What is a Medicare Supplement?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) pays a big share of your hospital and doctor bills, but not all of it. You still owe deductibles, coinsurance, and copays, and Original Medicare has no yearly cap on what you pay.
A Medicare Supplement, also called Medigap, is a policy from a private insurance company that helps pay those leftover costs. Medicare pays its share first, then your Supplement pays its share. You keep your red, white, and blue Medicare card and can see any provider that accepts Medicare.
The plans most people compare
Supplement plans are named with letters. Benefits for each letter are set by the government, so the same letter means the same coverage, no matter which company sells it.
The most complete plan for new enrollees. After you pay the Part B deductible each year, it covers your share of Medicare-approved costs.
Lower premium, small copays. Similar to G, but you may pay a copay for some office and ER visits, plus any Part B excess charges.
Lowest premium, higher deductible. Same benefits as Plan G once you meet a yearly deductible.
Plans C and F are only available to people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Same coverage. Different prices.
"Plan G from one company covers the same benefits as Plan G from another. What's different is the price, and how that price changes over time."
That's why comparing companies matters. We look at today's premium, but also each company's rate history, household discounts, and customer service, so you're not surprised by a big increase in a few years.
When to enroll
Your best window is your Medigap Open Enrollment Period: the 6 months starting the month you're 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this window, companies generally can't turn you down or charge you more because of your health.
After that window, in most states, you may need to answer health questions to buy a Supplement or switch to a different one. Some states have their own rules.
A Supplement often fits people who…
- Want to keep their current doctors and specialists, with no network rules
- Travel or spend part of the year in another state
- Prefer predictable costs over lower premiums with copays
- Have ongoing health needs or see specialists often
Not sure? See how Medicare Advantage compares →
Medicare Supplement questions
Is Plan G the same with every company?
Yes. The benefits are standardized. The differences are price, rate increases over time, discounts, and service.
Do Supplements cover prescriptions?
No. You'll want a separate Part D plan. We can help you compare those too.
Can I switch Supplement companies later?
Often, yes. Outside your open enrollment window you may need to answer health questions in most states. We'll check before you apply.
Is there a network?
No. You can see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.
Is Medicare Supplement tied to Annual Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7)?
No. You can apply for a Supplement any time of year. Annual Enrollment is for Medicare Advantage and Part D changes.