Optimize Your Medicare Benefits

Coverage for Gaps

Original Medicare helps with many healthcare expenses, but it doesn't cover everything. Medigap plans help fill in these gaps by covering costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. They can also cover some services that Original Medicare doesn’t, such as foreign travel emergency care.

Standardized Plans

Medigap plans are standardized, which means that each plan type offers the same basic benefits, regardless of which insurance company sells it. For example, a Plan G from one insurer provides the same coverage as a Plan G from another insurer. However, premiums and additional services may vary by insurer.

Eligibility and Enrollment

To buy a Medigap plan, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. The best time to purchase a Medigap policy is during your Initial Enrollment Period, which starts the 3 months before the month that you turn 65 and ends 3 months after your birthday month. During this period, you have guaranteed acceptance to any Medigap plan, regardless of your health status.

Costs

Medigap plans typically have a monthly premium, which is in addition to the premiums you pay for Medicare Part B. You might also have to pay out-of-pocket costs like deductibles or copayments, depending on the plan you choose.

No Network Restrictions

Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap plans usually do not have a network of doctors or hospitals. This means you can visit any provider who accepts Medicare, giving you more flexibility in choosing your healthcare providers.

Plan Types

There are several types of Medigap plans, labeled with letters (Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, etc.), each offering different levels of coverage. Some plans offer comprehensive coverage, while others cover fewer expenses.