Medicare Part B In One Minute
When talking about Medicare Part B keep in mind it’s the outpatient side of Medicare. It includes everything you would typically do on an outpatient
Quick Answer: A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan works alongside Original Medicare to help pay your share of costs, like coinsurance and deductibles, for a monthly premium. Unlike Medicare Advantage, it doesn’t use a network, so you can see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare.
| Plan type | Standardized (Plans A–N) — supplements Original Medicare |
| Who it's for | People who want nationwide provider access and predictable costs, and don't mind a higher premium |
| Typical monthly premium | Varies by plan letter, carrier, and age — higher than Medicare Advantage |
| Drug coverage included | No — pair with a separate Part D plan |
| Provider network | None — any provider that accepts Medicare |
| Best time to enroll | Medigap Open Enrollment Period — 6 months starting at 65 + Part B |
| Underwriting | Guaranteed issue in your open enrollment window; medically underwritten outside it |
A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan is private insurance that works alongside Original Medicare to help pay your share of costs, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Unlike Medicare Advantage, a Medigap plan doesn’t replace Original Medicare or use a network, so you can see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare.
How Does Medigap Work?
Original Medicare pays for much, but not all, of the cost for covered health care services and supplies. Medicare Supplement Insurance policies, sold by private companies, can help pay some of the remaining health care costs for covered services and supplies, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Some Medigap policies also offer coverage for services that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like medical care when you travel outside the U.S. Generally, Medigap doesn’t cover long-term care (like care in a nursing home), vision or dental services, hearing aids, eyeglasses, or private-duty nursing.
Medigap Plans Are Standardized
Medigap must follow federal and state laws designed to protect you. Insurance companies can sell you only a “standardized” plan, identified in most states as plans A – D, F, G, and K – N. All plans offer the same basic benefits, but some offer additional benefits so you can choose which one meets your needs. Plans C and F are no longer available to people new to Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. However, if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, but not yet enrolled, you may be able to buy Plan C or Plan F. People new to Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, have the right to buy Plans D and G instead of Plans C and F.
When Can I Enroll In A Medigap Plan?
The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, a 6-month window that starts the month you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurance companies can’t deny you coverage or charge you more because of pre-existing health conditions. Outside that window, you may be medically underwritten, meaning a company could decline coverage or charge a higher premium based on your health.
Medigap Vs. Medicare Advantage: Which Is Right For You?
A Medigap plan generally costs more per month than Medicare Advantage, but offers more predictable out-of-pocket costs and nationwide provider access with no referrals needed. Medicare Advantage plans often have lower or $0 premiums and extra benefits, but use a provider network. Many clients pair their Medigap plan with a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan, since Medigap doesn’t include drug coverage. We can help you compare the real month-to-month and annual costs of each approach based on how often you see specialists and travel.
Since Medigap doesn’t cover everything, some clients also add a hospital indemnity plan for extra cash protection during a hospital stay. And if you’re not yet 65, see our individual health insurance page to bridge the gap until Medicare eligibility.
What Else Should I Know About Medigap?
Reach out as you’re approaching 65, during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, or any time your current premium feels out of line with what other carriers charge for the same plan.
Can I switch Medigap plans anytime? You can apply anytime, but outside your open enrollment or a guaranteed-issue situation, the insurer can ask health questions and may decline coverage.
Is Medigap more expensive than Medicare Advantage? Usually yes, month to month, but it offers broader provider access and more predictable out-of-pocket costs.
Do I still need Part B if I have Medigap? Yes, Medigap only supplements Original Medicare, so you need to keep Part A and Part B.
Want to find out which Medicare Supplement plans are available to you, and how premiums compare across carriers? Call us at (239) 340-2297 or request a no-obligation appointment online.
Medigap generally doesn’t cover long-term care (like nursing home care), vision or dental services, hearing aids, eyeglasses, or private-duty nursing.
No. Medigap only works alongside Original Medicare. If you switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, you generally can’t use a Medigap policy, and most insurers won’t sell you one while you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
No. While the benefits of each standardized plan letter (like Plan G) are identical across insurance companies, premiums for the exact same plan can vary significantly between carriers, and may increase as you get older. It’s worth comparing carriers even for the same plan letter.
Yes, but outside your initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period or certain guaranteed-issue situations, the insurance company can medically underwrite you, meaning they can ask health questions and potentially deny coverage or charge more.
Plan G covers nearly all of your out-of-pocket costs after the Part B deductible, for a higher premium. Plan N has a lower premium but requires small copays for some doctor and ER visits, and you may be responsible for any excess charges a provider adds. We can review which trade-off makes sense for your budget and how often you see providers.
When talking about Medicare Part B keep in mind it’s the outpatient side of Medicare. It includes everything you would typically do on an outpatient
Original Medicare• Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).• You can join a separate Medicare drug plan to get
If you’re new to Medicare or already have experience with Medicare, it’s important for you to:• Understand your Medicare coverage options. There are 2 main