What Is Medigap?

Coverage for what Medicare leaves behind. Understand your options at 1-800-MEDIGAP.

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Quick answer

Medigap is another name for Medicare Supplement insurance, private policies that pay the deductibles, copays, and coinsurance Original Medicare doesn't. Benefits are standardized by federal law into 10 lettered plans (A through N), and Medigap works only with Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage, per Medicare.gov.

Medigap fills the gaps in Original Medicare so you face fewer out-of-pocket bills. Here's a plain-English explanation of how it works.

What does Medigap actually do?

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) pays most of your hospital and medical bills, but it leaves you responsible for deductibles, a 20% coinsurance on most outpatient care, and other costs with no annual out-of-pocket limit. Medigap is private insurance designed to pay some or all of those leftover costs, the gaps. After Medicare pays its share, your Medigap policy automatically picks up the rest, depending on which plan you chose. The result is far more predictable spending and protection from large, unexpected bills. To learn which Medigap plan fits you, call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427).

How is Medigap structured?

Medigap is sold in 10 standardized plans, each identified by a letter from A to N. Federal law fixes the benefits within each letter, so a Plan G is the same no matter which company sells it, only the price and service differ. This standardization makes Medigap easy to compare: pick the benefit level you want, then shop for the lowest premium. You buy Medigap from a private insurer, pay a monthly premium, and keep paying your regular Part B premium. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin use slightly different standardization systems.

More on Medicare Supplement / Medigap

← Medicare Supplement / Medigap (overview)pillar guide Medicare Supplement Plans Medicare Supplement Insurance Medicare Supplement Plan G Medigap vs Medicare Advantage Medicare Plan F Medicare Supplement Plan N Plan G vs Plan N

Frequently asked questions

Is Medigap the same as Medicare?+

No. Medicare is the federal health program; Medigap is private insurance you buy to cover the gaps Medicare leaves. Medigap works only alongside Original Medicare, you must have Part A and Part B to use it. Think of Medigap as a supplement, not a replacement.

Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?+

No. Medigap plans don't include prescription drug coverage. For medications you need a separate Medicare Part D plan, which you can have alongside any Medigap policy. Our agents can set up both, call 1-800-MEDIGAP for help.

Who is eligible for Medigap?+

You're eligible for Medigap once you're enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, typically at age 65. The best time to buy is your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, when you can't be denied for health reasons. Some states also offer plans to those under 65.

How much does Medigap cost?+

Medigap premiums vary by plan, age, location, gender, tobacco use, and insurer, often about $90 to $300+ per month for Plan G. Because benefits are standardized, identical coverage can cost very different amounts. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to compare carriers and find the best price.

Is Medigap worth it?+

For many seniors, yes. Medigap trades a predictable monthly premium for protection from large, unpredictable medical bills, plus nationwide provider freedom. It's especially valuable for people with ongoing health needs or those who travel. Whether it's right for you depends on your budget and health, call 1-800-MEDIGAP to discuss.

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