Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) helps cover out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. These plans are standardized by the federal government but sold through private insurance companies.
In most states, there are 10 standardized Medigap plans (A–N). Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin offer different versions.
Benefits offered by each Medigap plan
Compare the benefits of each lettered plan to help you find one that meets your needs now and in the future. You might not be able to switch Medigap policies later.
✔ = Plan covers 100% ✘ = Plan doesn’t cover % = Amount the plan covers
| Benefits | A | B | C | D | F | G | K | L | M | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance & hospital costs | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Part B copays/coinsurance | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 50% | 75% | ✔ | ✔ |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 50% | 75% | ✔ | ✔ |
| Part A hospice | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 50% | 75% | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skilled nursing facility | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 50% | 75% | ✔ | ✔ |
| Part A deductible | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 50% | 75% | 50% | ✔ |
| Part B deductible | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Part B excess charges | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Foreign travel emergency | ✘ | ✘ | 80% | 80% | 80% | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | 80% | 80% |
| $7,220 | $3,610 | |||||||||
What Medigap Covers
Each Medigap plan provides a specific set of benefits. Common areas of coverage include:
- Part A coinsurance & hospital costs – covered by all Medigap plans.
- Part B coinsurance/copayments – full or partial coverage depending on plan.
- First 3 pints of blood – full or partial coverage across plans.
- Hospice coinsurance/copayments – at least partial coverage included.
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance – covered by Plans C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N.
- Part A deductible – covered by most plans (except Plan A).
- Part B deductible – covered only by Plan F and Plan C (not available to new enrollees after 2020).
- Part B excess charges – covered by Plans F and G.
- Foreign travel emergency care – 80% coverage under Plans C, D, F, G, M, N.
Eligibility for Medigap
To qualify for Medigap, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. Rules vary by state for those under 65 who qualify through disability—some states require insurers to offer Medigap, while others do not.
Medigap is accepted nationwide by any provider that takes Medicare, including in U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Popular Medigap Plans
Plan G and Plan F are the most widely chosen. About 41% of Medigap policyholders have Plan F, while 32% have Plan G. Plan G continues to grow in popularity as Plan F is no longer available to those first eligible after 2020.
Remember: plans are identical by letter, regardless of insurer. Plan G from Aetna provides the same benefits as Plan G from Cigna—the only differences are premiums and customer service.
Medigap Enrollment Period
The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period—the six months after you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny coverage or charge more based on health conditions. Outside of this period, medical underwriting may apply.
Medigap Pricing Models
Premiums vary by insurer and location. Companies may use different pricing methods:
- Community-rated: Everyone pays the same, regardless of age.
- Issue-age-rated: Based on age at enrollment, stays fixed as you age.
- Attained-age-rated: Based on current age, increases as you get older (most common).
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
It’s important to understand the difference:
- Medigap – supplements Original Medicare, helping pay out-of-pocket costs.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) – replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that usually includes drug, dental, and vision coverage.
You cannot have both a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time.
Next Steps
Choosing the right Medigap plan depends on your health needs and budget. Compare benefits and premiums across insurers using our Medigap comparison tool, or contact a licensed agent for personalized guidance.