top of page
Search

What Is Medigap Insurance? A Simple Guide to Medicare Supplement Plans

  • Writer: Justin Hundley
    Justin Hundley
  • Jul 22
  • 3 min read

If you're on Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you might be wondering:"What about the costs Medicare doesn’t cover?"


That’s where Medigap insurance comes in. Also known as a Medicare Supplement plan, Medigap is designed to fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare—like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays—so you don’t get stuck with unexpected out-of-pocket bills.

In this guide, we’ll explain what Medigap insurance is, how it works, and how to know if it’s the right fit for you.


Senior couple reviewing Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance documents at home
Medigap insurance helps cover what Original Medicare doesn’t—so you can focus on living, not bills.

💡 What Is Medigap Insurance?


Medigap insurance, also called a Medicare Supplement plan, is private insurance that helps pay for costs that Original Medicare doesn’t fully cover.


This includes things like:

  • Part A & B deductibles

  • 20% coinsurance for doctor visits and outpatient services

  • Hospital costs after Medicare’s coverage runs out

  • Skilled nursing facility coinsurance

  • Emergency care when traveling outside the U.S.


Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies but are standardized by the federal government, meaning the coverage is the same no matter the carrier—the difference is the price and service.



🧾 How Does Medigap Work?


Let’s say you have:

  • Medicare Part A and B

  • A Medigap Plan G policy


When you go to the doctor:

  1. Medicare pays 80% of approved costs

  2. Medigap pays the remaining 20%

  3. You pay little to nothing—depending on the plan


That’s why Medigap is great for those who want predictable medical costs and peace of mind.



📋 What Medigap Plans Are Available?


Medigap plans are labeled by letters: A, B, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N (yes, some letters are skipped).


Here’s a quick overview of the most popular:

  • Plan G – The most comprehensive plan for new enrollees; covers nearly everything except the Part B deductible

  • Plan N – Lower premiums than G; you pay small copays for doctor/ER visits

  • Plan A – Basic coverage, often used by those on a tight budget


💡 Note: Plan F is no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare after Jan. 1, 2020.



🆚 Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage


They both help with costs, but they work very differently.

Feature

Medigap

Medicare Advantage

Coverage

Supplements Original Medicare

Replaces Original Medicare

Doctor Choice

Any doctor that accepts Medicare

Usually a network (HMO/PPO)

Drug Coverage

Not included (add Part D separately)

Often included

Travel Coverage

Often includes foreign emergency

Limited or none

Referrals

Not required

Sometimes required

Medigap gives you more freedom and lower out-of-pocket riskMedicare Advantage bundles benefits and extras (like dental/vision)



🤔 Is Medigap Insurance Right for You?


Medigap might be a great fit if you:

  • Want to see any doctor that accepts Medicare—no networks

  • Travel often, including internationally

  • Prefer predictable costs instead of surprise bills

  • Are okay buying a separate Part D prescription drug plan



👨‍⚕️ Who Can Enroll in Medigap?


To buy a Medigap plan, you must:

  • Be enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

  • Live in the plan’s service area

  • Apply during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (6 months after you turn 65 and enroll in Part B)


📌 Outside of that window, you may have to answer health questions—which is why timing matters!


Local insurance agent helping a Medicare beneficiary choose a Medigap plan
Working with a local agent makes choosing the right Medigap plan simple and stress-free.

🗣️ Let’s Make Medigap Easy


At Mountaineer Health and Life Insurance, we make Medicare simple and personal. We help people across West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Florida find the right Medigap plan at the right price—with zero pressure and free support.



📲 Let’s Chat About Medicare Supplement Plans


Need help comparing plans or enrolling in Medigap coverage? We’re here for you.


📞 Call or Text - 304-989-5809

🌐 Request an appointment - Click Here!

💬 Or send us a message directly!

 
 
 

Bình luận


Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on health and life products

You will be able to unsubscribe at any time

Read our privacy policy here

Young man standing with excitement on his face while holding a laptop
Mountaineer Health and Life Insurance logo
Stay Connected
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

 

© 2025 by Mountaineer Health and Life Insurance, LLC. 

 

We are not endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area, and any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please reach out to Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. 

bottom of page