We know: All About Medicare Gap Insurance

What is a Medicare gap policy?

A Medicare gap policy, called Medigap, is a health insurance policy sold by private insurance companies to fill the "gaps" in the Original Medicare Plan. Medigap policies help you pay some of the health care costs that the Original Medicare Plan doesn't cover.


If you are in the Original Medicare Plan and have a Medigap policy, then Medicare will pay its share and your Medigap policy will pay its share of your health care costs.

What kind of Medigap or supplemental insurance polices are available to go with my Original Medicare coverage?

Currently, there are ten standardized Medigap plans called "A" through "J." Medigap policies must follow Federal and State laws. These laws protect you. The front of a Medigap policy must clearly identify it as "Medicare Supplement Insurance."

What's the difference between these plans?

Each plan, A through J, has a different set of benefits. Plan A covers only the basic (core) benefits. These basic benefits are included in all the Medicare plans (A through J). Medigap Plans B through J offer extra benefits. Plan J offers the most benefits.

Who sells Medigap plans?

Private insurance companies.

What should I know before I begin to shop for a Medigap plan?

Medigap policies are standardized so you can compare them easily. Two of the standardized Medigap policies may have a high deductible option.


In addition, any standardized Medigap policy may be sold as a Medicare SELECT policy, which means the policy may require you to use hospitals and, in some cases, doctors within its network to be eligible for full benefits.

Do all Medigap policies, even if they are from different insurers, offer the same benefits with in the same plans?

Yes, (except in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin). What can be different is the price you pay! So shop around to ensure you're paying the lowest price.

Do insurance companies who sell Medigap plans have to offer all the plans, A-J?

No. Each insurance company decides which Medigap policies it wants to sell. Make sure the insurance company offers the Medigap policy that you want.

Can my spouse and I be covered on the same Medigap policy?

No. You and your spouse must buy separate Medigap policies. Your Medigap policy won't cover any health care costs for your spouse.



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