MEDICARE SERVICES

Help manage Original Medicare cost-sharing with Medigap.

Medicare Supplement Insurance, commonly called Medigap, is private insurance that can help pay some out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Ask about Medigap

Woman turning 65 reviewing Medicare Supplement insurance choices — Understand how Medigap can help with costs Original Medicare does not fully cover.

How Medicare Supplement works

Works with Original Medicare

You generally need Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare pays first for covered services, then the Medigap policy pays according to its benefits.

Standardized plan letters

Most states standardize Medigap plans by letter. Massachusetts has different standardization rules, so options depend on where you live.

Drug coverage is separate

New Medigap policies do not include prescription drug coverage. You may need a separate Medicare Part D plan.

Enrollment timing matters

Your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period generally begins when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Later applications may be subject to state rules and medical underwriting.

Medigap is not Medicare Advantage. It supplements Original Medicare and generally cannot be used to pay Medicare Advantage cost-sharing.

Compare the right details

Consider the plan letter, premium, household discounts where available, rate history, enrollment rights, and the insurer—not just the initial monthly price.

Request guidance

Policy availability, pricing, underwriting, and enrollment rights vary by state and individual circumstances. This page is educational and is not a guarantee of eligibility or coverage.

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TURNING 65 AND CONSIDERING MEDIGAP

Why your 65th birthday can be an important Medigap decision point

For many people turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare Part B, the one-time six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period offers the broadest access to Medicare Supplement policies. During this federal enrollment period, an insurer generally cannot deny a policy because of health problems. After it ends, medical underwriting and state-specific rules may affect availability or price.

Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B

Medicare Supplement insurance works with Original Medicare, not as a replacement for it.

Compare standardized benefits

Benefits for the same plan letter are standardized in most states, while premiums and company service can differ. Massachusetts uses a different standardization system.

Add prescription drug coverage if needed

Modern Medigap policies do not include Part D, so many people pair Medigap with a standalone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

Questions to ask before buying Medicare Supplement coverage

What is the monthly premium today?
How has the rate changed historically?
Is a household discount available?
Which benefits and cost-sharing does the policy cover?
Do I have a guaranteed-issue right?
Will I also need Part D coverage?
How does foreign travel emergency coverage work?
What state-specific protections apply?

Turning 65 Medigap FAQs

Can I have Medigap and Medicare Advantage?

No. Medigap supplements Original Medicare and cannot be used to pay Medicare Advantage plan costs.

Does Medigap cover dental, vision, or hearing?

Standard Medigap benefits generally do not cover routine dental, vision, hearing aids, or long-term care.

Can I change Medigap plans later?

You may apply, but outside protected enrollment rights the insurer may use medical underwriting where state law permits.

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