Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Medigap fills the gaps Original Medicare leaves behind. Part ABC compares Supplement plans so your out-of-pocket costs stay predictable.
Original Medicare covers many services, but it doesn’t cover everything. On average, it pays about 80% of Medicare approved costs. That leaves you responsible for deductibles, copays, coinsurance, that can add up to thousands in out-of-pocket expenses.
A Medicare Supplement plan, also known as a Medigap plan, works alongside Original Medicare to pay for costs it leaves on your plate, like deductibles, copays, and that uncapped 20% coinsurance. For people who want predictable bills and the freedom to see any provider who accepts Medicare, Medigap is often the answer.
Think of Medigap as your financial safety net alongside Original Medicare.
What Medigap Covers
Medigap plans are standardized and sold by letter (Plan G, Plan N, and others). Because they're standardized, a Plan G is a Plan G no matter which company sells it. The coverage is identical, so the main difference between carriers is price and service. Depending on the plan, Medigap can cover the Part A hospital deductible (2026: $1,736 per benefit period), the Part B coinsurance, and more.
What To Consider When Choosing a Medigap Plan
Enroll during your open window. When you first get Part B at 65, you have a 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment window with guaranteed acceptance — no health questions. This window matters enormously; outside it, carriers can charge more or decline you based on health.
Compare plan letters. Plan G offers comprehensive coverage; Plan N trades a slightly lower premium for small copays. We'll show you the difference in real dollars.
Then compare prices. Since coverage within a letter is identical by law, we shop the carriers to find the best price for the same plan.
Plan for premium increases. Medigap premiums generally rise over time. We factor that into the conversation so there are no surprises later.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
Medigap pairs with a standalone Part D drug plan and Original Medicare for maximum flexibility and predictability, at a higher monthly premium. Medicare Advantage bundles everything for less upfront but uses networks. We help you weigh which structure fits your health, travel, and budget.
Find Your Best Priced Plan
We'll compare Medigap plans and carriers for you so you get the right coverage at the right price. Book your free Health Insurance Audit.
What Medigap Helps With
Copayments and coinsurance
Deductibles for Part A and/or Part B
Excess charges (depending on the plan)
Emergency foreign travel care
What Medigap Does Not Cover
Prescription drug coverage (Part D - must be purchased separately
Dental, vision, hearing care
Long-term custodial care
Types of Medigap Plans
(Standardized by Letter)
All Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government. This means Plan G is the same whether you buy it from Carrier A or Carrier B. The only difference is the premium you pay.
Plan G
Most popular option for new enrollees.
Covers almost everything except the Part B deductible.
Great balance of coverage and value
Plan N
Lower monthly premiums than Plan G
Small copays for office visits and ER. Doesn’t cover Part B excess charges
Good if you want to save on premium and don’t mind occasional small bills.
Plan F
Covers everything, including the Part B deductible.
Only available if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
The “all-inclusive” option for those grandfathered in.
Cost Example
Plan G:
$140/month premium
Nearly all medical costs covered
Only responsible for Part B deductible
Plan N:
$110/month premium
Lower monthly cost
$20 copay for doctor visits, $50 for ER, plus any excess charges
Who Medigap Is Good For
You want freedom to see any doctor nationwide that accepts Medicare
You want predictable costs and protection from big medical bills
You travel frequently or spend time in multiple states
You prefer pairing Medigap with a separate Part D plan for flexibility
Not always best fit if
You’re looking for the lowest cost option (Medicare Advantage may be cheaper month to month).
You’re comfortable staying within a provider network.
You want extras like dental, vision, or gym memberships included in one plan.
Enrollment & Eligibility
During your Initial Enrollment Period, can enroll in a Medigap plan with guaranteed acceptance, no medical underwriting.
After that window, you may have to answer health questions and could be denied based on medical history (rules vary by state).
Key Takeaways
Medigap fills the financial gaps Original Medicare leaves behind.
Plans are standardized. Meaning, a Plan G with Carrier A is identical to a Plan G with Carrier B (only premiums differ).
You choose your doctors and hospitals, with nationwide coverage.
Next Steps.
Compare Medigap plans side by side, for free, with one of our licensed agents through our Medicare Audit™️.
See which letter plan (and carrier) is the right fit for you.
Medicare Supplement FAQs
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Medicare Supplement, aka Medigap, policies fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare. Helping with things like copays, deductibles and coinsurance.
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Plan G is currently the most popular option for new Medicare enrollees, as it covers nearly everything except the Part B deductible.
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Yes, but outside of your Initial Enrollment Period, you may face medical underwriting. That’s why enrolling during your guaranteed issue window is important.
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It depends. Medicare Supplement usually has higher premiums but gives you nationwide provider freedom and predictable costs. Medicare Advantage has lower premiums but may come with network restrictions and more out-of-pocket variability.
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Premiums vary by age, gender, state, and the standardized plan letter (A-N). Generally, the more comprehensive the coverage, the higher the premium.
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Yes. Medicare Supplement is widely accepted nationwide by any provider that takes Medicare.