Medicare Supplements (Medigap)
Keep Original Medicare, see any doctor who takes it, and make your costs predictable. Here’s how Medigap works and when to buy.
See real prices for your county: compare Plan G, Plan N, and high-deductible G monthly rates in seconds. Check Supplement rates by ZIP →
What is a Medicare Supplement?
A Medicare Supplement, or Medigap policy, works alongside Original Medicare. Medicare pays its share of an approved bill first, and your Medigap plan pays some or all of what’s left: deductibles, the 20% Part B coinsurance, and hospital costs.
Because you keep Original Medicare, you can see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. You don’t need a network or referrals.
The plans are standardized
Medigap plans are named by letter, and the benefits for each letter are set by federal law. A Plan G from one company covers the same things as a Plan G from another. The difference is the price, and how that price changes over time.
| Plan | What it’s known for |
|---|---|
| Plan G | The most comprehensive plan for people new to Medicare. You pay the annual Part B deductible, then little or nothing for covered care. |
| Plan N | A lower premium in exchange for small copays at some office and ER visits, and possible Part B excess charges. |
| High-deductible Plan G | A much lower premium with a yearly deductible before the plan pays. |
| Plan F | Only available to people eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. |
Timing is everything
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period lasts six months. It starts the first month you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During that window, a company can’t deny you or charge you more because of your health. After it ends, most companies can ask health questions.
Missouri residents: Missouri has an annual anniversary rule that lets you switch to the same plan letter with another company without health questions. Learn how it works →
Don’t forget drug coverage
Medigap plans don’t cover prescriptions. Most people pair a supplement with a standalone Part D plan to avoid a late-enrollment penalty and to have coverage if they need it.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
| Medicare Supplement | Medicare Advantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Doctors | Any provider nationwide who takes Medicare | Plan network (HMO/PPO) |
| Monthly premium | Higher | Often $0 or low |
| Costs when you get care | Low and predictable | Copays up to a yearly maximum |
| Drug coverage | Separate Part D plan | Usually included |
| Extras (dental, vision) | Not included | Often included |
Frequently asked questions
Which Medicare Supplement plan is the most popular?
For people new to Medicare, Plan G is the most common choice because it covers nearly everything after the Part B deductible. Plan N is popular with people who want a lower premium and don’t mind small copays.
Do Medigap prices differ between companies?
Yes, sometimes by a lot, even though the benefits are identical. Rate increase history matters too, so we compare both the price today and how each company’s rates have changed over time.
Can I be turned down for a Medicare Supplement?
During your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, or when you have a guaranteed-issue right, you can’t be turned down. At other times companies may use medical underwriting, except where state rules like Missouri’s anniversary rule apply.
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