Medicare Supplement plans – also known as Medigap – are private insurance policies designed to help cover out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not pay. These plans can help reduce expenses like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, giving you more predictable healthcare costs.
Medigap plans work alongside Original Medicare and are accepted nationwide by any provider that accepts Medicare.
What Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover?
Medicare Supplement plans help fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage. Depending on the plan you choose, benefits may include:
· Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
· Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments
· Blood (first 3 pints)
· Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
· Hospice care coinsurance
· Foreign travel emergency coverage (select plans)
Because plans are standardized, coverage for each plan type is the same regardless of the insurance company offering it.
What Do Medicare Supplement Plans Not Cover?
Medigap plans do not cover everything. Common exclusions include:
· Prescription drugs (Part D required separately)
· Dental care
· Vision care
· Hearing aids
· Long-term care
If you need coverage for these services, you will need to enroll in separate policies.
How Medicare Supplement Plans Work
Medicare Supplement plans work with Original Medicare – not as a replacement.
Here is how it works:
· Medicare pays its share first
· Your Medigap plan pays its portion of remaining costs
· You pay little to no out-of-pocket depending on your plan
All plans are standardized and labeled by letters (A through N), making it easier to compare options across insurance companies.
Medicare Supplement Plans Explained (A-N)
Medicare Supplement plans are standardized into different plan types, each offering a different level of coverage. While there are multiple options available, most people choose one of the more popular plans based on coverage and cost.
Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans
Plan G – Most Comprehensive Coverage
Plan G offers the most complete coverage available to new Medicare enrollees. It covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs except the Medicare Part B deductible, making it a top choice for those who want predictable healthcare expenses.
Learn more about Medicare Supplement Plan G
Plan N – Lower Premium Option
Plan N is a more budget-friendly option with lower monthly premiums. In exchange, you may pay small copayments for doctor visits and emergency room visits.
Learn more about Medicare Supplement Plan N
Quick Comparison of Popular Plans
How to Choose the Right Medicare Supplement Plan
Choosing the right plan depends on your individual needs and financial situation. Consider:
· How often you visit doctors or specialists
· Your monthly budget versus out-of-pocket risk
· Whether you prefer predictable costs or lower premiums
If you want a deeper breakdown of how to evaluate your options:
See our full guide on how to choose a Medicare Supplement plan
How to Enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan
The best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
During this time:
· You cannot be denied coverage
· You will not pay more due to health conditions
Outside of this window, you may be subject to medical underwriting.
Learn how to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan
How Much Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cost?
The cost of a Medicare Supplement plan varies based on several factors, but most people can expect premiums to range from approximately $90 to $300 per month.
Factors that affect pricing include:
· Age
· Location
· Gender
· Tobacco use
· Plan type
While Plan G typically has higher premiums, it often results in lower out-of-pocket costs. Plan N offers lower premiums but includes some cost-sharing.
Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage
Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans are often compared, but they work very differently.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap):
· Works with Original Medicare
· No provider networks (nationwide access)
· Higher monthly premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs
Medicare Advantage (Part C):
· Replaces Original Medicare
· Uses provider networks
· Lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs
Choosing between the two depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and provider preferences.
What Are the Best Medicare Supplement Plans?
The best Medicare Supplement plan depends on your goals, but two options consistently stand out:
· Plan G: Best overall coverage and most popular choice
· Plan N: Best for balancing cost and coverage
Both plans offer strong protection against unexpected medical expenses and are widely available.
