Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Explained

What is Medicare Supplement (Medigap)? Medigap plans help cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay.

This guide explains how Medigap works, what it covers, and how it compares to other Medicare options.

What Is Medigap?

👉 Medigap is supplemental insurance that works with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).

It helps pay for costs like:

• Deductibles

• Coinsurance

• Copayments

Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies but are standardized by the government.

👉 Start here: Medicare Coverage

What Medigap Covers

Depending on the plan, Medigap may cover:

• Part A hospital coinsurance

• Part B coinsurance (typically the 20%)

• Blood transfusions

• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance

• Foreign travel emergency care (limited)

👉 Related: Does Medicare Cover Hospital Stays
👉 Related: Does Medicare Cover Skilled Nursing Care

What Medigap Does NOT Cover

Medigap does NOT cover:

• Prescription drugs

• Dental care

• Vision care

• Hearing aids

• Long-term care

👉 Learn more: What Medicare Doesn’t Cover
👉 Related: Does Medicare Cover Prescription Drugs

How Medigap Works with Medicare

To use Medigap:

• You must be enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)

• Medicare pays its share first

• Medigap pays some or all of the remaining costs

👉 Learn more: Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D Explained

Medigap vs Medicare Advantage

👉 Medigap + Original Medicare:

• No network restrictions

• Predictable out-of-pocket costs

• Higher monthly premiums

👉 Medicare Advantage:

• Lower monthly premiums

• Network restrictions

• Copays for services

👉 Full comparison: Medicare Advantage vs Medigap
👉 See also: Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare

How Much Does Medigap Cost?

Medigap plans typically have:

• Monthly premiums (often higher than Advantage plans)

• Little to no out-of-pocket costs for covered services

Costs vary based on:

• Plan type

• Location

• Age

👉 Learn more: How Much Does Medicare Cost Per Month

When to Enroll in Medigap

The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which:

• Starts when you are 65 and enrolled in Part B

• Lasts for 6 months

• Guarantees acceptance regardless of health

👉 Learn more: When to Enroll in Medicare

Who Should Consider Medigap?

Medigap may be a good choice if you:

• Want predictable healthcare costs

• Visit doctors frequently

• Want freedom to choose providers nationwide

👉 Related: Does Medicare Cover Doctor Visits

Why This Matters

Choosing Medigap affects:

• Your monthly premiums

• Your out-of-pocket risk

• Your access to providers

Next Step

Now that you understand Medigap, the next step is comparing it directly with Medicare Advantage.

👉 Continue to: Medicare Advantage vs Medigap

Related Guides

• Medicare Coverage

• Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare

• Medicare Advantage vs Medigap

• What Medicare Doesn’t Cover

• How Much Does Medicare Cost Per Month