What are Medicare Supplement plans?
Medicare Supplement Plans – Simply Put
A Medicare Supplement plan is where Original Medicare (your Red, White, and Blue card) pays first, 80% of all your doctor and hospital charges. Your Supplement (Medigap) plan helps cover the remaining costs — like deductibles, co-pays, or co-insurance — depending on the plan you choose.
When is the Best Time to Enroll?
When first you’re eligible for Medicare. Why?
Because insurance companies must accept you during this time — no health questions asked. After that, most plans do require health questions — and your application may be denied.
Why Choose a Medicare Supplement Plan
- Freedom to Choose Doctors: See any provider who accepts Medicare — anywhere in the U.S. Live in California but want to visit a doctor in New York? No problem.
- No Referrals Needed: Go straight to a specialist — no need to ask your primary doctor for permission.
- Low Out-of-Pocket Costs: Unlike HMOs or PPOs (which have low or no monthly cost but charge co-pays for most services), Medigap plans typically leave you with very few out-of-pocket bills when you need care.
- Predictable Monthly Premiums: Yes, you’ll pay a monthly premium — and yes, it may increase slightly every few years as you age. But we’ll help you review your options to keep costs manageable for the long run.
- Perfect for Travelers: Love to RV or visit family around the U.S.? Your coverage travels with you.
Your complete Medicare coverage when you choose a Medicare Supplement Plan will look like this:
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What Are Medicare Supplement Plans?
Medicare Supplement plans (also called Medigap) help pay for certain costs that Original Medicare (Parts A & B) doesn’t cover—like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. They’re offered by private insurance companies and can help you better manage your out-of-pocket health care expenses.
Who Are Medicare Supplement Plans For?
How Medicare Supplement Plans Work
- Offered by private insurance companies, not the federal government.
- Standardized by the government: Most states offer plans labeled A through N, each with a fixed set of benefits.
- Approved by each state: Insurance companies must get state approval to sell their plans.
Things to Know Before You Buy
- Medicare Supplement policies only cover one person.
- “Medicare Supplement” and “Medigap” are interchangeable — they mean the same thing.
- You must pay a monthly premium for the supplement plan (separate from Parts A & B).
- You must have Medicare Part A and Part B to be eligible.
- The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (6 months after you first enroll in Part B).
- You can’t have a Medicare Supplement plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time.
- Medicare Supplement plans do not include prescription drug coverage — you’ll need a separate Part D plan from a private insurer.
What Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover?
All Medigap plans must include these basic benefits:
- Part A deductible.
- Part B deductible (available only in some older plans, most plans 2020 and thereafter require you to pay the Part B Medicare deductible).
- Part A coinsurance: Covers hospital stays, including up to 365 extra days after Medicare benefits run out.
- Part B coinsurance/copayments: Covers 50% to 100% of doctor visit costs, depending on the plan
Part A hospice care: Covers hospice coinsurance or copays. - First 3 pints of blood: Covers the cost if donated blood isn’t available
- Part B excess charges (what some doctors may charge beyond Medicare’s approved amount)
- Foreign travel emergency care.
Note: If you live in Massachusetts, Minnesota, or Wisconsin, Medigap plans follow different rules.
Want Help Choosing the Right Plan?
Choosing a Medicare Supplement plan doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ll explain your options, so you understand your choices, walk you through the costs, and help you find the plan that fits your needs and budget. I will be here for you every step of the way!
Call me today. I’m here to help.