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Medicare Supplement Plans
(Medigap)
Original Medicare covers a lot—but not everything. You’re still responsible for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and there’s no annual limit on your out-of-pocket expenses. Over time, those costs can add up quickly—especially if you experience a major illness or require frequent care.
Medicare Supplement Insurance, commonly known as Medigap, is designed to protect you from those unexpected costs. These plans work alongside Original Medicare, helping to pay for the expenses Medicare leaves behind. With a Medigap plan in place, your healthcare becomes more predictable, your costs more manageable, and your access to care more flexible—no provider networks, no referrals, and no surprises.
Each plan is standardized and regulated, meaning the benefits are consistent no matter which insurance company offers it. The only differences lie in premiums, underwriting rules, and customer service. For many people, Medigap provides the stability and confidence they need to make long-term healthcare decisions without financial uncertainty.
How Does Medicare Supplement Work?
Medigap is not a replacement for Original Medicare—it’s a companion policy designed to fill in the financial gaps. When you're enrolled in a Medigap plan, Medicare pays first, covering its approved portion of your healthcare costs under Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). After that, your Medigap plan steps in to help pay the remaining costs, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
You visit a provider who accepts Medicare.
Medicare is billed and pays its share of the approved amount.
Your Medigap plan is then automatically billed for its portion, often covering most or all of what’s left.
You’re responsible only for costs not covered by either plan (if any), depending on the specific Medigap plan you’ve chosen.
Because Medicare supplement plans are federally standardized, this process is consistent across all states (except Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, which have their own Medigap models). And since they work anywhere Medicare is accepted, there are no provider networks or referrals required, giving you nationwide freedom to receive care.
Things to Consider Before Choosing
While Medigap offers excellent protection and flexibility, it’s important to understand its limitations. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage, so you’ll need to enroll in a separate Part D plan to ensure full protection.
These plans also come with monthly premiums, which can be higher than Medicare Advantage options—especially for more comprehensive plans like Plan G. And unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap plans generally do not include extras like dental, vision, hearing, or fitness benefits.
Another key consideration is enrollment timing. If you miss your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the six months after enrolling in Part B at age 65 or older), you may be subject to medical underwriting, which can limit your ability to get a plan or result in higher premiums based on your health history.
For many, Medigap is worth the investment—but knowing these factors in advance ensures your decision is both well-informed and financially sound.
While Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare to reduce out-of-pocket costs, some individuals prefer a more consolidated approach. That’s where Medicare Advantage (Part C) comes in. These plans replace Original Medicare with private coverage that often includes prescription drugs, extra benefits, and a more structured cost-sharing model.
If you're looking for a bundled option with potentially lower premiums—and you're comfortable with provider networks and plan-specific rules—Medicare Advantage may be worth considering.
Learn More About Medicare Advantage
(Part C)
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© 2025 Walek Insurance. All rights reserved. As a national Medicare brokerage, we work with multiple carriers to provide comprehensive plan options. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. This is not a complete listing of plans available in your service area. For a complete listing please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov.