Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
How Medigap plans fill the gaps in Original Medicare and which plan letter is right for your situation.
What Is Medicare Supplement (Medigap)?
A Medicare Supplement plan — often called Medigap — is private insurance that works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to help cover the "gaps" in coverage, such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap doesn't replace Original Medicare — it supplements it. You keep your Original Medicare card and use it first; your Medigap plan pays second.
💡 With a strong Medigap plan, you can see virtually any doctor or specialist in the country who accepts Medicare — no referrals, no networks, no prior authorization.
The Standardized Plan Letters
Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government and sold under letter names (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). Every insurer must offer the same benefits for the same plan letter — the only difference is price and customer service.
- Plan G: The most popular plan for new enrollees. Covers almost everything except the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). Great for people who want comprehensive coverage and budget predictability.
- Plan N: Similar to Plan G but with small copays ($20 for doctor visits, $50 for ER). Lower premiums than Plan G. Good for healthy people who don't visit doctors frequently.
- Plan F: The most comprehensive — covers 100% of approved Medicare costs. Only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
- Plan K & L: Lower premiums with cost-sharing requirements. Good for healthy enrollees willing to take on more risk.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
This is the core decision most people face. Here's a simple way to think about it:
- Medigap + Original Medicare: Higher monthly premium, but near-zero out-of-pocket costs when you need care. Maximum freedom to use any Medicare provider nationwide.
- Medicare Advantage: Often lower monthly premium, but potential for significant cost-sharing when you need care. Network restrictions apply.
⚠️ Timing matters. You have a guaranteed issue right to enroll in any Medigap plan without medical underwriting during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (starts when you're 65 and enrolled in Part B). After that, insurers can deny you or charge more based on health.
Carol M. already had type 2 diabetes when she turned 65. During her Medigap Open Enrollment window, that didn't matter — she enrolled in Plan G with zero health questions, same rate as anyone else. Compare that to a gentleman who called me at 68 wanting the same plan: same condition, but past his window, he had to go through underwriting and was declined. Same person on paper. The only difference was timing.
Client stories reflect real situations from Matt's practice. Names and identifying details are changed for privacy.
💡 Already past your open enrollment window? Don't assume you're stuck. Some states have birthday rules and exceptions, and certain situations restore your guaranteed-issue rights. Matt can check what applies to you in one call.
What Medigap Doesn't Cover
- Prescription drugs (you need a separate Part D plan)
- Dental, vision, and hearing
- Long-term care
- Care outside the U.S. (some plans offer limited foreign travel coverage)
Prefer to watch?
Matt covers everything in this module on video:
Find Out What Your Window Looks Like
Your 6-month Medigap open enrollment only comes once. Matt will tell you exactly when yours opens and closes — and what Plan G vs. Plan N actually costs in your zip code.
📞 Call or Text Matt: (248) 895-6656 Have Matt Call You Instead →