Medigap
Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) is private health insurance that helps pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Understanding Medigap
Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) is private health insurance that helps pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover. This includes copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Medigap plans are standardized and labeled with letters (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). Each lettered plan offers the same basic benefits regardless of which insurance company sells it, though premiums vary.
Medigap plans only work with Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage. If you have a Medigap plan, you'll also need a separate Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.
The best time to buy Medigap is during your 6-month Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this period, you have guaranteed issue rights and cannot be denied coverage or charged more due to health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Medigap cover?
Medigap helps pay costs Original Medicare doesn't cover, including the Part A and Part B deductibles, Part B coinsurance (the 20% you'd normally pay), and Part A hospital coinsurance. Some plans also cover foreign travel emergencies.
When should I buy Medigap?
The best time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period - the 6 months starting when you're both 65+ and enrolled in Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny you or charge more based on health conditions.
Can I have Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
No. Medigap only works with Original Medicare. If you have Medicare Advantage, you cannot use Medigap. You must choose one approach or the other.
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Local Coverage Information
Related Terms
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D coverage in one plan.
Deductible
A deductible is the amount you pay for covered services before your insurance starts to pay. Medicare has separate deductibles for Part A, Part B, and Part D.
Coinsurance
Coinsurance is the percentage of costs you pay for covered services after you've met your deductible. For example, if your coinsurance is 20%, you pay 20% and Medicare pays 80%.
Copayment
A copayment (copay) is a fixed amount you pay for a covered service, like $20 for a doctor visit. Different services may have different copayments.
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