Medicare Supplemental Plans
A Medicare Supplement plan, or Medigap, is private insurance that helps pay the out-of-pocket costs (like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles) left over by Original Medicare (Parts A & B) for people already enrolled in both. These plans are standardized (identified by letters A-N), offering consistent coverage for the same letter across different companies, with premiums being the main differentiator. They provide predictable costs, nationwide coverage, and guaranteed renewal, but you pay an extra monthly premium in addition to your Part B premium and must have Original Medicare to buy one, according to Medicare.gov.
How it works
Fills coverage gaps:
Original Medicare pays for a large portion of costs, but you're responsible for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance; Medigap helps cover these.
Standardized plans:
Plans with the same letter (e.g., Plan G) offer the same basic benefits, regardless of the insurer, though prices vary.
Private insurance:
Sold by private companies, but regulated by state and federal laws.
Added cost:
You pay a monthly premium for the Medigap policy, plus your Medicare Part B premium.
Key benefits
Freedom: Use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare assignment, with no referrals needed for specialists.
Predictability: Know your costs upfront for Medicare-covered services.
Guaranteed renewal: Your policy can't be canceled due to health problems as long as premiums are paid.
What it doesn't cover
Prescription drugs: Requires a separate Medicare Part D plan.
Other care: Generally doesn't cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, or private nursing.
Important note
Not Medicare Advantage: Medigap works with Original Medicare; Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative way to get your Medicare benefits.
Some of the companies
I represent
Currently in these states
AL, CA, FL, MO, MS, OR, TX
