Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
Original Medicare helps cover many healthcare costs, but it does not pay for everything.
A Medicare Supplement plan, also called Medigap, helps cover some of the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare leaves behind, like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
If you want more predictable healthcare costs and the freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare, a Medigap plan may be the right fit.
Schedule a Free ConsultationWhat is a Medicare Supplement plan?
A Medicare Supplement plan is coverage you buy from a private insurance company to help fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare Part A and Part B. These plans are standardized by plan letter, which means the benefits for the same lettered plan are the same no matter which carrier sells it. The main differences are usually price, company reputation, and service.
If you want the flexibility to see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare, a Medigap plan may be a strong fit. Unlike many Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap generally does not use local provider networks.
Here’s how it works:
- Medicare pays its portion of your healthcare costs first.
- Then, depending on your Medigap plan, it covers some or all of your remaining costs.
Key Features:
- Private Insurers: Medigap plans are offered by private insurance companies, not the federal government.
- Standardized Plans: The benefits of each Medigap plan are standardized and labeled by letters (e.g., Plan F, G, N). This means Plan G offers the same benefits, no matter which insurer you choose.
Medigap Plan Comparison
| Medigap Benefit | Plan A | Plan B | Plan C | Plan D | Plan F* | Plan G* | Plan K | Plan L | Plan M | Plan N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% | ✓ | ✓*** |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part A deductible | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% | 50% | ✓ |
| Part B deductible | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Part B excess charge | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Foreign travel exchange (up to plan limits) | ✕ | ✕ | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | ✕ | ✕ | 80% | 80% |
| Out-of-pocket limit** | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $7,220 | $3,610 | N/A | N/A |
Note: Plan C & Plan F aren’t available if you turned 65 on or after January 1, 2020, and to some people under age 65. You might be able to get these plans if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, but not yet enrolled.
*Plans F & G offer a high deductible plan in some states.
**Plans K & L show how much they'll pay for approved services before you meet your out-of-pocket yearly limit and Part B deductible.
- After you meet them, the plan will pay 100% for approved services.
***Plan N pays 100% of the costs of Part B services, except for copayments for some office visits and some emergency room visits.
Why many people choose Medigap
A Medicare Supplement plan may be a good choice if you want:
- Help with Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copay
- More predictable out-of-pocket costs
- Freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare
- Coverage that travels with you anywhere in the U.S.
- The peace of mind that comes with fewer unexpected medical bills
Medicare states that Medigap helps cover your share of costs in Original Medicare, and many enrollees value the ability to compare same-letter plans by price and carrier.
What does Medigap help cover?
Depending on the plan letter you choose, a Medicare Supplement plan can help pay for costs such as:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
- Part B coinsurance or copayments
- Blood
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Hospice coinsurance or copayments
- In some plans, foreign travel emergency coverage
The exact benefits depend on the lettered plan. Medicare’s comparison chart shows that benefits vary by plan, so it is important to compare carefully.
Important: Medigap does not work with Medicare Advantage, and Medigap plans sold after 2005 do not include prescription drug coverage. If you need medication coverage, you usually need a separate Part D plan.
Popular Medicare Supplement Plan Options
Most people hear about plans like Plan G or Plan N — but choosing the right one isn’t as simple as picking a letter.
- Plan G offers strong coverage and predictable costs
- Plan N can have lower premiums, but more out-of-pocket costs
- High-deductible plans trade lower monthly cost for higher risk if something happens
Here’s what most people don’t realize:
The benefits are standardized, but pricing, rate increases, and long-term value vary significantly by company.
That’s where most people make a costly mistake.
Choosing the wrong plan — or the wrong carrier — can cost you thousands over time.
Why work with Harbor Crest Advisors?
At Harbor Crest Advisors, we help you understand your options without making Medicare feel overwhelming. We can help you:
- Compare Medicare Supplement plans side by side
- Review carrier options and pricing
- Understand the difference between Plan G, Plan N, and other choices
- Coordinate Medigap with a Part D drug plan
- Enroll with confidence and avoid common mistakes
Because same-letter Medigap plans are standardized, the real value of working with an agent is helping you compare price, timing, and fit. Medicare notes that the benefits for the same plan letter are the same no matter which company sells it, but premiums can vary widely.
Frequently asked questions
No. Medigap works with Original Medicare to help pay certain out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Advantage is a different way to receive your Medicare coverage. You generally cannot have both.
No. Medigap plans sold after 2005 do not include prescription drug coverage. You usually need a separate Part D plan.
The benefits are standardized by letter. For example, Plan G benefits are the same regardless of carrier, but premium, pricing method, and service can differ.
During your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, insurers generally cannot deny you for health reasons. Outside that period, underwriting may apply unless you qualify for certain protections.
In general, Medigap works with Original Medicare, so you can see any provider who accepts Medicare.
Let’s find the Medicare Supplement plan that fits your needs
Choosing a Medigap plan is about more than picking a name on a list. It is about finding the right balance of coverage, flexibility, and monthly cost for your situation.
Harbor Crest Advisors is here to help you compare your options, understand your enrollment window, and choose coverage with confidence.
Schedule Your Free Medicare Review