Medicare supplements, also called "Medigap plans", are insurance policies underwritten and issued by private health insurance companies. Medicare supplements are designed to ‘fill in the gaps’ which you are responsible for under Medicare parts A and B (if you're a little unfamiliar with Medicare and it's parts, go to our Medicare 101  page for a quick overview). There are a total of 12 standardized Medicare supplement plans which are designated by letter: A, B, C, D, F, F high deductible, G, G high deductible, K, L, M and N (*Note: supplement plans E, H, I and J were eliminated in recent years due to changes in Medicare introduced by congress). Because these plans are standardized, the benefits and medical provider choices are the same regardless of the insurance company offering it. For example, a Medicare supplement F plan offered by ABC Insurance Company has the exact same benefits and doctor choices as a supplement F plan offered by XYZ Insurance Company. Premiums are the only difference between Medicare supplement plans with the same letter sold by different insurance companies.

What Does It Cover?

Medicare supplement plans are ways to help pay for most of - or all of - the costs you are responsible for associated with Medicare Parts A & B. This includes things like your Part A deductible, Part B deductible, Part A per day co-pays, 20% Part B coinsurance, possible excess charges, and so on. An important thing to note is that Medicare supplements only cover services in conjunction with Medicare Parts A & B. If a service is not covered under Part A or Part B, a Medicare supplement policy will not cover those services either. In other words, a Medicare supplement policy follows Medicare Parts A & B like a train and caboose.

Tap here for a Medicare supplement plan benefits comparison.

How Much Does It Cost?

Medicare supplement plan premiums depend on a few different things, among them are: the area in which you live, your age, the type of supplement plan and the issuing insurance company. As mentioned above, supplement plan benefits are the same no matter which company is offering it. However, there can be significant differences in premiums between competing insurers.  

Tap here to get Medicare supplement rates in your area.

Reasons Why Some People Prefer Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare supplements, along with your Medicare A & B, offer the most flexibility in that you can take it anywhere in the U.S. to any medical provider (doctor, hospital, lab, etc.) who accepts Medicare. There are no networks you have to stay within and no referrals are required. These plans are great for people who do a lot of traveling and/or live in rural areas with limited access to other types of Medicare plan options and/or see medical providers who do not participate in network based plans.

Things To Consider Regarding Medicare Supplement Plans

Premiums tend to be higher than other Medicare plan options (e.g.: Medicare Advantage plans). The premium will also increase as you get older (you can expect your premium to increase roughly 3 - 5% on average per year). You will also have to enroll into a standalone prescription drug plan in order to gain Part D prescription drug coverage – which will be an additional premium.

The Bottom Line

Medicare supplements are a good fit for people on Medicare who need or want greater flexibility and don’t mind paying extra for more freedom regarding their health care choices. For those who are premium sensitive, a Medicare Advantage plan may be a better option.