What is a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap)?

Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, are sold by private companies and are structured to cover some or all of the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare Parts A and B do not cover. You are eligible for Medicare Supplement when you are enrolled in Medicare Parts A& B and are a resident of the state you are applying for Medicare Supplemental. Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplemental insurance plans also cover people of any age with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Medicare Supplement plan enrollment begins the month of your 65th birthday and continues five months afterward. You cannot be denied coverage if you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan within the six month initial enrollment period. However, if you enroll late, it is possible you will be denied coverage, be charged for higher premiums based on health, or make you wait to get coverage for a pre-existing illness.

Types of Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

There are 10 different Medicare Supplement plans available labeled as A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N. There are some states where certain plans are not available. The benefits can vary depending on which Medicare Supplement plan you choose but if your plan’s coverage is more comprehensive, the premium will be higher. Overall, most Medicare Supplemental plans will provide:

• Additional 365 days of hospital care during your lifetime outside of the standard Medicare Parts A and B lifetime reserve.
• No restrictions on where you can receive care covered by Medicare Supplement as long as it is in the U.S. Some emergency care outside the U.S. will be covered.

What Do Medigap Plans NOT Cover

Certain Medicare Supplemental plans may pay for your Part B deductible as well. Supplemental Medicare insurance generally does not cover:

• Routine vision, dental, hearing care
• Hearing aids
• Eyeglasses
• Private duty nursing
• Days in a skilled nursing facility beyond the initial 100 days that Medicare Part A includes

Cost of Medicare Supplemental Plans

Like with the benefits, the cost of Medicare Supplement insurance will vary based on your plan and chosen provider. Here are some of the costs you might see:

• High-deductible plans
• Possible Part B copays for doctor appointments and emergency room trips
• Coinsurance to split costs until you reach out-of-pocket limit

If you want to change your Medicare Supplement insurance, you can drop a policy any time to apply for another. Otherwise Medicare gap plans automatically renew each year as long as you continue to pay your premium on time and all your information is correct.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan Providers

Take a look at the current Medicare providers we work with to compare Medicare supplement plans and find the best one for your needs.