What Is Medigap?

Medigap is Medicare Supplement Insurance — private insurance that helps pay for some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

Medigap policies are offered by private insurance companies but are standardized by the federal government, so Plan G from one company is exactly the same as Plan G from another — only price and service differ.

🔗 What's Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)? – Medicare.gov

How Does Medigap Work?

Medigap works with Original Medicare (Parts A & B), not instead of it.

Medicare pays first, covering its share of approved costs. Then Medigap pays second, helping cover the rest. You must be enrolled in both Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy.

🔗 How Medigap Works – Medicare.gov

What Does Medigap Cover?

Depending on the plan (Plan A–N), Medigap may help cover:

• Part A deductible
• Part B coinsurance
• Hospital costs beyond Medicare's limit
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
• Foreign travel emergency care (in some plans)

Popular plans include:

• Plan G: Covers nearly all gaps except the Part B deductible
• Plan N: Similar to Plan G, but with small copays and no excess charge coverage

🔗 Compare Medigap Plan Benefits – Medicare.gov

What Medigap Does NOT Cover

• Prescription drugs (add a Part D plan separately)
• Dental, vision, or hearing services
• Long-term care
• Private-duty nursing
• Wellness extras like gym memberships

🔗 What's Medicare Drug Coverage (Part D)? – Medicare.gov

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

You cannot have Medigap and Medicare Advantage at the same time. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Medigap: Works with Original Medicare, no networks, higher premiums, fewer extras
• Medicare Advantage: Replaces Original Medicare, may have networks, may include vision, dental, drugs, and gym benefits

🔗 Compare Original Medicare & Medicare Advantage – Medicare.gov

When Can You Enroll in Medigap?

The best time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period:

• Starts the month you're 65 and enrolled in Part B
• Lasts 6 months
• You can’t be denied or charged more due to health issues during this time

🔗 When Can I Buy a Medigap Policy? – Medicare.gov

Missed Your Open Enrollment?

If you apply after your 6-month window, you may be denied or charged more. But there are exceptions called Guaranteed Issue Rights.

Need Help Choosing a Plan?

Tap “Contact Us” or “Virtual Appointment” in the app to speak with a licensed Medicare agent. We’ll walk you through your options step by step.

This app is for educational purposes only and is not affiliated with the U.S. government or CMS.