Comparing plans
What Is a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan?
by Christian Worstell | Published October 31, 2023 | Reviewed by John Krahnert
A Medicare Supplement Insurance plan (also called Medigap) can help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't, such as copays and deductibles. Each type of plan offers a different combination of basic health insurance benefits.
Use the following guide to compare Medicare Supplement Insurance plans and find the policy that fits your health care needs.
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
Medicare Part A and Part B both require deductibles and coinsurance or copays. Medigap plans help beneficiaries fill in these cost "gaps" that can add up to potentially large dollar amounts.
The chart below lists the basic benefits offered by each type of Medigap plan.
Scroll to the right to continue reading the chart
Medicare Supplement Benefits
Part A coinsurance and hospital coverage
Part B coinsurance or copayment
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
First 3 pints of blood
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
Part A deductible
Part B deductible
Part B excess charges
Foreign travel emergency
| Medicare Supplement Benefits | A | B | C* | D | F1* | G1 | K2 | L3 | M | N4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance and hospital coverage | ||||||||||
| Part B coinsurance or copayment | 50% | 75% | ||||||||
| Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment | 50% | 75% | ||||||||
| First 3 pints of blood | 50% | 75% | ||||||||
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | 50% | 75% | ||||||||
| Part A deductible | 50% | 75% | 50% | |||||||
| Part B deductible | ||||||||||
| Part B excess charges | ||||||||||
| Foreign travel emergency | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% |
* Plan F and Plan C are not available to Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. If you became eligible for Medicare before 2020, you may still be able to enroll in Plan F or Plan C as long as they are available in your area.
+ Read moreMedigap Plan F Is the Most Popular
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan F is the most popular Medigap plan, largely because it offers the most comprehensive range of basic benefits. Plan F is the only Medigap plan that covers all nine of the basic Medigap benefits, including the Medicare Part B deductible and Part B excess charges.
Plan F and Plan C are not available to beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. If you became eligible for Medicare before 2020, you may purchase Plan F or Plan C if they are available where you live.
How Much Do Medigap Plans Cost?
Each of the ten types of Medigap plans are different, designed to give beneficiaries multiple options. The rates for different plans will vary. The important thing to remember is that the basic benefits are standardized by Medicare. No matter where you buy Medigap Plan G, the basic benefits have to be the same.
Shop around for plan rates. Connect with a licensed agent to compare plan costs by calling 1-1-800-995-4219.
Compare Medigap plans in your area.
Find a planOr call now to speak with a licensed insurance agent:
1-800-995-4219
Do Medigap Plans Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
The best time to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan is during your Medigap open enrollment period. During your open enrollment period, insurance companies cannot consider any pre-existing conditions when deciding whether or not to offer you a policy. They also cannot charge you more for a Medigap plan based on pre-existing conditions.
Your Medigap open enrollment period only lasts for six months. It begins as soon as you are at least 65 years old and enrolled to receive Medicare Part B benefits.
If you need help understanding the basic benefits for any policy, there are state specific agencies that offer free assistance to help answer your questions.
Once you compare the basic benefits available through Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, connect with a licensed agent to get a free quote for plans in your area.
Speak with a licensed agent at 1-800-995-4219 to learn more about your Medicare Supplement plan options.
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