Medicare Supplement Insurance
What is Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?
Medicare Supplements, or Medigap plans, are designed to cover the “gaps” in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). While Medicare provides essential health coverage, it doesn’t pay for everything. Co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles can add up quickly. Medigap helps you manage these out-of-pocket costs more effectively.
What Medicare Supplements Cover
Each Medigap plan covers different combinations of healthcare expenses. Here’s a quick overview of what they may include
- Part A Coinsurance & Hospital Costs (up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used)
- Part B Coinsurance or Copayments
Blood (First 3 pints needed for a medical procedure) - Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance or Copayments
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Coinsurance - Part A and Part B Deductibles (varies by plan)
Foreign Travel Emergency costs (up to plan limits)
Medigap does not typically cover costs like dental, vision, hearing aids, or long-term care.
Who Needs a Medicare Supplement Plan?
Medicare Supplement Plans are a great option for people who want predictable out-of-pocket costs and fewer financial surprises.
These plans are particularly helpful if you:
● Visit doctors or specialists frequently
● Require regular outpatient care or procedures
● Want coverage for traveling abroad
● Prefer the freedom to see any provider who accepts
● Medicare, without being restricted by networks
To qualify for Medigap
● You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
● Medigap is only individual coverage, so each spouse must purchase a separate policy.
● Some states offer guaranteed issue rights, meaning you’re entitled to buy a Medigap plan without medical underwriting during specific timeframes, like your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
Medicare Supplement Plans offer peace of mind by reducing unexpected healthcare costs. We will help you find the plan that best aligns with your needs and budget.
Medicare Supplements FAQs
Can I use Medigap with Medicare Advantage plans?
No, Medigap policies don’t work with Medicare Advantage Plans. You must cancel your Medigap coverage if you join a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) while holding a Medigap policy.
You cannot use Medigap to cover costs such as copayments, deductibles, or premiums associated with Medicare Advantage Plans.
Am I able to have both Medigap and Medicare Drug Coverage?
No, you cannot have both Medigap and Medicare drug coverage simultaneously. If your Medigap policy includes prescription drug coverage, you must notify your Medigap insurance company if you decide to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).
Once you switch, the prescription drug coverage will be removed from your Medigap policy, and your premium will be adjusted accordingly.
It’s important to note that once the prescription drug coverage is removed from your Medigap policy, it cannot be reinstated—even if you don’t change your Medigap plan.
You can change your Medicare drug plan during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15th to December 7th each year, unless you qualify for a Special Election Period due to specific circumstances.
Can I return to a Medigap plan after having a Medicare Advantage plan?
Yes, you can! If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan for the first time and find it’s not the right fit, federal law grants you a “trial right.”
This allows you to purchase a Medigap policy and a separate Medicare drug plan if you switch back to Original Medicare within 12 months of joining the Medicare Advantage Plan.
427 S. Boston Ave, Suite 502, Tulsa, OK 74103
(918) 809-4661
Legacy From The Heart is not a government agency. We are Independent Insurance Agents. Legacy From The Heart and the independent insurance agents are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to our plans in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.