What Is Medigap? A Straightforward Guide to Medicare Supplement Plans

What Is Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance)?

Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, helps pay for costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover — like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

These plans are offered by private insurance companies and work alongside Original Medicare, not as a replacement. Think of Medigap as financial padding for your Medicare coverage.

What Does Medigap Cover?

Depending on the plan you choose (labeled Plan A through N), Medigap can cover:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs

• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment

• First 3 pints of blood

• Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment

• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance

• Medicare Part A and B deductibles (some plans)

• Foreign travel emergency care (up to plan limits)

💡 Important: Medigap does not include prescription drug coverage — you’ll need a standalone Part D plan for that.

How Medigap Works with Original Medicare

1. Medicare pays its share of approved healthcare costs.

2. Medigap pays its share, depending on your plan’s benefits.

3. You pay fewer out-of-pocket expenses.

It’s that simple. And unlike Medicare Advantage, you can see any doctor that accepts Medicare — no networks to worry about.

Pros of Medigap

✅ Predictable costs – Lower out-of-pocket surprises
✅ Freedom of choice – See any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare
✅ No referrals needed – Direct access to specialists
✅ Guaranteed renewability – As long as you pay your premiums, you can’t be dropped

What to Know Before You Enroll

⚠️ You must have Original Medicare Parts A and B to buy a Medigap plan
⚠️ You pay a monthly premium in addition to your Part B premium
⚠️ Plans don’t cover long-term care, vision, dental, or hearing aids
⚠️ You’ll need separate Part D coverage for prescriptions
⚠️ The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the 6 months after you turn 65 and enroll in Part B)

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

Feature Medigap Medicare Advantage Coverage Type Supplements Original Medicare Replaces Original Medicare Provider Choice Any Medicare provider Often limited to network Drug Coverage Not included Often included Extra Benefits No (just core coverage) Often yes (dental, vision, etc.) Referrals Needed? No Sometimes Travel Coverage Often includes foreign emergency Usually local or regional

Takeaways: Is Medigap Right for You?

• You want flexibility to see any doctor who takes Medicare

• You prefer predictable medical costs over bundled extras

• You don’t mind buying separate drug and dental plans

• You travel frequently or want national coverage

If that sounds like you, Medigap might be your best option for supplementing Medicare.