Get Started With Medicare

Learn how Medigap plan options work, why standardized letter plans matter, and what to ask before comparing Medicare Supplement premiums.

What Medigap is designed to do

Medigap, also called Medicare Supplement Insurance, is private insurance designed to work with Original Medicare. It can help pay certain out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments depending on the policy.

Medigap is not Medicare Advantage. You generally use Medigap with Original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage is a private-plan alternative for receiving Medicare-covered benefits.

How standardized plan letters work

In many states, Medigap policies are standardized by letter. A Plan G from one company must offer the same standardized benefits as a Plan G from another company, although premiums, service, underwriting rules, and availability can differ.

Some states have different Medigap standardization rules. Always review your state's rules and the policy details before assuming a national summary tells the whole story.

What Medigap usually does not include

Medigap generally does not include Part D prescription drug coverage. If you choose Original Medicare with Medigap, you may also need to review a separate Part D plan.

Medigap also usually does not solve routine dental, vision, hearing, or long-term custodial care needs. Those categories should be reviewed separately in your Medicare budget.

Timing and underwriting questions

Medigap timing can matter. Many people focus on the Medigap Open Enrollment Period because it can affect whether medical underwriting applies.

If you wait, move, leave a Medicare Advantage plan, lose employer or retiree coverage, or try to switch Medigap policies later, ask what rights and underwriting rules apply in your state before making a change.

How to compare Medigap options

Start with the standardized benefit letter, then compare premium, pricing method, rate history if available, household discounts, application timing, customer service, and whether the policy fits your travel and provider-access preferences.

Do not compare Medigap only by the lowest first-month premium. Ask how rates may change over time and whether the policy fits your long-term budget.

Questions to ask

Am I staying with Original Medicare or considering Medicare Advantage?
Which standardized Medigap letter plan am I comparing?
Do I need a separate Part D plan?
Could underwriting apply if I apply or switch later?
How may premiums change over time?

Quick review checklist

Confusing Medigap with Medicare Advantage.
Assuming Medigap includes prescription drug coverage.
Waiting until after key timing windows before asking about underwriting.
Comparing only the first premium and ignoring long-term affordability.

When to get licensed help

Licensed help may be useful when you need to compare coverage choices, confirm enrollment timing, or understand how your current coverage coordinates with Medicare. This website does not sell, enroll in, or recommend specific Medicare plans.

Frequently asked questions

Is Medigap the same as Medicare Advantage?

No. Medigap works with Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage is a private-plan alternative for receiving Medicare-covered benefits.

Does Medigap include prescription drug coverage?

Usually no. People using Original Medicare with Medigap often review a separate Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.

Are Medigap plans standardized?

In many states, Medigap policies are standardized by letter, meaning the same letter plan has the same standardized benefits. Premiums, availability, underwriting, and state rules can still vary.

Medigap Plan Options