Medicare Supplements Insurance Plans (or Medigap)
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans (or Medigap) are extra insurance you can buy from a private insurance company to help pay your share of out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
We can help you understand how Medigap works, what Medigap may help cover, when you generally need Original Medicare to buy it, and how Medigap compares with Medicare Advantage before you enroll.
What Is Medigap?
Medigap is Medicare Supplement Insurance. It works with Original Medicare and helps pay some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not fully cover. Medicare.gov states that you generally must have Original Medicare Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy.
This makes Medigap one of the main alternatives people compare against Medicare Advantage when they want more predictable costs and broad access to doctors who accept Medicare.
Medigap Basics You Should Know
Works with Original Medicare
Medigap does not replace Original Medicare. It works alongside Part A and Part B and helps pay some of your share of covered costs.
Helps with Out-of-Pocket Costs
Medicare.gov explains that Medigap may help pay copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles in Original Medicare.
Separate from Medicare Advantage
Medigap is designed to work with Original Medicare, not with Medicare Advantage plans.
What Does Medigap Help Cover?
Medigap helps pay some of the costs left behind by Original Medicare. Medicare.gov specifically states that Medigap can help with out-of-pocket costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
You want to reduce uncertainty around medical bills and avoid paying the full remaining share of Original Medicare cost exposure on your own.
Medigap helps with certain cost-sharing amounts under Original Medicare, but the exact benefits depend on the Medigap policy you buy and the standardized plan design available to you.
Who Should Consider Medigap?
People Who Want Predictable Costs
Medigap is often a good fit for people who want help with Part A and Part B cost-sharing and who prefer steadier medical cost exposure over the course of the year.
People Who Want Broad Doctor Access
Because Medigap works with Original Medicare, many people choose it when they want access to any doctor or facility that accepts Medicare rather than relying on a Medicare Advantage provider network.
When to Buy a Medigap Policy
Medicare.gov's Medigap page directs users to “Get ready to buy” and “Find Medigap policies,” which reflects how important timing is when shopping for a policy. When you first enroll in Original Medicare, and you want more protection from out-of-pocket costs, or when you compare Original Medicare plus Medigap against Medicare Advantage.
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Medigap vs Medicare Advantage
| Feature | Medigap | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Works with | Original Medicare Part A and Part B | Private Medicare-approved Part C plan |
| Main purpose | Helps pay Original Medicare cost-sharing | Alternative way to receive Medicare benefits |
| Doctor access | Any provider that accepts Medicare | Usually plan network-based |
| Drug coverage | Usually separate Part D plan needed | Often included |
| Extra benefits | Not the main purpose of the policy | May include vision, hearing, and dental benefits |
Frequently Asked Questions About Medigap
Need Help Reviewing Medigap Options?
Speak with a licensed Medicare agent to review Medigap options, compare costs, and understand whether Original Medicare plus Medigap is the right fit for your healthcare needs and budget.