Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)
Key Points
Medicare Supplement plans help cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t fully pay.
To qualify for a Supplement plan, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.
There are 10 standardized Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, and each offers the same coverage regardless of the insurance company.
These plans act as secondary insurance—Medicare pays first, and your Supplement plan helps cover the remaining costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Medicare Supplement plans—also known as Medigap—provide coverage to over 10 million beneficiaries, helping pay for out-of-pocket Medicare costs like deductibles and coinsurance. Available in all 50 states, these plans are especially popular with those who prefer little to no copays when accessing healthcare.
Many people new to Medicare are surprised to learn that Part B only covers 80% of approved medical costs. That remaining 20% can add up quickly, especially during a serious illness. A Medicare Supplement plan can cover some or all of that gap, offering valuable financial protection and peace of mind.
Best of all, during your one-time six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you’re guaranteed the right to enroll in any Supplement plan regardless of your health history.
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What does Medicare Supplemental Insurance entail?
Medicare supplements emerged shortly after the implementation of Medicare to address expenses that beneficiaries were required to pay, such as 20% of outpatient costs. These supplemental policies were designed to cover those expenses, reassuring individuals about the potential costs associated with each medical visit.
Key benefits of traditional Medicare Supplement policies include:
1. Freedom to select your preferred doctors and hospitals.
2. No need for referrals to see specialists.
3. Predictable out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare-covered services (with zero out-of-pocket costs with Plan F).
4. Nationwide coverage, allowing usage anywhere in the United States.
5. Guaranteed renewability, ensuring that the insurance company cannot drop or alter coverage based on health conditions.
Supplemental insurance for seniors with Medicare offers a reliable and transparent coverage option, specifying exactly what is covered for every inpatient or outpatient procedure based on the chosen Medigap plan.
Additional considerations about Medicare Supplement insurance:
1. Part A and Part B are prerequisites for purchasing a Medigap policy.
2. Medigap plans provide coverage for one person, requiring a separate individual policy for a spouse.
3. You have the flexibility to drop your supplement at any time, as there is no annual election period for Medicare Supplement plans.
4. The Annual Election Period in the fall pertains to drug plans and does not impact Medicare supplements.
5. Many carriers offer household discounts for enrolling two or more people in Medicare supplemental plans from the same company.
6. Plans do not include Part D, necessitating the addition of a separate standalone Part D drug plan.
Coverage From Medicare Supplemental Plans
Medicare Supplement plans step in after Medicare has approved and paid its portion of your claim. Often referred to as “Medigap,” these plans help cover the remaining costs you’d normally pay out-of-pocket—like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
One of their key advantages is flexibility: you can use a Medicare Supplement plan with any doctor or facility nationwide that accepts Medicare, making them ideal for frequent travelers or those who live in multiple states throughout the year.
Keep in mind, Medicare Supplement plans do not include coverage for prescription drugs. You’ll need a separate Part D plan to cover your medications. They also don’t cover routine dental, vision, or hearing services, as these are not covered by Medicare itself—so your supplement can’t be applied to those costs either.
Standardized Medicare Supplement Plans
For a full overview of available Medicare Supplement plans, check out our Medigap chart below. This chart is taken directly from Medicare’s “Choosing a Medigap” guide and outlines the benefits included in each plan.
Since Medicare’s official handbook can be difficult to navigate, we’ve simplified the information on our website. Each Medicare Supplement page includes real-life examples to help you better understand how the coverage works in practical situations.
*Certain insurance companies in specific states offer Medigap Plan F and Plan G as high-deductible plans (HDF or HDG). Opting for the high-deductible variant entails covering Medicare-approved costs (coinsurance, copayments, deductibles) up to the annual deductible limit, set at $2,800 for the year 2024, before the policy provides coverage.
**In the case of Medigap Plans K and L, once you reach your annual out-of-pocket limit and fulfill the annual Part B deductible requirement ($240 in 2024), the Medigap plan covers 100% of eligible services for the remainder of that calendar year.
***For Plan N, it covers 100% of the Part B coinsurance, with the exception of a copayment of up to $20 for certain office visits and a copayment of up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in an inpatient admission.
What options are available for Medicare Supplement Plans?
Each Medicare Supplement plan, labeled A through N, offers a unique set of benefits. These plans are standardized, meaning that no matter which insurance company you choose, the coverage for each plan letter is the same. For example, Plan N from Blue Cross Blue Shield provides the same benefits as Plan N from UnitedHealthcare.
The chart above shows the 10 standardized Medicare Supplement plans available in most states, with the exception of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Massachusetts, which have their own versions.
Plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage, leaving you with no out-of-pocket costs. Plans G and N include some cost-sharing, which helps reduce your monthly premiums. A licensed Medicare Supplement agent who specializes in senior coverage can help you choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget.
Picking A Medicare Supplement Plan
Most people choose Medicare Supplement Plans F, G, or N because they offer broad, reliable coverage. These plan options are designed to give you the flexibility to focus on what matters most to you.
Some individuals prefer a plan that covers all out-of-pocket costs, providing peace of mind with no surprise medical bills. Others are comfortable with some deductibles and copays in exchange for lower monthly premiums.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—just what works best for your needs. Talk to your broker to compare quotes and find the plan that fits your budget and coverage preferences.
