation, you’re welcome to schedule a no-obligation conversation This is a solicitation for insurance. or call me at 346-258-7080. Before we discuss any specific Medicare plans, we’ll complete a Scope of Appointment, which records the types of plans you’d like to talk about. You can also get information on all of your options from Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP).

Chris Gavrel, independent licensed insurance agent

This page is for general educational purposes only. Medicare rules and enrollment periods can change. Confirm current details with Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.

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