What is a Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Supplements (Medigap) help cover the out-of-pocket expenses left by Original Medicare—so you’re never left with unexpected bills.
Discover how Medigap works, what’s covered, and how May River Medicare makes it easy to find your best option.
Discover how Medigap works, what’s covered, and how May River Medicare makes it easy to find your best option.
Medigap: The Basics
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are secondary insurance—Medicare pays first, your Medigap plan pays second.
- These plans help cover your share of costs—deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance—so you pay less out of pocket.
- Medigap is offered by private insurance carriers, not the federal government.
- How it works: Medicare pays its share of your bill first, then your Supplement pays its share (usually the rest, depending on your plan).
- Medigap plans are standardized—every Plan G, for example, offers the same benefits nationwide, only the monthly premium varies.
The 10 Standardized Medicare Supplement Plans
There are 10 standardized Medigap plans: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Each plan letter provides the same coverage no matter which insurance company you choose—what differs is the monthly premium.
Plan A
Basic benefits. Covers core costs but no extras (not the Part A deductible). Lowest premium, highest out-of-pocket costs.
Plan B
Same as Plan A, but adds coverage for the Medicare Part A hospital deductible.
Plan C
Covers everything except Part B excess charges. Only available if you were eligible for Medicare before 2020.
Plan D
Covers everything Plan C covers except the Part B deductible and excess charges.
Plan F
The most comprehensive—covers all Medicare-approved costs. Only available if you were eligible before 2020.
Plan G
Covers everything except the Part B deductible. The most popular choice for new enrollees.
Learn more about Plan G
Learn more about Plan G
Plan K
Covers 50% of most benefits, with a lower premium and annual out-of-pocket limit.
Plan L
Covers 75% of most benefits, higher premium than K, but with a lower out-of-pocket limit.
Plan M
Covers everything except the Part B deductible and excess charges, pays half the Part A deductible.
Plan N
Lower premiums, $20 doctor copay, $50 ER copay, no Part B excess charge coverage.
Learn more about Plan N
Learn more about Plan N
What Does a Medicare Supplement Cover?
- Medicare Part A coinsurance: Pays costly daily hospital copays after day 60.
- Medicare Part B coinsurance: Covers the 20% you’d owe for outpatient services (after Medicare pays its 80%).
- Blood (first 3 pints): Pays for the first three pints if you need a transfusion.
- Hospice care coinsurance: Covers what Medicare doesn’t pay for hospice care.
- Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance: Pays for days 21–100 in a skilled nursing facility.
- Medicare Part A deductible: Helps cover the hospital deductible if you’re admitted.
- Medicare Part B excess charges: If your doctor charges more than Medicare allows, some plans cover the extra 15%.
- Foreign travel emergency: Many Medigap plans provide some emergency coverage if you travel abroad.
Not covered: Medicare Supplements do not pay for routine dental, vision, hearing exams, hearing aids, eyeglasses/contacts, long-term care, or prescription drugs. (You can add a separate Part D plan for prescriptions.)
Glossary: Medigap Terms You Should Know
- Coinsurance: Your share of the cost after Medicare pays its part—Medigap helps pay the rest.
- Copayment: A set dollar amount you pay for certain services (like a doctor or ER visit).
- Deductible: What you pay up front before Medicare or your Medigap plan starts covering costs.
- Excess Charges: An extra charge (up to 15% over Medicare’s rate) from certain providers—covered only by some plans.
- Guaranteed Renewable: As long as you pay your premium, your Medigap plan can never be canceled—even if your health changes.
How to Choose a Medicare Supplement Plan
- All Medigap plans are standardized—benefits are identical for each plan letter, no matter the insurance company.
- Premiums vary by age, location, gender, tobacco use, and the insurance carrier.
- You can apply any time—but outside your Open Enrollment period, you may need to answer health questions.
- Plans G and N are the most popular for new enrollees—let May River Medicare compare options for you.
- Our team checks every carrier’s financial ratings, rate increase history, and long-term stability so you always get the best value.
The May River Medicare Difference
- Unbiased plan comparisons
- Exclusive personal support
- Streamlined enrollment
- Annual policy reviews
- Licensed local and nationwide experts
- No cost—our services are always free
We guide you through every step, answer every question, and never pressure you to buy. We’re here for you, year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have both a Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage?
No—you can only enroll in one or the other, not both.
No—you can only enroll in one or the other, not both.
Are prescriptions covered?
No, Medigap plans don’t include drug coverage—you’ll need a separate Part D plan for prescriptions.
No, Medigap plans don’t include drug coverage—you’ll need a separate Part D plan for prescriptions.
Can I change plans in the future?
Yes, but outside your Open Enrollment you may need to answer health questions and be approved.
Yes, but outside your Open Enrollment you may need to answer health questions and be approved.
Does May River Medicare charge for help?
Never—our support and plan analysis are always free.
Never—our support and plan analysis are always free.
What’s the most popular Medigap plan?
Plan G and Plan N are top choices—ask us to compare the best options for you.
Plan G and Plan N are top choices—ask us to compare the best options for you.
Have questions about Medigap? Speak with a licensed May River Medicare advisor today—get the facts, compare plans, and make the decision that’s right for you.