When is the best time to enroll in Medigap?

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the 6-month window that begins the month you turn 65 AND are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge you more due to pre-existing conditions. Enrolling during this window gives you the strongest protections and typically the lowest premiums.

Can I enroll in Medigap after my Open Enrollment Period?

Yes, but insurers in most states can use medical underwriting — meaning they can charge you more, exclude pre-existing conditions, or deny coverage altogether based on your health history. Certain qualifying life events (called Guaranteed Issue Rights) may allow you to enroll without underwriting, such as losing employer coverage or leaving a Medicare Advantage plan.

Do I need a separate Part D drug plan with Medigap?

Yes. Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs. If you enroll in a Medigap plan, you will need to purchase a separate Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan to have drug coverage.

Can I use any doctor with Medigap?

Yes — one of the biggest advantages of Medigap is nationwide freedom of choice. You can see any doctor, specialist, or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare, without referrals or network restrictions.

Can I switch Medigap plans later?

You can apply to switch Medigap plans at any time, but outside of your Open Enrollment Period or a Guaranteed Issue Right, you may be subject to medical underwriting. In some states, additional protections apply.

Medicare Supplement Insurance

Medigap: Fill the Gaps in Original Medicare

Original Medicare covers a lot — but not everything. Medigap plans pay the out-of-pocket costs Medicare leaves behind, so you can focus on your health, not your bills.

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What Is Medigap?

Medigap (also called Medicare Supplement Insurance) is private health insurance designed to work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B). When Medicare pays its share of a covered service, your Medigap plan pays some or all of the remaining costs — such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

Unlike Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap does not replace Original Medicare. Instead, it supplements it. You keep your Medicare card and can see any doctor or specialist in the country who accepts Medicare — no referrals, no networks.

What Medigap Can Cover

Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs

Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments

Blood (first 3 pints)

Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments

Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance

Medicare Part A deductible

Medicare Part B deductible (Plan F only — no longer available to new enrollees)

Medicare Part B excess charges (Plan G & Plan F)

Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits)

Standardized Medigap Plan Types

Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government — every insurer must offer the same benefits for the same plan letter. The difference is the premium and the carrier.

Plan G

Plan N

Best Value

Strong coverage at a lower premium than Plan G. You pay small copays at doctor visits and the ER in exchange for a reduced monthly cost.

Covers: Part A deductible, Part A & B coinsurance, skilled nursing coinsurance, foreign travel emergency

Does not cover: Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, copays up to $20 at office visits / $50 at ER

Plan G High Deductible

Low Premium

Same benefits as Plan G but with a high deductible (~$2,870 in 2026). Ideal for healthy individuals who want catastrophic protection at a very low monthly premium.

Covers: All Plan G benefits after the high deductible is met

Does not cover: Costs below the annual high deductible

Plan F

Legacy Plan

The most comprehensive plan ever offered — covers the Part B deductible too. Only available to those who became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020.

Covers: Everything Plan G covers, plus the Part B annual deductible

Does not cover: Nothing — 100% of Medicare-approved costs covered

Plan F High Deductible

Legacy Low Premium

Same full coverage as Plan F but with a high deductible (~$2,870 in 2026). Only available to those who became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020. Offers the lowest premium of any Plan F option.

Covers: All Plan F benefits (including Part B deductible) after the high deductible is met — 100% of Medicare-approved costs thereafter

Does not cover: Costs below the annual high deductible; not available to new Medicare enrollees after Jan 1, 2020

Plan K

Cost-Sharing

Covers 50% of most gaps with an out-of-pocket limit. Once you hit the limit, Medicare and Plan K cover 100% of approved costs for the rest of the year.

Covers: 50% of Part A & B coinsurance, 50% of Part A deductible, 50% of skilled nursing coinsurance; annual out-of-pocket cap applies

Does not cover: Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, foreign travel emergency

Plan L

Cost-Sharing

Similar to Plan K but covers 75% of most gaps with a lower out-of-pocket limit.

Covers: 75% of Part A & B coinsurance, 75% of Part A deductible, 75% of skilled nursing coinsurance; annual out-of-pocket cap applies

Does not cover: Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, foreign travel emergency

Not sure which plan to choose? Plan G is the most popular choice for new enrollees — it covers nearly everything. Plan N offers strong coverage at a lower premium if you're comfortable with small copays. We'll help you compare real quotes from multiple carriers in your area.

Eligibility & Enrollment

Not Sure Which Medigap Plan Is Right for You?

Every person's health situation and budget is different. We'll compare available plans in your area, explain the trade-offs in plain language, and help you choose the coverage that fits your life — at no cost to you.

Get a Free Medigap Quote Call (309) 588-4909