What Are Medigap Plans?
Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, helps pay some of the healthcare costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn't cover. These include copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies and are standardized, meaning each lettered plan (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N) offers the same basic benefits regardless of which company sells it.
Key Benefits of Medigap
- Predictable healthcare costs - Most plans cover substantial out-of-pocket expenses
- Freedom of choice - See any doctor who accepts Medicare, nationwide
- Guaranteed renewable - Your policy cannot be canceled as long as you pay premiums
- No network restrictions - Unlike Medicare Advantage, no network limitations
- Coverage when traveling - Many plans cover emergency care outside the U.S.
Standardized Medigap Plans
There are 10 standardized Medigap plans available in most states, each identified by a letter. Plans with the same letter offer the same basic benefits, no matter which insurance company sells the policy. However, the cost can vary between insurance companies and your location.
Available Plans in 2026
- Plan A - Basic coverage, lowest premiums
- Plan B - Adds Part A deductible coverage
- Plan C - Only for those eligible before Jan 1, 2020
- Plan D - Good balance of coverage and cost
- Plan F - Most comprehensive, only for those eligible before Jan 1, 2020
- Plan G - Most comprehensive plan available to new enrollees
- Plan K - Lower premiums with cost-sharing
- Plan L - Lower premiums with cost-sharing
- Plan M - Moderate coverage with lower premiums
- Plan N - Lower premiums with some copayments
Important Note About Plans C and F
If you became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you cannot purchase Plans C or F. These plans cover the Medicare Part B deductible, which is not allowed for new Medicare enrollees under federal law. If you already have Plan C or F, you can keep it.
How Medigap Works
When you receive healthcare services:
- Medicare pays first - Original Medicare pays its share of the Medicare-approved amount
- Medigap pays second - Your Medigap policy pays its share
- You pay the rest - You pay whatever costs remain, if any
What Medigap Doesn't Cover
Medigap policies generally don't cover:
- Prescription drugs (you need a separate Part D plan)
- Long-term care (like custodial care in a nursing home)
- Vision care (routine eye exams, eyeglasses)
- Dental care
- Hearing aids
- Private-duty nursing
2025 Medicare Costs
Understanding current Medicare costs helps you determine which Medigap plan provides the best value:
- Part B Monthly Premium: $202.90 (standard)
- Part B Annual Deductible: $283
- Part A Inpatient Deductible: $1,736 per benefit period
- Part A Daily Coinsurance: Varies by length of stay
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