Get Medigap Basics
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is extra insurance you can buy from a private insurance company to help pay your share of costs in Original Medicare. What types of insurance aren’t Medigap?
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You can only buy Medigap if you have Original Medicare. Generally, that means you have to sign up for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) before you can buy a Medigap policy.
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You get a 6 month “Medigap Open Enrollment” period, which starts the first month you have Medicare Part B and you’re 65 or older. During this time, you can enroll in any Medigap policy and the insurance company can’t deny you coverage due to pre-existing health problems. After this period, you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy, or it may cost more. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time enrollment. It doesn’t repeat every year, like the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.
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All Medigap policies are standardized. This means, they offer the same basic benefits no matter where you live or which insurance company you buy the policy from. There are 10 different types of Medigap plans offered in most states, which are named by letters: A-D, F, G, and K-N. Price is the only difference between plans with the same letter that are sold by different insurance companies. What else should I know about these lettered plans?
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In some states, you may be able to buy another type of Medigap policy called Medicare SELECT. If you buy a Medicare SELECT policy, you have the right to change your mind within 12 months and switch to a standard Medigap policy.
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Important: In Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, Medigap policies are standardized in a different way.
Every Medigap policy must follow federal and state laws designed to protect you. It’s important to watch out for illegal practices by insurance companies, and protect yourself when you’re shopping for a Medigap policy.
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Source: https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/basics
Learn What Medigap covers
Review what Medigap covers and compare plans side-by-side.
Medigap plans generally help cover your share of costs for services that are covered by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). The benefits are different in each plan – you can buy the one that meets your needs. Not all plans are offered in every state.
Learn How Medigap works
See how Medigap works with other Medicare coverage.
Generally, you must have Original Medicare — Part A and Part B — to buy a Medigap policy. A Medigap policy only covers one person, so if you and your spouse both want Medigap coverage, you each have to buy your own policy.
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If you have a Medigap policy and get care, Medicare will pay its share of the Medicare-approved amount for covered health care costs. Then, your Medigap policy will pay its share. You’re responsible for any costs that are left.
Get Medigap costs
Check what Medigap generally costs and what you pay.
Medigap premiums (an amount you pay each month) vary depending on the insurance company, the plan, and where you live. The benefits in each lettered plan are the same, no matter which insurance company sells it.
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ethanadvisor.com is an online resourse company, and we are not affiliated with the United States government, the federal Medicare program and not appointed by any insurance carrier. This communication is intended for informational purposes only and is not an offer of insurance. V. Ethan Vaisman or their associates, subsidiaries, affiliates, or carriers are authorized to offer Medical Indemnity Plans, Critical Illness Plans, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance, Medicare Advantage (Part C), and/or Medicare Part D. from various insurance carriers. The availability of these plans may vary by location.
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