When looking at different options for coverage in addition to Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you’ll likely come across a Medigap or Medicare Supplement option. Medigap and Medicare Supplements are the same thing, and they’re generally used to fill in the gaps that Original Medicare leaves.
If you only have Parts A and B, then Medicare pays 80% of the cost of Medicare covered services, which generally leaves you with a 20% bill! While that 20% may not be too spendy on a regular doctors visit, if you find yourself in the hospital needing a $100,000 surgery, you’ll likely receive a hefty bill!
To mitigate that cost share, you have the option (at certain times of the year and during your Medicare journey) to purchase a Medigap–or Medicare Supplement–plan.
Medigap plans come in different forms referred to as Plans–Plan N, Plan G, Plan F, Plan A, and more. Each plan functions a bit differently but still will cover part of the cost of Medicare-covered services. To obtain these plans, you’d go through a carrier that administers the plan, but it’s important to note that each plan has the same coverages regardless of the carrier because the plans are federally designed.
Some carriers do offer additional benefits such as gym memberships, dental and vision buyup options, or other perks that can help you determine which plan may be the best fit.
The premiums on these plans tend to be higher than that of a Medicare Advantage plans, but, generally, your out of pocket costs can end up being significantly less with the Part B Plan G deductible being $257 per calendar year in 2025. The premiums on these plans will generally go up as you age, and they’ll be higher for people who smoke.
Medicare Supplement plans are able to ask you health questions to determine eligibility for enrollment unless you are in an open enrollment or guarantee issue period. To find out more about these types of enrollment periods, please visit our article on the Oregon Birthday Rule. You are able to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan from a Medigap plan during the Annual Election Period (AEP) from October 15 – December 7 every year, but, please understand, you may have to answer health questions should you decide you’d like to switch back to a Medigap plan in the future.
To find out if a Medigap plan would be a good fit for you, please be sure to contact a licensed agent or go online to Medicare.gov! No one plan fits all–they’re extremely tailored to each person’s individual situation!
These articles and videos are meant to be a helpful get started guide for anyone trying to figure out the Medicare Maze! Any incomplete or incorrect information is not intentional, and I always recommend you seek professional assistance from a licensed agent or Medicare to assist you with your specific needs!