What are Medicare Supplements?

Medicare Supplement insurance covers the out-of-pocket “gaps” in Original Medicare. That’s why it’s often known as Medigap. Just like Medicare Parts C and D, private insurers sell Medigap plans that are approved by the federal and state governments.

What Do They Cover?

Unlike other parts of the Medicare program, Medigap doesn’t really cover health benefits (that’s what Original Medicare is for). Instead, Medigap mainly helps pay for the deductibles and copays you’re responsible for out of your own pocket.

There are eight Medigap plans new Medicare beneficiaries can choose from. They’re labeled by letters A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N, and each plan letter has different coverage benefits. (Plans C, E, F, H, I and J are no longer available to new enrollees. Plans C and F were discontinued for people newly eligible for Medicare in 2020.)

Conveniently, the minimum benefits of these plans are standardized across the country. There are only three states that are exceptions: Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Please note, Medigap plans will not cover costs for Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, VA benefits or TRICARE.

How Do You Get a Medigap Plan?

To qualify for a Medicare Supplement, you must first enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. Once you turn 65 and enroll in Original Medicare, you enter your personal Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the six-month period starting the first day of the month you’re 65 or older and have Part B. This is the safest time to sign up for a Medigap plan.

You do have the option to enroll outside of your Open Enrollment Period, but acceptance is not guaranteed, and you may have to answer health questions (medical underwriting).

What Does It Cost?

Medigap plan monthly premiums differ depending on several factors, including:

• Age
• Location
• Tobacco use
• Plan type (A through N)

Different insurers also set their monthly rates differently, though many offer household discounts to those who live with a spouse.

Standard Medicare Supplement Plans & Benefits

This table lays out what each Medicare Supplement plan covers. The state and federal governments set the minimum benefits each plan must cover.

Yes means the benefit is covered 100% by the plan. No means it’s not. Percentages are the amount the plan covers, not how much you owe. Only Plans K and L have out-of-pocket limits.
¹ Enrollees in high-deductible Plan G must pay for their Medicare-covered costs up to the deductible amount before the plan begins to pay.
² Plan N pays 100% of the Part B coinsurance, except copayments of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that don’t lead to inpatient admission.
³ After you meet the yearly out-of-pocket limit and the yearly Part B deductible, the plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year. Limits shown are for 2026.
⁴ Only available to people eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
⁵ Enrollees in high-deductible Plan F must pay for their Medicare-covered costs up to the deductible amount before the plan begins to pay.
Medicare Supplement plans are standardized differently in Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Read more: Medicare.gov, Medigap (Medicare Supplement Health Insurance)

Want help with your situation? Request a plan review or call a licensed insurance agent at (832) 734-6825 (TTY 711). There’s no cost for my help and no obligation.