Medicare Supplement, Made Easier.
Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, can help pay certain out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare. We help you understand your options and compare available plans and companies based on your needs.
Understand how Medigap works
Compare available plan options
Review premiums and coverage
How Does Medicare Supplement Work?
Medicare Supplement insurance works alongside Original Medicare. Once you understand how the two work together, comparing Medigap options becomes much easier.
You Keep Original Medicare
Medicare Supplement does not replace Original Medicare. You remain enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
Medicare Pays First
For Medicare-covered services, Original Medicare generally pays its share of the approved amount first.
Medigap May Help
Depending on the plan you choose, your Medigap policy may help pay certain Medicare-covered cost-sharing amounts.
A simpler way to think about Medigap
Original Medicare provides your Medicare coverage, while your Medicare Supplement policy may help with certain costs that remain after Medicare pays its share.
Why Consider Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Supplement plans can be an option for people who want to keep Original Medicare while adding coverage that may help with certain Medicare-covered out-of-pocket costs.
Keep Original Medicare
Medicare Supplement insurance works alongside Original Medicare. You keep your Part A and Part B coverage while adding a separate Medigap policy.
Provider Flexibility
Original Medicare generally allows you to see any doctor or healthcare provider that accepts Medicare, without being limited to a Medicare Advantage plan network.
Understand Your Costs
Depending on the Medigap plan, certain Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance, and other cost-sharing amounts may be covered.
Travel Considerations
Some Medigap plans include benefits for certain emergency healthcare services received while traveling outside the United States, subject to plan rules and limitations.
It's Not Just About the Premium.
When comparing Medicare Supplement plans, it's important to look beyond the monthly premium. The plan letter, company, pricing, eligibility, and rules that apply to your situation can all matter.
We can help you compare available options so you can understand what you're paying for and how the coverage works.
Medicare Supplement Plan Letters, Explained
Medicare Supplement plans are identified by letters. Each plan letter has a standardized set of benefits, making it easier to compare the coverage offered by different insurance companies.
Plan A
Provides the basic benefits included in a standardized Medigap plan.
Plan B
Includes the basic benefits of Plan A plus additional coverage for the Part A deductible.
Plan C
Offers broader standardized benefits, including coverage for several Medicare cost-sharing amounts.
Plan D
Provides a standardized combination of Medigap benefits that differs from Plans C and G.
Plan F
Provides comprehensive standardized benefits. Generally available only to people eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Plan G
One of the most commonly compared options, with broad standardized benefits for eligible applicants.
Plan K
Provides a different cost-sharing structure, with the policy paying a percentage of certain covered costs.
Plan L
Uses a different cost-sharing structure and pays a percentage of certain covered costs.
Plan M
Provides a standardized combination of benefits with its own cost-sharing structure.
Plan N
Provides broad standardized benefits while generally requiring certain copayments for some services.
The Plan Letter Is Only Part of the Decision
The same Medigap plan letter generally has the same standardized benefits regardless of which insurance company offers it. However, premiums, pricing methods, customer service, availability, and eligibility can differ between companies.
Not Sure Which Plan Letter to Compare?
We can help you understand the differences between the available Medicare Supplement options and compare companies in your area.
Compare My OptionsPlan G vs. Plan N
Plan G and Plan N are two Medicare Supplement options that many beneficiaries compare. Understanding the differences can help you decide which questions to ask when reviewing your options.
Why People Consider Plan G
Plan G provides broad standardized Medigap benefits and generally covers most Medicare-approved cost-sharing after the Part B deductible, which the beneficiary pays themselves.
Why People Consider Plan N
Plan N offers broad standardized benefits while generally having lower premiums than some other Medigap options. Certain copayments and Part B excess charges can apply.
Which One Is Right for You?
There isn't one answer for everyone. Your healthcare needs, preferred doctors, budget, eligibility, and available premiums should all be considered.
Compare My OptionsWhat Does Medicare Supplement Cost?
Medicare Supplement premiums vary depending on the plan you choose, the insurance company, where you live, and your individual circumstances. Comparing premiums can help you find an option that fits your budget while still providing the coverage you want.
