Learn more about Medigap insurance:

Medigap Plan Costs

Medicare Supplement Plans by State

Medicare Supplement Plan Benefits

Each of the eight plans provide various Medicare Supplement plan benefits, but all plans must cover at least a portion of the following basic benefits:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted
• Medicare Part B hospice care coinsurance and copayments
• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments
• First three pints of blood used in a medical procedure
• Some Medicare Supplement plans include additional basic benefits, such as Plan G, which is the most comprehensive standardized Medigap insurance plan available.

Another important benefit of a Medigap plan is that you can see any doctor accepting Medicare, whether the doctor accepts assignment Medicare or not. If your doctor accepts an assignment, this means they agree to be paid the Medicare approved amount for the care you received and your Medigap insurance company will usually pay the doctor directly. If your doctor does not accept Medicare assignment and still accepts Medicare, you may have to send the claims to your insurance company and pay the doctor yourself.

3 Things to Consider Before Medicare Supplement Enrollment

As you prepare to sign up for a Medicare Supplement plan it is important to remember the following:

1. Medigap Plan Requirements and Limitations

• You must have Medicare Part A and B in order to buy a Medicare Supplement or Medigap policy.
• A Medicare Supplement policy can only cover one individual. If you and your spouse both want Medigap coverage, you will each need a separate policy.
• Prescription drugs are not covered by Medicare Supplement or Medigap policies. If you find a supplement plan that works for you, you can buy a Medicare Prescription Drug Part D plan for your prescription medication needs.
• Medigap policies generally do not cover vision or dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, long-term care or private nursing.
• Not all plans may be available in every state.
• Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage (Part C) are different types of plans.

2. Medicare Supplement Insurance Coverage

• You are eligible to purchase a Medicare Supplement policy (Medigap) on the first day of the month in which you turn 65. You must already be enrolled in Medicare A and B. During this time, you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state, even if you have health problems.
• The most popular Medicare Supplement plans are Plan G and Plan N.
• Plan G is considered to provide the broadest medicare supplement coverage and covers all the gaps left by Medicare Parts A and B.
• You pay the private insurance company a monthly premium for your Medicare Supplement policy. This cost is in addition to the cost you pay for your Medicare Part B premium.
• Any standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed to renew each year, even if you have health problems. This means the insurance company cannot cancel your Medicare Supplement policy as long as you pay the premium.

3. Compare Medicare Supplement Insurance vs. Medicare Advantage Plan

Before you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan, you’ll want to make sure you understand the difference between Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement. Here’s a brief overview of the differences between the two:

Medicare Supplement

• Intended to fill the gaps in coverage from Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
• Typically a higher monthly premium, lower out-of-pocket expenses
• Provides coverage for any doctor or facility that accepts Medicare
• Provides coverage in all 50 states, with some plans providing coverage when traveling outside of the U.S.

Medicare Advantage

• An alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and B)
• Generally costs less than Medicare Supplement and often covers more services
• Limits you to doctors and facilities within the HMO or PPO and may not cover out-of-network care
• Can only operate within a certain region

Find the Right Medicare Supplement Plan to Fit Your Needs with SelectQuote

Save yourself the time and hassle of navigating your Medicare options on your own by letting SelectQuote do the work for you. In just minutes, we can compare the Medicare plan options available to you, helping you find the right plan for your needs and budget.