Medicare Supplement · Medigap
Understanding Medigap: How Medicare Supplement Insurance Works
Medigap — also called Medicare Supplement Insurance — is private insurance that works alongside Original Medicare to pay costs that Medicare doesn't cover. Think of Medicare as the primary payor, and Medigap as the secondary payor that picks up what's left.
How Medigap Works
- You keep Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
- You pay a monthly premium to a private insurer
- Medicare pays first, then Medigap pays the remaining costs
- See any doctor that accepts Medicare — nationwide, no networks
- No referrals needed to see specialists
Most Popular Plans
Plan G
Covers almost everything except the $283 Part B deductible. The gold standard for new enrollees.
Full Plan G guide →Plan N
Strong coverage with small copays (up to $20 office, $50 ER). Lower monthly premium than G.
Full Plan N guide →Plan F
Covers everything including the Part B deductible. Only for those eligible before Jan 1, 2020.
Full Plan F guide →HDG
High deductible version of Plan G, offering a low premium with an annual deductible of $2,950.
Full HDG guide →Opportunity to Save Money
Since a Plan G from one carrier covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from any other carrier, price is the only variable that separates them. If your premium has crept up, it's worth checking whether a different carrier offers your same plan letter for less.
Paying more than you used to for the same plan letter? Let's price-check it, free.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
The two paths trade predictability for price. Here's the side-by-side from our advisor guides:
| Feature | Medigap | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | Varies by plan type, age, gender, location | Often $0 (still pay Part B) |
| Networks | Any doctor accepting Medicare | In-network only |
| Referrals | Never needed | Required |
| Out-of-Pocket Max | Very low (Plan G: ~$283/yr) | Up to $9,250 in-network, $13,900 out-of-network |
| Drug Coverage | Separate Part D plan needed | Usually included |
| Extra Benefits | Foreign travel coverage | Dental, vision, hearing, gym |
| Flexibility to Travel | Excellent nationwide | None, limited to service area |
| Paying Claims | Covers everything medically necessary | Ability to deny claims at will |
Shop every carrier's rate for your plan letter
Because Medigap benefits are standardized by law, the only real variable is price. As independent brokers we compare rates across carriers including UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Humana, Cigna, Mutual of Omaha and more, and our help costs you nothing.
Same coverage. Better rate. That's the whole trick.
A licensed advisor will tell you honestly whether switching makes sense, including when it doesn't.
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