Plan Letter
Different Medigap plan letters provide different standardized benefits. The plan you choose can affect the premium you pay.
Insurance Company
Different insurance companies can charge different premiums for the same standardized Medigap plan. Comparing companies can be important.
Where You Live
Medigap pricing and availability can vary by state and location. Your ZIP code can be an important part of comparing available options.
Your Circumstances
Depending on when and how you apply, factors such as age, eligibility, and medical underwriting rules may affect your available options and premiums.
Don't Look at the Premium Alone.
A lower premium does not automatically mean a better fit. When comparing Medicare Supplement plans, it's important to look at the plan's standardized benefits, premium, company, pricing method, eligibility requirements, and your expected healthcare needs.
We can help you review available Medicare Supplement options and understand the differences before you make a decision.
Compare My OptionsMedicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage
Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage are different ways to get Medicare coverage. Understanding how they work can help you decide which type of coverage you want to explore.
Medicare Supplement
May be worth exploring if you want to keep Original Medicare and consider additional coverage for certain Medicare-covered out-of-pocket costs.
- Works alongside Original Medicare
- Standardized plan letters
- Generally broad provider access
- Separate Part D coverage may be needed
Medicare Advantage
May be worth exploring if you prefer receiving your Medicare benefits through a private Medicare Advantage plan and want to consider plan-specific benefits and costs.
- Private Medicare health plan
- Plan networks may apply
- Many plans include prescription coverage
- Additional benefits may be available
It Depends on What Matters Most to You.
Your doctors, prescriptions, healthcare needs, travel habits, preferred cost structure, budget, and eligibility can all play a role in determining which type of Medicare coverage you may want to explore.
When Can You Buy Medicare Supplement?
The timing of your Medicare Supplement application can be important. Your ability to buy a Medigap policy, the plans available to you, and whether medical underwriting may apply can depend on your situation.
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is generally a one-time period that begins when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this period, you generally have important protections when buying a Medigap policy.
Special Situations
Certain circumstances may give you a guaranteed-issue right, allowing you to buy a Medigap policy without medical underwriting.
Outside Open Enrollment
You can generally apply for Medigap at other times, but the insurance company may be able to use medical underwriting unless you have a specific protection or guaranteed-issue right.
Your Medicare Timing Can Affect Your Medigap Options
Turn 65
You become eligible for Medicare based on your circumstances.
Enroll in Part B
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period generally begins when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B.
Compare Medigap
Review plan letters, companies, premiums, and available options.
Apply
Submit an application based on your eligibility and circumstances.
Let's Look at Your Medicare Timeline.
We can help you understand when you may be able to explore Medicare Supplement options and what factors could affect your application.
Compare Medicare Supplement Options With Confidence
Choosing a Medicare Supplement plan doesn't have to mean sorting through everything on your own. We help you understand the differences between available options so you can make a more informed decision.
Understand Your Needs
We start by learning about your healthcare priorities, doctors, budget, travel considerations, and what you want from your coverage.
Review Available Plans
We explain the Medigap plan letters you may be eligible to consider and how their standardized benefits differ.
Compare Companies
When multiple companies offer the plan you're considering, we can help you compare available premiums and company options.
Choose Your Next Step
Once you understand your options, you can decide whether a Medicare Supplement plan is right for you and which option you want to pursue.
More Than Just the Monthly Premium
A Medigap comparison should look at the whole picture. We help you understand the factors that can matter when evaluating available Medicare Supplement options.
Understand what the standardized plan is designed to cover.
Compare premiums for available plans and companies.
Review available insurance companies offering the plan.
Consider enrollment timing and applicable eligibility rules.
A More Personal Approach
We don't believe Medicare decisions should be one-size-fits-all. Our goal is to help you understand your choices before you decide.
Schedule a Free ConsultationReady to Explore Your Medicare Supplement Options?
Medicare Supplement insurance can feel complicated, but you don't have to figure it out alone. We can help you understand the differences between plan letters, compare available options, and review what may fit your needs and budget.
A simpler way to compare your options.
Understand Medigap plan letters
Compare available companies
Review premiums and coverage
Understand your enrollment options
