Medicare can be difficult to understand when you are comparing premiums, deductibles, coverage, and different plan options. Medicare Supplement Insurance (also known as Medigap insurance) can help people with Original Medicare pay certain healthcare costs that Medicare does not fully cover.
This guide explains medicare supplement plans, how Medigap works, what plans cover, how much they may cost, when to enroll, and how to compare your options.
What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
So, what is a medicare supplement insurance plan? It is private insurance that works alongside Original Medicare. Depending on the plan, it can help pay certain deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
Medigap plans are identified by letters, including Plan G, Plan N, Plan K, and others. Standardized plans generally provide the same basic benefits regardless of the insurance company, although premiums can differ.
You generally need Medicare Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy.
How Medigap Works
Understanding how medigap works is an important first step.
Original Medicare pays its share of covered healthcare costs first. Your Medigap policy may then help pay some remaining approved costs according to the plan’s benefits.
Medigap does not replace Original Medicare. It works with it.
Medigap also generally does not include prescription drug coverage. Prescription coverage may require a separate Medicare Part D plan.
What Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover?
Coverage depends on the plan letter. Depending on the plan, Medigap may help with:
- Part A coinsurance
- Part B coinsurance or copayments
- Certain deductibles
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Certain foreign travel emergency costs
Medigap generally does not cover prescription drugs, routine dental care, routine vision care, hearing aids, or long-term care.
Before choosing a policy, review the specific benefits included with that plan.
List of Medicare Supplement Plans
The standardized Medigap options include:
- Plan A
- Plan B
- Plan C
- Plan D
- Plan F
- Plan G
- Plan K
- Plan L
- Plan M
- Plan N
Not every plan is available to everyone. For example, Plans C and F generally cannot be newly purchased by people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
The list of medicare supplement plans gives you a starting point, but comparing the benefits of each plan is equally important.
Medigap Standardized Benefits
Medigap standardized benefits make plan comparisons easier.
When the same standardized plan letter is offered by different insurance companies, its basic benefits are generally the same. However, the monthly premium, discounts, and pricing can vary.
For example, Plan G from two different insurers generally has the same standardized benefits, but the companies may charge different premiums.
This allows you to compare insurers while focusing on price and other policy details.
Medigap Plans 2026
If you are researching medigap plans 2026, use current information when comparing coverage because Medicare costs and plan details can change.
For 2026, the Part B deductible is $283. Medicare also lists updated annual limits for Plans K and L. High-deductible Plans F and G have a $2,950 deductible for 2026.
Premiums are not standardized, so the amount you pay can vary by insurer and location.
How Much Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cost?
The cost of a Medigap policy can depend on:
- Plan letter
- Location
- Insurance company
- Age
- Pricing method
- Tobacco use, where applicable
- Available discounts
When researching a medicare supplement plan cost Yakima WA, compare the same plan letter across different insurers. A lower premium does not always mean lower overall costs.
If your goal is a lower medicare supplement premium, look at the premium along with benefits, potential rate increases, discounts, and cost-sharing.
High Deductible Plan G Medicare
The high deductible plan g medicare option has a different cost structure from standard Plan G.
With this option, you pay covered costs up to the applicable deductible before the policy begins paying covered benefits. For 2026, the deductible is $2,950.
A high-deductible option may have a lower premium, but you should consider whether you are comfortable paying more out of pocket before the plan begins paying.
Medicare Supplement vs Advantage
Understanding Medicare Supplement vs Advantage is important because these two types of coverage work differently. Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to help pay certain out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. It generally allows access to a broad range of healthcare providers that accept Medicare.
Medicare Advantage, on the other hand, provides Medicare benefits through a private Medicare-approved insurance plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage and may offer additional benefits, but they often use provider networks that can vary by plan.
When comparing Medigap vs Medicare Advantage, consider factors such as your preferred doctors, prescription needs, healthcare costs, travel plans, and the type of provider access you prefer. Understanding these differences can help you evaluate which option aligns better with your healthcare needs
When Is the Best Time to Sign Up for Medigap?
The best time to sign up for medigap is generally during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
For people who are 65 or older, this six-month period generally begins when they are enrolled in Medicare Part B.
During this period, you have important protections when buying Medigap. Waiting may affect your options depending on your circumstances and applicable guaranteed-issue rights.
Medigap Enrollment Checklist
Before applying, use this medigap enrollment checklist:
- Confirm Medicare Parts A and B.
- Check your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
- Compare plan benefits.
- Compare premiums for the same plan letter.
- Check available insurers in your area.
- Review prescription coverage separately.
- Check guaranteed-issue rights.
- Understand any underwriting requirements.
- Confirm the new policy before cancelling existing coverage.
Washington Medigap Switching
If you are considering Washington Medigap switching, state rules are important.
Washington generally allows people with Plans B through N to switch to another Plan B through N without written health screening. Plan A has different rules.
However, your individual situation can affect your options. Always confirm the current Washington requirements before changing or cancelling a policy.
Medicare Supplement Carriers in Yakima County
When comparing medicare supplement carriers Yakima County, remember that the same standardized plan letter generally provides the same basic benefits, regardless of the insurer.
Companies can still differ in:
- Premiums
- Pricing methods
- Discounts
- Rate changes
- Availability
Compare the same plan letter across available insurers to make the comparison more useful.
How to Choose a Medicare Supplement Plan
Before choosing a plan, consider:
- The benefits you need
- Monthly premium
- Potential out-of-pocket costs
- Your healthcare needs
- Provider access
- Prescription coverage
- Travel needs
- Available insurers in your area
Do not compare plans only by monthly premium. Look at the complete cost and coverage structure.
Conclusion
Medicare Supplement Insurance can help people with Original Medicare manage certain out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Understanding plan letters, standardized benefits, premiums, enrollment timing, and Washington rules can make the comparison process easier.
If you are researching the best medicare supplement plans in Yakima or elsewhere in Washington, Seniors Planning can help you understand your Medicare Supplement options. Visit the Medicare Supplement Plans page to learn more or contact the team.
FAQs
Is Medigap the same as Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Yes. Medigap is another name for Medicare Supplement Insurance. It works alongside Original Medicare.
Can I have Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
Generally, no. Medigap is designed to work with Original Medicare rather than Medicare Advantage.
Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?
Generally, no. Prescription drug coverage is usually separate through Medicare Part D.
Which Medicare Supplement plan is cheapest?
There is no single cheapest plan for everyone. Premiums vary by plan, insurer, location, and other factors.
Can I switch my Medigap plan in Washington?
Washington has specific rules that may allow certain policyholders to switch plans without written health screening. Your situation determines which rules apply.
How should I compare Medicare Supplement plans?
Compare the same plan letter across insurers, then review premiums, benefits, cost-sharing, discounts, and enrollment requirements.