Original Medicare leaves gaps — deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that add up fast. A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan helps cover those costs so you can focus on your health, not your bills.
A Medicare Supplement plan — also called Medigap — is a private insurance policy sold alongside Original Medicare. It's designed to help pay the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap doesn't replace your Medicare coverage — it works alongside it. You keep Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and use your Medigap plan to fill the financial gaps. Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government, meaning Plan G from one insurer covers the same benefits as Plan G from another — only the premium changes.
As independent brokers, we compare Medigap premiums across multiple carriers to find the best value for your situation — at no cost to you.
Medigap plans are standardized and labeled by letters A through N. Each plan covers a specific set of benefits. Here are the most commonly selected plans we help clients with:
The most comprehensive plan available to new Medicare enrollees. Covers nearly all gaps in Original Medicare — the only cost is the annual Part B deductible.
A cost-effective alternative to Plan G with slightly lower premiums. You pay small copays for office visits and ER trips in exchange for a lower monthly cost.
The basic Medigap plan. Covers core benefits at a lower premium — a good option for those who want foundational protection with predictable costs.
The most comprehensive Medigap plan ever offered — covers everything including the Part B deductible. Only available to those first eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Adding a Medicare Supplement plan to your Original Medicare gives you powerful protections that go beyond basic coverage.
Timing matters when it comes to Medigap enrollment. The right window protects your access to coverage and your premium rates.
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins the first month you're 65 or older AND enrolled in Part B. It lasts 6 months. During this window, insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health history.
To buy a Medigap policy, you must be enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B. You must also be 65 or older (in most states). Some states offer protections for those under 65 with Medicare disabilities.
If you apply for Medigap outside your open enrollment window, insurers may review your health history and could charge a higher premium or deny coverage. Enrolling on time is strongly recommended.
Certain life events — like losing employer coverage or your Medicare Advantage plan leaving your area — give you guaranteed issue rights to enroll in Medigap without underwriting. We'll help you identify if you qualify.
Because Medigap plans are standardized, the benefits for any given plan letter are identical from carrier to carrier — the main difference is the premium. That's where we add value as independent brokers: we compare premiums across multiple carriers so you get the same coverage for less.
When choosing a plan, consider how often you see doctors, whether you have ongoing conditions, and how much premium vs. out-of-pocket cost tradeoff works for your budget. Plan G is the most popular for comprehensive coverage; Plan N is a great option for those who want lower monthly costs and are comfortable with small copays.
We'll walk you through your options side by side and help you find the plan that truly fits your health and budget — at no cost to you.
Both are ways to get more from Medicare — but they work very differently. Here's how they compare on the factors that matter most.
| Medigap + Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage (Part C) | |
|---|---|---|
| Provider flexibility | ✓ Any provider that accepts Medicare — nationwide, no referrals | ~ Usually network-based (HMO/PPO) — out-of-network costs apply |
| Monthly premium | ~ Typically higher monthly premium for Medigap | ✓ Often $0 or low monthly premium |
| Out-of-pocket costs | ✓ Very predictable — Medigap covers most gaps | ~ Varies — copays and coinsurance apply per service |
| Extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing) | ✗ Generally not included | ✓ Often includes dental, vision, hearing, fitness |
| Prior authorization | ✓ Rarely required | ~ Common for many services and procedures |
| Prescription drug coverage | ~ Requires a separate Part D plan | ✓ Usually included in the plan |
| Foreign travel emergency coverage | ✓ Included in most plans (Plans C, D, F, G, M, N) | ~ Varies by plan — many don't include it |
| Out-of-pocket maximum | ✓ Medigap limits your exposure significantly | ✓ Plans have an annual out-of-pocket maximum |
No. You cannot use a Medigap policy with a Medicare Advantage plan. Medigap is designed to work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B). If you enroll in Medicare Advantage, you won't be able to use your Medigap plan to pay costs.
No. Medicare Supplement plans do not include prescription drug coverage. If you have Medigap, you'll need to enroll in a separate standalone Part D plan to get drug coverage. We can help you find a Part D plan that works alongside your Medigap plan.
Yes, but outside of your Open Enrollment Period or a guaranteed issue event, you may be subject to medical underwriting. This means an insurer could charge a higher premium or decline to cover you based on your health history. Switching is easiest and most flexible during your initial open enrollment window.
Medigap premiums can change over time. How they're priced depends on the rating method the insurance company uses — community-rated, issue-age-rated, or attained-age-rated. We'll explain the differences and help you choose a plan with pricing that makes sense for the long term.
It depends on your health needs, how often you see doctors, and your budget. Medigap is often a great fit for people who see specialists regularly, travel frequently, or want maximum predictability in their healthcare costs. Medicare Advantage may make more sense for those who want extra benefits at a lower premium. We'll help you compare both options side by side.
We compare plans from multiple carriers — at no cost to you. Let's find the right fit together.
