Understanding Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)

When you enroll in Medicare, you quickly realize it doesn’t cover everything. In fact, Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) typically covers about 80% of your medical costs, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20%.

That’s where Medicare Supplement plans—also known as Medigap—come in.

What Is a Medicare Supplement Plan?

A Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.

This can include:

  • Copayments
  • Coinsurance
  • Deductibles

These plans are offered by private insurance companies and are designed to “fill the gaps” in your Medicare coverage—helping protect you from unexpected medical expenses.

You’ll still pay your Medicare Part B premium, along with a monthly premium for your Medigap plan.

How Medigap Plans Work

Medigap plans are standardized across the country and are labeled Plan A through Plan N. This means:

  • The benefits for each plan letter are the same, no matter which company you choose
  • The main difference between companies is the monthly premium

Some plans, like Plan G, offer very comprehensive coverage and can cover nearly all remaining out-of-pocket costs—giving you more predictable healthcare expenses.

What Medigap Doesn’t Cover

Medigap plans are designed to supplement Medicare—not replace it. Because of that, they generally don’t cover services that Medicare doesn’t cover, such as:

  • Prescription drugs
  • Dental care
  • Vision exams or glasses
  • Hearing aids
  • Long-term or custodial care

For prescription coverage, most people add a separate Medicare Part D plan.

Who Is Eligible for a Medicare Supplement Plan?

To enroll in a Medigap plan, you must:

  • Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B

Medigap plans are individual policies, meaning each person needs their own plan.

You cannot have both a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time.

When Should You Enroll?

The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Initial Enrollment Period:

  • Starts when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B
  • Lasts for 6 months

During this time:

  • You cannot be denied coverage
  • You won’t pay more due to health conditions

If you apply later, you may have to go through medical underwriting—and could be denied or charged higher premiums.

Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage

There are two main ways people get additional coverage beyond Original Medicare:

  • Medicare Supplement (Medigap) – helps pay your share of costs while keeping Original Medicare
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C) – replaces Original Medicare with an all-in-one plan

Choosing the right option depends on your doctors, budget, and preferences.

Let’s Find the Right Plan for You

Choosing a Medicare Supplement plan can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

As an independent Medicare advisor, I work with multiple insurance companies to help you compare your options and find the plan that fits your needs best.

Schedule your free Medicare consultation today
Get personalized guidance—not a call center
(912) 736-3656

Why Work With an Independent Medicare Advisor?

  • I’m not tied to just one company
  • I help you compare multiple plans side-by-side
  • I focus on what’s best for you
  • I’m here for ongoing support—not just enrollment

With the right guidance, you can choose a plan that protects your health—and your finances—for years to come.

Rebecca at Pine & Palm Senior Advisors is dedicated to helping individuals across Georgia compare Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans, with personalized guidance, enrollment support, and ongoing help you can count on.