Medigap Plans
- How They Work: Medigap works with Part A and Part B to pay for out-of-pocket costs, with 80% of expenses typically covered by Original Medicare first.
- Benefits: These plans offer predictable costs, no network restrictions (can see any doctor in the U.S. that accepts Medicare), and no referrals needed.
- Limitations: They do not cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, or prescription drugs. They cannot be used with Medicare Advantage.
- Costs: Premiums are paid in addition to the Part B premium, and vary based on the plan type, insurance company, and location.
- Eligibility & Enrollment: You must have Parts A and B to enroll. The best time to buy is during the 6-month Open Enrollment Period, when you cannot be denied coverage due to pre-existing condition
Common Medigap Plans
- Plan G: Covers all cost-sharing except the Part B deductible.
- Plan N: Offers lower premiums with copays for some office/ER visits.
- Plans K, L, M: Offer lower premiums but higher cost-sharing
Plans K, L, M: Offer lower premiums but higher cost-sharing
Note: As of Jan 1, 2020, plans covering the Part B deductible (Plans C and F) are not available to people new to Medicare.
Key Features of Medigap Plans
- Standardization: Benefits for each plan letter (A–N) are identical across all insurance companies. For example, a Plan G from one company offers the same coverage as a Plan G from another.
- Network Freedom: You can see any doctor or visit any hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare; no referrals are required.
- Guaranteed Renewability: As long as you pay your premiums, your policy cannot be canceled, regardless of changes to your health.
- Exclusions: Standard Medigap policies do not include prescription drug coverage (Part D), routine dental, vision, hearing aids, or long-term care
Popular Plan Options for 2025–2026
- Plan G: The most comprehensive option for new enrollees, covering everything except the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026).
- Plan N: Offers lower premiums but requires small copays (up to $20 for doctor visits and $50 for ER visits).
Costs and Enrollment
- Premiums: Monthly costs vary widely by company, age, and location. Mid-level plans like G or N typically range from $90 to $300 per month.
- Best Time to Buy: Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this time, companies must sell you a policy at the best rate without medical underwriting (health questions).
- Top Providers: Highly-rated companies for 2025–2026 include UnitedHealthcare/AARP, Humana, Cigna, and Aetna
Source:www.medicare.gov