Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, can help pay some of the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare leaves behind — but the right plan depends on your budget, provider preferences, travel habits, prescription needs, and enrollment timing.
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Quick Answer
Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, is private insurance that works with Original Medicare. It helps pay some of your share of Medicare-approved costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Medigap does not replace Original Medicare. You keep Original Medicare and add a Medicare Supplement policy to help reduce certain out-of-pocket costs. Most Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage, so many people also buy a separate Medicare Part D plan.
Plan Shopping Checklist
Because Medigap benefits are standardized by plan letter in most states, the plan letter is only part of the decision. Premium, company, timing, and Part D needs still matter.
Plan G from one company has the same core medical benefits as Plan G from another company in most states, but the premium can differ.
You usually pay a separate Medigap premium in addition to your Medicare Part B premium and any Part D premium.
Plan G is popular for stronger coverage. Plan N may have a lower premium but can include certain copays and no excess charge coverage.
Medicare Supplement plans generally do not include Part D drug coverage. A separate drug plan may be needed.
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period can be one of the best times to buy because health underwriting usually cannot be used against you.
Since benefits are standardized, company pricing, household discounts, rate stability, and customer service are important.
Comparison Chart
This chart shows how the standardized Medigap plan letters compare in most states for people newly eligible for Medicare.
| Benefit Feature | Plan A | Plan B | Plan D | Plan G* | Plan K** | Plan L** | Plan M | Plan N*** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to 365 extra days | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Part B coinsurance / copayment | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100%*** |
| Blood: first 3 pints | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance / copay | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | No | No | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Part A deductible | No | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 50% | 100% |
| Part B deductible | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Part B excess charges | No | No | No | 100% | No | No | No | No |
| Foreign travel emergency up to plan limits | No | No | 80% | 80% | No | No | 80% | 80% |
| 2026 out-of-pocket yearly limit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,000 | $4,000 | N/A | N/A |
* Plan G also has a high-deductible option. The 2026 high-deductible amount is $2,950 before the plan begins paying benefits.
** Plans K and L pay 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year once you meet the out-of-pocket yearly limit.
*** Plan N pays 100% of the Part B coinsurance, except for copays up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in inpatient admission.
Plans C and F are not available to people newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin use different Medigap standardization rules.
The chart tells you what each plan letter covers. It does not tell you which company has the best premium, discount, underwriting rules, or long-term rate history in your area.
Buying Medigap
Shopping for Medicare Supplement insurance is different from shopping for Medicare Advantage. The plan letters are standardized in most states, but prices, discounts, underwriting rules, and company availability can vary.
You generally need both Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy.
Consider provider freedom, premium comfort, travel, and predictable medical costs.
Review options such as Plan G, Plan N, and High Deductible Plan G.
The same plan letter can have different prices depending on the insurance company.
Medigap usually does not include prescription drug coverage.
Timing can affect whether health underwriting applies.
Where to Buy
You can buy Medicare Supplement insurance from a private insurance company licensed to sell Medigap policies in your state. You can also compare options through Medicare.gov, speak with a licensed independent insurance agent, or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program for counseling.
Many people choose to work with a licensed agent because Medigap benefits are standardized by plan letter, but monthly premiums, household discounts, company availability, underwriting rules, and rate history can vary.
Smart Shopper Questions
Shopping for Medigap is not just about the benefit chart. Ask about premium, rate history, discounts, underwriting, and company reputation.
Compare the same plan letter across multiple companies. The benefits may be standardized, but the price may be different.
Ask how the company’s rates have changed over time. A low first-year premium is not always the best long-term value.
Some companies may offer household discounts, non-tobacco pricing, or other savings depending on your state and eligibility.
Your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period can be one of the best times to apply.
If you apply outside a protected enrollment window, you may have to answer health questions.
Consider customer service, rate history, financial strength, claims handling, and long-term stability.
Popular Options
Plan G and Plan N are two common Medigap options, but the better fit depends on your budget, doctor preferences, and willingness to accept some cost-sharing.
Plan G is often chosen by people who want broad protection from many out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare. After you pay the Medicare Part B deductible, Plan G can help cover many remaining Medicare-approved expenses.
Plan N may appeal to people who want Medigap flexibility but are willing to accept certain copays and some additional cost-sharing in exchange for a potentially lower monthly premium than Plan G.
Fit Check
A Medicare Supplement plan may be worth comparing if you want the freedom to see any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare, prefer predictable medical costs, travel often within the United States, and are comfortable paying a higher monthly premium for lower cost-sharing when you receive care.
It may not be the best fit if you want the lowest monthly premium, prefer bundled dental, vision, hearing, or drug benefits, or are comfortable using a Medicare Advantage provider network.
Side-by-Side
These are two different Medicare paths. One works with Original Medicare. The other is an alternative way to receive Part A and Part B benefits.
| Feature | Medicare Supplement | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Works with Original Medicare | Replaces how you receive Part A and Part B benefits |
| Provider access | Any provider who accepts Medicare | Usually plan network rules apply |
| Monthly premium | Usually higher | Often lower, sometimes $0 |
| Drug coverage | Separate Part D plan usually needed | Often included |
| Extra benefits | Usually not included | May include dental, vision, hearing, OTC, fitness |
| Predictability | Often more predictable medical costs | Costs depend on plan and care usage |
| Travel flexibility | Usually stronger nationwide provider access | Routine care may be more local or network-based |
Rates and Location
Medicare Supplement benefits are standardized by plan letter in most states, but premiums can vary by state, ZIP code, age, gender, tobacco use, household discounts, company, rating method, and underwriting rules.
Get Help Comparing
A licensed Lehigh Partners Senior Benefits agent can help compare Medigap options based on your state, ZIP code, age, budget, provider preferences, prescription needs, and enrollment timing.
Schedule a Medicare ReviewIndependent Guidance
Lehigh Partners Senior Benefits helps compare Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Part D options based on your needs. We explain the tradeoffs clearly so you can decide whether Medigap is the right path for you.
What We Compare
Take the Medicare Coverage Quiz. Answer a few quick questions about costs, doctors, networks, travel, prescriptions, and extra benefits.
This quiz is educational and is not a recommendation to enroll in a specific plan.
Common Questions
A licensed Lehigh Partners Senior Benefits agent can help compare Medigap options based on your state, ZIP code, age, budget, provider preferences, prescription needs, and enrollment timing.
No pressure. No obligation. Just clear Medicare guidance.
