What Is Medicare Supplement (Medigap)?
The one-minute explanation of medicare supplement (medigap) — no jargon.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Private insurance that fills the gaps in Original Medicare — deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. (Informational only; I don't handle Medicare enrollment.)
In Plain English
Medigap is private insurance you buy on top of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to cover what Medicare doesn't: the Part A and B deductibles, the 20% coinsurance, and other cost-sharing. Plans are standardized by letter (G, N, etc.) — a Plan G from any company covers the same benefits; only the price differs. Informational only — I don't sell Medicare products.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: The Fork
At 65, the big choice is usually: Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D (higher premiums, near-total cost predictability, any Medicare doctor nationwide) versus Medicare Advantage (lower premiums, network limits, managed care). There's no universally right answer — it depends on health, travel, budget, and risk tolerance.
Why It's Worth Knowing About
If you're under 65 now, Medigap is your future: understanding it helps you plan the Marketplace-to-Medicare transition and advise parents. The key fact: Medigap's best enrollment window is your initial 6-month open enrollment at 65 — miss it and underwriting can apply later.
Watch Out For
You can't have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage — they're mutually exclusive paths. Anyone selling you both doesn't understand the products. And Medigap never includes drug coverage; that's always a separate Part D plan.
Related: Medicare · Medicare Advantage
Common Questions
When's the best time to buy Medigap? Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment starting at 65 (with Part B) — during this window, insurers can't deny you or charge more for health conditions. It's the single most important Medigap deadline.
Plan G vs. Plan N — what's the difference? Both are popular: G covers nearly all cost-sharing (you pay the Part B deductible); N has lower premiums but copays for some visits and doesn't cover Part B excess charges. The right pick depends on your usage and budget.
Does Medigap cover prescriptions? No — never has. Prescription coverage is always a separate Part D plan alongside Medigap.
Put It to Work
The Medigap action item is a calendar entry: your 6-month open enrollment starting the month you turn 65 and enroll in Part B. During that window, buy the plan letter that fits your budget — you can never be denied or surcharged for health. Miss the window and underwriting enters the picture in most states. It's the rare insurance deadline where procrastination has permanent consequences.
How I Explain It to Clients
"Your Medigap open enrollment is a once-in-a-lifetime window," I tell people approaching 65. "Six months, no health questions, no surcharges — miss it and underwriting enters the picture." I don't sell Medicare products, but I make sure every client nearing 65 knows this deadline exists, because it's the one you can't get back.
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