Quick Answer
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is private insurance that pays the deductibles, copays, and coinsurance Original Medicare leaves you with. Same-letter plans (G, N, etc.) are standardized by federal law — Plan G from any carrier covers the exact same benefits, so you choose on price and the carrier's history of rate increases.
For most people enrolling today, Plan G is the most comprehensive option available, and Plan N is the best lower-premium alternative. Plan F is only available to people who became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020.
The best time to enroll is your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and have Medicare Part B — during this window insurers cannot deny you or charge more for pre-existing conditions.
Free quotes from every major carrier in your state: call 256-242-0240 or request a quote online.
Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage: which is right for you?
The single most important Medicare decision is whether to pair Original Medicare with a Medigap policy or switch to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. Most people who want maximum provider freedom and predictable out-of-pocket costs choose Medigap; those who prioritize lower or $0 monthly premiums and bundled extras (dental, vision, gym, OTC allowance) choose Medicare Advantage. Here is the side-by-side:
| Feature | Medigap (Plan G/N) | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Provider freedom | ✓ Any provider in the U.S. that accepts Medicare | Network HMO/PPO |
| Referrals required | ✓ No | Often, for HMOs |
| Prior authorization | ✓ No (for Medicare-covered care) | Yes, common |
| Out-of-pocket maximum | ✓ Predictable, very low | Set annually by plan ($3,000–$8,850) |
| Monthly premium | $90–$200 typical (Plan G/N, age 65) | ✓ Often $0 |
| Prescription drug coverage | Separate Part D plan required | ✓ Usually bundled |
| Dental, vision, hearing | Not included | ✓ Usually bundled |
| Travel coverage | ✓ Nationwide; some foreign emergency | Limited outside service area |
Medigap Plans G, N, and F at a glance
Medigap plans are standardized by federal law, so the only differences between same-letter plans from different carriers are price, customer service, and rate-increase history. The three plans most people choose:
| Benefit | Plan G | Plan N | Plan F* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part A coinsurance & hospital costs | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Medicare Part B coinsurance/copay | 100% | 100% (after $20 office / $50 ER copay) | 100% |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Hospice care coinsurance/copay | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Medicare Part A deductible | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Medicare Part B deductible | — | — | 100% |
| Medicare Part B excess charges | 100% | — | 100% |
| Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits) | 80% | 80% | 80% |
*Plan F only available to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Medicare enrollment periods that actually matter
- Initial Medigap Open Enrollment (one time, 6 months): begins the month you are 65+ and enrolled in Part B. Guaranteed-issue, no underwriting. This is the single most important window — use it.
- Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare itself (7 months): the 3 months before, the month of, and the 3 months after your 65th birthday — to enroll in Part A and Part B.
- Annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7): change Medicare Advantage and Part D plans for the following year. Does not apply to Medigap switches in most states.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 – March 31): if you have Medicare Advantage, switch to a different MA plan or back to Original Medicare.
- Special Enrollment Periods: triggered by life events — losing employer coverage, moving out of plan service area, qualifying for Extra Help.
Medicare Part D — don't skip this
Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs. If you do not enroll in a Part D plan when first eligible and you do not have other creditable drug coverage, you'll pay a permanent late enrollment penalty added to your premium for life. Choosing the right Part D plan depends on your specific medications and which pharmacies you prefer — we run your prescription list against every Part D plan available in your ZIP code on Medicare.gov's official tool and show you total annual cost (premium + copays + deductible) by plan.
Why work with an independent agent?
Calling a single carrier's 1-800 number gets you their plan, and only their plan. The agents in our network represent every major Medigap and Medicare Advantage carrier in your state — including local and regional carriers that often beat the national brands on price for the exact same benefits. Carriers each pay agents the same commission, so we have no incentive to push one over another. Our consultations are free, you owe nothing, and your monthly premium is identical whether you enroll through us or directly with the carrier.
Internal references on this site: health insurance for under-65, life insurance and final expense. Related: InsureCo Medigap guide and MyInsuranceRates Medicare overview.
🧮 Medigap Savings Calculator
Estimate your 2026 Plan G, Plan N, and Medicare Advantage costs by age, state, gender, and tobacco status. See 5-year projected total cost factoring carrier rate increases.