Medicare Supplement Plans – Open Enrollment
According to Medicare’s Guide to Health Insurance, the best time to buy a Medicare Supplement plan is during your one-time Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This six-month window starts when you’re both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. It’s a “use it or lose it” opportunity.
During this enrollment period, insurance companies cannot ask health questions, deny your application, refuse coverage, or charge you more due to pre-existing conditions, medications, or your health history. You’re free to choose from any available Medicare Supplement plan.
Once this window closes, however, insurance companies can require medical underwriting and may deny coverage or increase rates based on your health. That’s why the Medicare handbook stresses this as the most favorable time to enroll.
It’s also important to understand that the Annual Election Period in the fall does not apply to Medigap plans. That period is strictly for making changes to your Part D drug coverage—not your Medicare Supplement policy. This is a common misunderstanding.
Medicare Supplement Plans – Guaranteed Acceptance
Some people delay enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan because they’re covered by an employer-sponsored group health plan. When that coverage ends—due to retirement or job loss—you may be eligible for a Medigap Guaranteed Issue window, giving you 63 days to enroll in certain supplement plans without medical underwriting.
This window works similarly to your open enrollment period but with limited plan choices. If you became eligible for Medicare before 2020, you can choose from Plans A, B, C, F, K, and L. If you became eligible on or after January 1, 2020, your options include Plans A, B, D, G, K, and L. During this time, the insurance company cannot deny you coverage or charge more based on your health.
Other life events—like moving out of your plan’s service area or losing Medicare Advantage coverage—can also trigger a guaranteed issue right. Since rules vary by state, it’s wise to speak with a licensed agent who understands your state’s regulations. Our agency is licensed in 49 states and can help you navigate your options.
Be sure to keep documentation from your previous carrier showing proof of creditable coverage. This is important not only for guaranteed issue eligibility but also to avoid a Part D late enrollment penalty.
Medicare Supplement Plans - Underwriting
If your Open Enrollment or Guaranteed Issue window has passed, you can still apply for a Medicare Supplement plan—but you’ll need to answer health questions, and the insurance company has the right to approve or deny your application based on your medical history.
A common misconception is that the Annual Election Period in the fall allows you to switch Medicare Supplement plans without underwriting. In reality, this period only applies to Part D drug plans and Medicare Advantage. Changing Medigap plans usually requires medical underwriting outside of a special enrollment window.
Which Medicare Supplement Plan is the Most Beneficial?
Medicare Supplement Plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage available, paying for all Medicare-approved cost-sharing—so you won’t have any out-of-pocket expenses for covered services.
You can purchase a Supplement plan from many different insurance companies, but the benefits are standardized. That means a Plan F from one insurer offers the exact same coverage as a Plan F from another.
Medicare Supplement Plan G is a close second in coverage. It works just like Plan F, with one difference: you pay the annual Part B deductible out of pocket. However, because premiums for Plan G are typically lower, many beneficiaries find it offers better overall value.
With multiple standardized plans available in each state, it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. Contact us for a free report with plan comparisons, quotes, and rate trend history to help you make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Medicare Supplement Insurance
What is the typical expense of Medicare supplemental insurance?
The cost of Medicare Supplement plans varies by state. In areas like Florida, where healthcare costs are higher, premiums are typically more expensive. For example, a 65-year-old female non-smoker might pay around $100 per month for Plan G in Texas, while the same plan could cost more than double in Florida.
Rates are generally based on factors such as your zip code, age, gender, and tobacco use. Some carriers also offer household discounts if another person in your home has a policy.
For personalized quotes based on your location, give us a call at (386) 288-2753
What is the typical expense of Medicare supplemental insurance?
The cost of Medicare Supplement plans varies by state. In areas like Florida, where healthcare costs are higher, premiums are typically more expensive. For example, a 65-year-old female non-smoker might pay around $100 per month for Plan G in Texas, while the same plan could cost more than double in Florida.
Rates are generally based on factors such as your zip code, age, gender, and tobacco use. Some carriers also offer household discounts if another person in your home has a policy.
For personalized quotes based on your location, give us a call at (386) 288-2753
What is the typical expense of Medicare supplemental insurance?
The cost of Medicare Supplement plans varies by state. In areas like Florida, where healthcare costs are higher, premiums are typically more expensive. For example, a 65-year-old female non-smoker might pay around $100 per month for Plan G in Texas, while the same plan could cost more than double in Florida.
Rates are generally based on factors such as your zip code, age, gender, and tobacco use. Some carriers also offer household discounts if another person in your home has a policy.
For personalized quotes based on your location, give us a call at (386) 288-2753
What is the typical expense of Medicare supplemental insurance?
The cost of Medicare Supplement plans varies by state. In areas like Florida, where healthcare costs are higher, premiums are typically more expensive. For example, a 65-year-old female non-smoker might pay around $100 per month for Plan G in Texas, while the same plan could cost more than double in Florida.
Rates are generally based on factors such as your zip code, age, gender, and tobacco use. Some carriers also offer household discounts if another person in your home has a policy.
For personalized quotes based on your location, give us a call at (386) 288-2753
Key Takeaways
Medicare Supplement plans help cover out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles and coinsurance.
There are ten standardized plan options, with Plans F, G, and N being the most popular choices.
These plans are accepted nationwide by any provider that accepts Medicare.
You’re eligible for a one-time Open Enrollment Period starting when your Part B coverage begins, during which you can enroll in a Supplement plan without answering any health questions.
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