Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Made Simple

What is a Medicare Supplement plan?

A Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) is private insurance that works alongside Original Medicare. It helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare Part A and Part B don't cover, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

How is it different from Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Works with Original Medicare. You keep Medicare as your primary coverage, and the supplement fills in the gaps. You can see any doctor who accepts Medicare.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Replaces Original Medicare with a private all-in-one plan. Usually lower premiums but requires using provider networks.

What does Medicare Supplement cover?

Depending on the plan letter (A–N), Medigap can cover:

  • Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
  • Part B coinsurance and copayments
  • Blood (first 3 pints)
  • Hospice coinsurance
  • Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
  • Part A and Part B deductibles (not all plans)
  • Foreign travel emergency coverage (in some plans)

How much does Medicare Supplement cost?

Premiums vary by plan type, age, gender, tobacco use, and location. Unlike Medicare Advantage, you'll pay a higher monthly premium, but most of your out-of-pocket costs at the time of care are reduced or eliminated.

Who should consider Medicare Supplement?

Medigap may be a good fit if you:

  • Want the widest choice of doctors nationwide (any provider that accepts Medicare).
  • Prefer predictable healthcare costs with fewer surprises.
  • Don't mind paying a higher monthly premium for more financial protection.

Medicare Supplement Makes the Gaps Disappear — But Is It Right for You?

Medigap can take away much of the financial uncertainty that comes with Original Medicare. But choosing the right plan letter, and weighing it against Medicare Advantage, can be overwhelming.

That's why we created the Medicare Made Easy Webinar.

In under an hour, you'll discover:

Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage, side by side

What each plan actually covers — and what it doesn't

How to match your doctors, prescriptions, and budget to the right choice

👉 Watch the Medicare Made Easy Webinar

We are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.