Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers a lot, but it doesn’t cover everything. You’re still responsible for things like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. And there’s no limit to how much you might pay in a year if you face a serious illness or long hospital stay.
That’s where Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, can help.
These plans are designed to work alongside Original Medicare, helping you cover the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare leaves behind. If you want the freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare, and the peace of mind that comes from predictable costs, a supplement plan might be the right choice for you.
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Medigap isn’t a replacement for Medicare – it’s an add-on. You’ll still use your red, white, and blue Medicare card at the doctor’s office, but your Medigap plan kicks in to help pay your share of the costs.
Here’s a simple example:
You visit your doctor for an outpatient service. Medicare Part B covers 80% of the approved amount. Your Medigap plan can cover all or part of the remaining 20%, depending on the plan you choose.It works the same way for hospital care, lab work, medical equipment, and more. You stay in control of your care, and your coverage helps reduce the financial surprises
These plans are especially helpful with:
You don’t have to track multiple networks, referrals, or plan-specific rules. If the provider accepts Medicare, your Medigap coverage applies.
It’s common to confuse these two, but they’re actually very different approaches to Medicare.
Medigap plans work with Original Medicare. You keep your Medicare coverage and add a supplement that helps with costs. You’ll need to get a separate Part D plan if you want prescription drug coverage, and you pay a monthly premium for your Medigap policy.
Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare and is offered through a private insurance company. It often includes drug coverage and extra benefits, but it usually works within a provider network and may require referrals.
Both paths can be a good fit, it depends on what kind of flexibility, costs, and coverage structure you’re looking for. If freedom of choice and predictable expenses are important to you, Medigap might be the better option.
Medicare Supplement plans are standardized by the federal government. That means no matter which insurance company offers the plan, the benefits are the same. The most popular options include Plan G and Plan N, because they offer strong coverage with manageable monthly premiums.
Plan G is often chosen because it covers nearly every out-of-pocket cost except the Part B deductible. Plan N has slightly lower premiums and works similarly, with a few differences in how certain copays are handled.
| Feature | Medicare Plan G | Medicare Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part A Coinsurance | ✅ Covered 100% | ✅ Covered 100% |
| Medicare Part B Coinsurance | ✅ Covered 100% | ⚠️ Covered, but you pay copays ($20 doctor, $50 ER) |
| Part B Excess Charges | ✅ Covered | ❌ Not Covered |
| Part A Deductible | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part B Deductible | ❌ Not Covered | ❌ Not Covered |
| Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage | ✅ Up to plan limits | ✅ Up to plan limits |
| Monthly Premium | Higher | Lower |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | Minimal (after Part B deductible) | Slightly more (due to copays & excess charges) |
You won’t need to memorize the full list of plan letters or charts, we can help you understand the key differences and match a plan to your needs and budget.
The best time to sign up for a Medicare Supplement plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This six-month window starts when you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights which means insurance companies can’t turn you down or charge more based on your health history. After this window closes, you may still be able to get a plan, but medical underwriting could apply.
If you’re switching from a Medicare Advantage plan or have recently lost other coverage, you might qualify for a special enrollment opportunity. We’ll help you determine what options are available to you based on your situation.
Choosing a Medicare Supplement plan isn’t just about benefits and premiums, it’s about finding coverage that supports your peace of mind. Whether you’re trying to avoid unexpected bills, keep your choice of doctors, or simplify how you manage your care, Medigap is worth exploring.
We’re here to help. We’ll walk through your current needs, explain your choices in plain language, and guide you through enrollment without pressure, and always at no cost to you.
