Medicare Services · Medigap
Medicare Supplement Plans
Coverage that works alongside Original Medicare to help pay the costs Medicare leaves behind, so a surprise bill is less likely.
What is a Medicare Supplement plan?
A Medicare Supplement plan, often called Medigap, is private insurance that works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Original Medicare pays its share of a covered cost, and your Medigap plan helps pay some or all of what's left, things like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. It doesn't replace Medicare, it fills in the gaps.
How it's different from Medicare Advantage
There's no network with a Medigap plan. You can see any doctor or specialist in the country who accepts Medicare, no referrals needed. Medigap plans are standardized by letter (like Plan G or Plan N), so a given plan letter covers the same benefits no matter which insurance company sells it. What differs between companies is the monthly premium, so shopping around genuinely matters, and that's where Arlyne comes in.
What it typically costs
Medigap plans usually carry a monthly premium, on top of your Medicare Part B premium, since you're paying for the freedom to see any provider and the lower out-of-pocket bills. In exchange, most people find their day-to-day medical costs become far more predictable. Note that Medigap plans don't include prescription drug coverage, so most people pair one with a separate Part D plan.
A Medicare Supplement plan might be a good fit if:
- You want to see any doctor who accepts Medicare, without a network
- You travel often, or split time between states
- You'd rather pay a steady monthly premium than variable copays
- You want the fewest surprises possible when a bill arrives
Choosing between plan letters and comparing premiums across carriers can be confusing on your own. Arlyne walks through the real numbers for your situation and helps you enroll, at no cost to you.
Have questions about Medigap plan letters?
Arlyne will explain the differences in plain language and help you compare real premiums.