What You Need to Know about Medicare Supplement Plans

What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, is private insurance that helps cover out-of-pocket healthcare costs left behind by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).

These plans are designed to pay for expenses like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, providing financial protection and peace of mind for Medicare beneficiaries.

What Does Medigap Cover?

Medigap plans cover services and procedures approved by Medicare, such as:

Hospital costs and coinsurance after Medicare’s coverage ends
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
Part A and Part B deductibles (depending on the plan)
Emergency care during foreign travel (some plans)
Excess charges from providers who don’t accept Medicare’s approved amount

Note: Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, hearing aids, or long-term care.

Who Is Eligible for Medigap?

You’re eligible to enroll in a Medigap plan if you:

Are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B
Live in the plan’s service area

Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums due to health conditions if you apply during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the six months after you turn 65 and enroll in Part B) or during a Guaranteed Issue Right period.

What Plans Are Available?

In most states, Medigap policies are standardized and labeled by letters: Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N.

All insurers must offer Plan A
Other plans vary by insurer and availability
Plans F and C are only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020

Each plan letter offers the same coverage regardless of the company selling it. For example, a Plan G from one insurer offers the same benefits as a Plan G from another.

How Do Prices Vary?

While benefits are standardized, prices are not.

Premiums vary by insurance company, plan, location, age, and sometimes medical history
One company may charge significantly more for the exact same plan

That’s why it’s important to compare rates before enrolling. MedicareMall can help you find the best value for your Medigap coverage.

What About Pre-Existing Conditions?

Insurers may impose a waiting period of up to 6 months for pre-existing conditions
This can be waived if you had creditable coverage before enrolling
Some companies choose not to enforce the waiting period at all

Can I Keep My Doctor?

Yes. Medigap plans don’t use networks.

You can visit any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare. This gives you more flexibility and continuity with your existing healthcare providers.

Is the Claims Process Complicated?

Not at all. Medigap plans are designed to work seamlessly with Medicare.

Claims are typically processed automatically
No need to submit paperwork in most cases
Providers bill Medicare first, and Medigap pays its share after

Why Choose a Medigap Plan?

Medicare alone can leave you with unpredictable expenses. A Medigap plan helps you:

Reduce out-of-pocket medical costs
Predict and manage healthcare expenses more easily
Travel with confidence knowing you have nationwide coverage

Choosing the right Medigap plan gives you freedom, peace of mind, and financial protection.

Let MedicareMall Help You Compare Medigap Plans

With so many options and price differences, it’s smart to shop the market—and that’s where Medicare Mall comes in.

Our licensed agents will:

Compare rates and plan options in your area
Identify the plan that meets your healthcare needs and budget
Walk you through enrollment and answer any questions along the way