Understanding Medigap: Supplementing Your Medicare Coverage

​Medicare provides vital health coverage for people aged 65 and older, but it doesn’t cover everything. While Original Medicare (Parts A and B) helps with many medical expenses, there are still gaps in coverage that can leave you with out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. This is where Medigap - also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance - can help.
In this blog, we’ll explain what Medigap is, how it works with Medicare, and why it might be the right option for you to help manage out-of-pocket healthcare costs. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how Medigap can fill in the coverage gaps and how to choose the right plan to complement your existing Medicare benefits.
If you’re considering adding Medigap to your Medicare coverage, be sure to visit our free online Medicare webinar at www.simplemedicareclass.com for more in-depth information on your options.
What is Medigap?Medigap refers to a set of private insurance plans designed to supplement Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) by covering some or all of the healthcare costs that Medicare doesn’t cover. These costs can include:

• Deductibles: The amount you must pay before your Medicare coverage kicks in for certain services.
• Coinsurance: The percentage of medical costs you’re responsible for after meeting your deductible.
• Copayments: A fixed amount you pay for a medical service, typically at the time of your visit.

Essentially, Medigap acts as a safety net, helping to reduce the financial burden that can come with healthcare services that are only partially covered by Medicare.
It’s important to note that Medigap only works with Original Medicare (Parts A and B). If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), you cannot purchase a Medigap policy.
Why Consider Medigap?While Original Medicare provides a solid foundation of coverage, it doesn’t pay for everything. Here are a few reasons why Medigap can be an essential addition to your Medicare benefits:

1. Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs
   One of the biggest advantages of Medigap is the potential to lower your out-of-pocket healthcare costs. If you’ve ever had to pay for a medical procedure, doctor’s visit, or hospitalization, you know how quickly the costs can add up. Medigap can help cover some of those additional expenses, reducing your overall healthcare costs.
   
2. Predictable Healthcare Costs
   With a Medigap plan, you’re less likely to experience unexpected medical bills. Many Medigap plans cover things like coinsurance and copayments, so you can know exactly how much you’ll pay out-of-pocket for most medical services. This predictability can be especially important when managing a fixed income during retirement.
   
3. Wider Access to Providers
   Medigap plans generally provide access to any doctor or healthcare provider who accepts Medicare, making it easier to see specialists and get the care you need. Unlike some Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap doesn’t have provider networks or require referrals for specialists.
   
4. No Need for Referrals
   Medigap doesn’t require you to get a referral to see a specialist. With Original Medicare and Medigap, you have the flexibility to visit any Medicare-approved provider without needing prior approval or coordination from a primary care doctor.
   
5. Travel Coverage
   Many Medigap plans provide coverage for emergency medical care when you travel outside the U.S. While Original Medicare typically doesn’t cover services outside of the country, certain Medigap policies can provide emergency medical coverage for those times when you’re traveling abroad.
   

Types of Medigap PlansThere are 10 standardized Medigap plans (labeled A through N) that vary in terms of what they cover. Each plan provides a different combination of benefits, with some covering more than others. However, it’s important to know that Medigap plans are standardized, which means that the coverage is the same no matter which insurance company offers it. For example, a Plan G from one insurer will provide the exact same benefits as a Plan G from another insurer.
Here’s a brief overview of the most common Medigap plans:

• Plan A: Provides the most basic level of coverage, including coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance or copayment, and the first three pints of blood for a transfusion.
• Plan B: Similar to Plan A, but adds coverage for the Medicare Part A deductible.
• Plan C: Includes all the benefits of Plan B, plus coverage for the Part B deductible and skilled nursing facility coinsurance. Note: Plan C is no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries as of January 2020, though people who already have Plan C can keep it.
• Plan D: Similar to Plan C but does not cover the Part B deductible.
• Plan F: One of the most comprehensive plans, covering everything from coinsurance to deductibles. Plan F is also no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries as of 2020, though existing enrollees can keep it.
• Plan G: Provides almost the same coverage as Plan F, except it doesn’t cover the Part B deductible. Plan G is now one of the most popular choices for new beneficiaries.
• Plan K, L, M, and N: These are more cost-sharing plans, meaning you’ll be responsible for a portion of the costs, but the premiums are typically lower than Plans F or G.

When choosing a Medigap plan, you’ll want to balance the monthly premium with the level of coverage that makes the most sense for your healthcare needs and budget.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: Which is Right for You?While Medigap and Medicare Advantage (Part C) both help cover Medicare costs, they function in very different ways.

• Medigap works alongside Original Medicare to fill in the gaps in coverage, leaving you with fewer out-of-pocket expenses.
• Medicare Advantage plans, on the other hand, replace Original Medicare. These plans often include additional benefits, such as vision, dental, and hearing coverage, but they typically require you to stay within a network of providers, and they may have co-pays and deductibles of their own.

The decision between Medigap and Medicare Advantage depends on factors like budget, healthcare needs, and provider preferences. Medigap might be right for you if you prefer the flexibility of Original Medicare and want to reduce out-of-pocket expenses, while Medicare Advantage could be more suitable if you're looking for extra benefits and a lower monthly premium, and you’re okay with a more structured network.
When Can You Enroll in Medigap?To enroll in a Medigap plan, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. The best time to apply for Medigap is during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, which lasts for six months and begins the first month that you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this period, you can enroll in any Medigap plan without answering health questions, which means you cannot be turned down based on pre-existing conditions.
If you miss this window, you can still apply for Medigap, but you may face higher premiums or be denied coverage based on your health history. Some states offer special rules that allow you to apply for Medigap outside of the open enrollment period, so it’s worth checking with your state’s insurance department.
How Much Does Medigap Cost?The cost of Medigap plans varies depending on factors like:

• The plan you choose: Some plans, like Plan F or Plan G, offer more comprehensive coverage but come with higher premiums.
• Your age: Younger individuals may pay lower premiums, but premiums typically increase as you age.
• Your location: Premiums for Medigap can vary by state, and even by zip code, due to differences in healthcare costs across regions.
• The insurance company: While the coverage is standardized, different insurance companies can charge different premiums for the same plan.

It’s important to shop around for Medigap plans, as premiums can vary significantly between insurance companies, even for the same coverage.
ConclusionMedigap can be an excellent way to reduce your out-of-pocket costs and gain more predictable healthcare expenses if you have Original Medicare. By covering things like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, Medigap plans offer financial protection against unexpected medical bills. Understanding how Medigap works and which plan is right for you is key to making an informed decision about your healthcare coverage.
To get more information about how Medigap can complement your Medicare coverage, be sure to check out our free, online Medicare webinar at www.simplemedicareclass.com.
If you have questions or want to speak with one of our licensed agents, call us today at +1-866-717-8683. We’re here to help you find the Medigap plan that best fits your needs and budget.