Medigap Plans
Medicare Supplement Plans — Filling the Gaps
Original Medicare doesn't cover everything. Medicare Supplement plans (also called Medigap) help pick up costs that Medicare leaves behind.
What Is a Medicare Supplement Plan?
With Original Medicare, you typically pay 20% of most medical costs after your deductible — with no cap on how much that 20% could add up to. A Medicare Supplement plan pays some or all of that remaining 20%, depending on the plan type you choose.
Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies but are standardized by the federal government. This means a Plan G from one insurer covers exactly the same things as a Plan G from another insurer — the only difference is the monthly premium and the company's reputation for service.
In San Diego, Ashley compares Medigap premiums from multiple carriers to find you the same coverage at the lowest possible price.
Critical timing alert: You have a guaranteed right to buy any Medigap plan during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period — which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. After this window, insurers can deny coverage or charge more based on your health. Don't miss it.
Most Common Medigap Plans
There are 10 standardized Medigap plans (labeled A through N). Here are the most popular ones:
The most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare enrollees. Covers almost everything except the Part B deductible. Very popular for predictable healthcare costs.
What it covers:
- Part A deductible
- Part A coinsurance
- Part B coinsurance
- Part B excess charges
- Skilled nursing coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency (up to limits)
A lower-premium alternative to Plan G. You pay small copays for some office visits and emergency room visits, but enjoy broad coverage otherwise.
What it covers:
- Part A deductible
- Part A coinsurance
- Part B coinsurance (with small copays)
- Skilled nursing coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency (up to limits)
Covers a portion (50%) of many Medicare costs. Lower premiums but higher potential out-of-pocket costs. Has an annual out-of-pocket maximum.
What it covers:
- 50% of Part A deductible
- 50% of coinsurance costs
- Annual out-of-pocket limit once reached
Was the most comprehensive plan available. Only available to people who became Medicare eligible before January 1, 2020. Covers Part B deductible.
What it covers:
- Everything Plan G covers, plus the Part B deductible
Advantages & Considerations
Why People Love Medigap
- Visit any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare — no networks
- Your costs are predictable — you know exactly what you'll pay
- No referrals needed to see specialists
- Coverage works everywhere in the country — great for travelers
- Plans are standardized — the same letter plan has the same benefits regardless of insurer
- No prior authorization requirements
Things to Consider
- Monthly premiums in addition to your Part B premium
- Does not include prescription drug coverage — you'll need a separate Part D plan
- Not available if you enroll in Medicare Advantage
- Premiums can increase over time as you age
- Applying after your Medigap Open Enrollment may require health underwriting