Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Medicare Supplement plans, answered in plain language.
About Medigap plans
What is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan?
A Medigap plan is private insurance that helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover — like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. It works alongside Medicare Part A and Part B, not as a replacement.
Are all Plan G policies the same?
Yes. Every Plan G offers the exact same benefits, regardless of which insurance company sells it. The only differences between carriers are the premium price, customer service, and how they calculate rate increases over time.
Which plan is the most popular?
Plan G is the most popular choice for new enrollees, followed by Plan N. Together they account for over 80% of new Medigap enrollments. Plan G offers the most comprehensive coverage available to new enrollees, while Plan N offers lower premiums with small copays.
Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?
No. You need a separate Medicare Part D plan for prescription drug coverage. You can enroll in Part D during the same enrollment window as your Medigap plan.
Does Medigap cover dental, vision, or hearing?
No. Medigap plans only cover gaps in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). For dental, vision, and hearing coverage, you would need separate standalone plans.
Costs & premiums
How much does a Medigap plan cost?
Monthly premiums vary by plan letter, carrier, state, age, and gender. Plan G typically costs $100–250/month and Plan N costs $80–180/month. The same plan from different carriers in the same state can vary by $100+ per month, which is why comparing carriers matters.
Why do premiums vary so much between carriers?
Even though the benefits are identical, carriers use different pricing methods (attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated), have different operating costs, and make different assumptions about how much healthcare their members will use. Some carriers also price aggressively to gain market share, then raise rates later.
What is the difference between attained-age and issue-age pricing?
Attained-age pricing increases your premium as you get older — rates go up each year. Issue-age pricing bases your premium on the age you were when you bought the policy, so it doesn't increase due to aging (though it can still increase for inflation and other factors). Issue-age pricing tends to be more expensive initially but more stable long-term.
Will my premiums go up over time?
Almost certainly, yes. Even with issue-age pricing, premiums typically increase each year due to medical inflation, claims experience, and other factors. The key is choosing a carrier with a track record of moderate, predictable increases rather than sudden large jumps.
Enrollment & eligibility
When can I buy a Medigap plan?
The best time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the 6-month window that starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this period, you have guaranteed-issue rights: no insurer can deny you or charge more because of health conditions.
Can I buy a Medigap plan if I'm under 65?
It depends on your state. Some states require insurers to sell Medigap to people under 65 who are on Medicare due to disability. Federal law does not require this, so coverage varies by state.
What if I missed my Open Enrollment Period?
You can still apply for a Medigap plan at any time, but the insurer can use medical underwriting — meaning they can review your health history and potentially deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions.
Can I have both a Medigap plan and Medicare Advantage?
No. It's illegal for anyone to sell you a Medigap plan if they know you have a Medicare Advantage plan. You must choose one or the other. If you want to switch from Advantage to Medigap, you first need to disenroll from your Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare.
Switching plans
Can I switch from one Medigap plan to another?
Yes, you can apply for a different Medigap plan at any time. However, outside of your Open Enrollment Period, the new insurer can use medical underwriting. If you have health conditions, you might be denied or charged more.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap?
Yes, but be cautious. When you switch from Advantage back to Original Medicare + Medigap, you may face medical underwriting for the Medigap plan. Some states offer protections (like a trial right if you switched to Advantage within your first year), but these vary by state.
Can I switch from Plan F to Plan G?
Yes. Since Plan G covers everything Plan F does except the Part B deductible ($283/year), and Plan G premiums are typically much lower, switching often saves money. You'll need to apply and may face medical underwriting, but many carriers will issue Plan G to existing Medigap policyholders without full underwriting.
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