Medigap — Medicare Supplement Insurance
Private insurance policies that fill the 'gaps' in Original Medicare coverage — paying for Part A and B deductibles, coinsurance, copayments.
Official source: medicare.gov
Medigap, also called Medicare Supplement Insurance, helps pay for healthcare costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn't cover. These plans are sold by private insurance companies and help with things like your Medicare deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. There are ten standard types of Medigap plans, labeled A through N, each offering different benefits.The best time to buy a Medigap plan is during your [Medigap Open Enrollment](glossary/medigap-open-enrollment). This is a 6-month period that begins when you are 65 or older and enrolled in [<a href="/glossary/medicare-part-b">Medicare Part B</a>](glossary/medicare-part-b). During this time, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge you more based on your health. If you miss this enrollment period, you might have to answer health questions, and your application could be denied or cost more. It's important to know that Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs, so you'll need to get a separate [Part D plan](glossary/medicare-part-d-prescription-drug-plans) for that.
In real life
- A person on Original Medicare gets a Medigap plan to help pay for their hospital stay.
- Someone with a Medigap plan does not have to pay a lot for each doctor visit.
- A veteran uses a Medigap plan to help with medical costs when traveling outside the U.S.
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Frequently asked questions about Medigap
What is Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?+
Private insurance policies that fill the 'gaps' in Original Medicare coverage — paying for Part A and B deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and in some plans, foreign travel emergencies. Sold by private insurers, standardized by federal law into 10 plan types (A through N).
Who qualifies for Medigap?+
Best time to buy is during your Medigap Open Enrollment (the 6 months starting when you enroll in Part B at 65) — guaranteed issue with no medical underwriting.
How do I apply for Medigap?+
Most people are enrolled automatically at 65. To pick a plan or sign up manually, go to medicare.gov or call your free SHIP counselor.
Where can I get help?+
Call your free State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for one-on-one Medicare counseling at no cost, or compare plans at medicare.gov.
Source: medicare.gov