Filling the Gaps
Original Medicare Leaves Behind
Original Medicare is a solid foundation — but it doesn't cover everything. Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, picks up where Medicare leaves off, so an enrollee can see any doctor in the country without worrying about most unexpected costs.
How It Works
Medicare + Medigap = Nearly Full Coverage
Visit any doctor or hospital
Medicare Supplement works with any doctor who accepts Medicare — nationwide. There is never a network restriction.
Medicare pays its share (80%)
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) covers about 80% of approved medical costs, leaving 20% as the patient’s responsibility.
Medigap covers the rest
A Medicare Supplement plan steps in to pay most or all of the remaining 20%, plus deductibles and coinsurance, depending on the plan.
The Benefits
Why Medigap Offers Peace of Mind
See Any Medicare-Accepting Doctor
No referrals, no networks, no pre-authorization for most services. Freedom of choice is protected.
Predictable Monthly Costs
The premium is fixed. Enrollees know what they are paying — no surprise coinsurance bills after a hospital stay.
Renewable for Life
As long as the premium is paid, the insurer cannot cancel the plan or raise rates just because someone got sick.
Nationwide Coverage
For those traveling or splitting time between states, Medigap covers care at any Medicare-accepting provider in all 50 states.
No Prescription Required
Medigap is separate from drug coverage — it can be paired with any Part D plan that suits an enrollee’s medications.
Coverage Options
The Most Common Plans
All Medigap plans with the same letter offer identical benefits by law — price is the only difference between carriers. It's worth comparing rates from multiple insurers for the same plan letter.
Plan G
The most comprehensive plan available to new Medicare enrollees. Covers nearly everything except the Part B deductible.
Plan N
Lower monthly premiums than Plan G. You pay small copays at doctor visits (up to $20) and emergency rooms ($50 if not admitted).
Plan F
Only available if you turned 65 before January 1, 2020. The original "first-dollar coverage" plan with zero out-of-pocket costs.
Common Questions
FAQ
When can I enroll in a Medigap plan?
The best time is during the 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month someone turns 65 and is enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny coverage or charge more based on health conditions.
Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?
No. Medigap plans sold after 2006 do not include prescription drug coverage. A separate Part D plan is needed for medications.
How much does a Medigap plan cost?
Premiums vary by plan type, age, location, and the insurance company. Plan G premiums typically range from about $80 to $200+ per month. Comparing quotes from multiple carriers for the same plan letter is a purely price-based exercise, since coverage is standardized.
Can I keep my doctors?
Yes — as long as a doctor accepts Medicare (the vast majority do), they accept any Medigap plan too. No referral or pre-authorization is needed to see a specialist.