Medicare Supplement Plans
At Western Wind Insurance & Investments, we help you close the gaps in your Medicare coverage.
What is a Medicare Supplement Plan?
Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) plans are private insurance policies designed to work together with Original Medicare Parts A and B. While Original Medicare covers a significant portion of your healthcare expenses, it doesn’t cover everything. Medigap plans help cover out-of-pocket costs Medicare doesn’t fully pay, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Types of Medigap Plans
Plans are standardized by letter — Plan A through Plan N — and each letter provides a different set of benefits. Regardless of the insurance company, coverage is the same for each plan letter.
Three of the most popular options include:
- Plan G: Covers everything except the Medicare Part B deductible. A top choice for new enrollees.
- Plan N: Offers lower premiums with some cost-sharing for doctor visits and ER trips.
- Plan F: Offers full coverage, including the Part B deductible. Only available if you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Note: Plans E, H, I, and J are no longer sold, and Plans C and F are restricted to beneficiaries who became eligible before 2020 (even if they enrolled later).
Key Features: Original Medicare plus a Medigap Plan
More Predictable Costs & Coverage
Covers major out-of-pocket expenses, helping you avoid surprise bills. Coverage for each Medigap letter plan is the same across carriers (though premiums may vary).
Freedom to Choose Providers
Medigap plans are not tied to a specific provider network. Use any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare — no network restrictions.
Guaranteed Renewability
As long as you pay your premium, your Medigap plan will renew yearly. The insurer can’t cancel your policy or raise rates due to health conditions.
Travel Coverage
Some Medigap plans (like D, G, M, and N) include foreign emergency medical coverage, which Original Medicare does not.
Enrolling in a Medigap Plan
You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Supplement plan during:
- Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period:
This window starts as soon as you enroll in Medicare Part B. For the next six consecutive months, you have guaranteed issue rights, which means insurance companies can’t deny you coverage or charge you more due to specific health conditions. - After this Medigap Open Enrollment period, you could face waiting periods, denied coverage, or higher premiums for pre-existing conditions, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period for guaranteed issue.
- To enroll in a Medigap plan, you must already be enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B.
- Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) does not include Medigap plans. You can apply to switch plans or carriers for a Medicare Supplement plan at any time during the year. However, as noted above, your approval is not guaranteed and will depend on medical review once guaranteed issue rights have expired.
Important enrollment notes:
Choosing a Medigap Plan
Before choosing a Medigap plan, consider:
- Benefits: Evaluate extra benefits, such as foreign travel or emergency coverage.
- Costs: Premiums vary by insurer, even for plans with the same letter. Get multiple quotes and compare costs. You can review options on Medicare.gov and ask us for guidance.
- Coverage Needs: Are you more concerned about ER visits, deductibles, or copayments? Consider which plans cover your top priorities.
Understanding the Differences Between Medigap and Medicare Advantage
| Feature | Medigap (Supplement)* | Medicare Advantage (Part C) |
|---|---|---|
| Works with Original Medicare | Yes | No - replaces it |
| Provider Flexibility | Any Medicare provider | Typically in-network only |
| Extra Benefits (dental, vision) | Not included | Often included |
| Prior Authorization | Usually not required | Usually required for specialist services |
| Emergency Travel Coverage | Some plans offer it | Many plans offer it |
*Must be purchased in addition to Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
Medicare Supplement Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
No. You can enroll in one or the other, but not both. Medigap is an addition to Original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage combines Parts A and B of Original Medicare, often with some added benefits.Does Medigap include prescription drug coverage?
No, you’ll need a separate Part D plan for prescription drugs.Can I switch Medigap plans later?
Yes, you can apply for a switch in plans or carriers at any time, but unless you qualify for a special enrollment period, you may be subject to a medical review. In this case, existing health conditions could result in higher premiums, waiting periods, or denial.