Medigap policies are standardized supplemental insurance plans sold by private companies that help pay costs Original Medicare does not cover, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. There are 10 standardized plan types (A through N), each offering a different level of coverage.
33 steps across 8 sections
1. Confirm Eligibility Requirements
- You must have Medicare Part A and Part B
- Medigap policies work with Original Medicare only, NOT Medicare Advantage
- If you are currently on Medicare Advantage, you must switch back to Original Medicare first
- Medigap does not include prescription drug coverage — you need a separate Part D plan
2. Enroll During Your Open Enrollment Period
- The 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts the first day of the month you are 65+ AND enrolled in Part B
- During this period, guaranteed issue applies: no medical underwriting, no pre-existing condition exclusions
- After this window, insurers can use medical underwriting and may deny coverage or charge more
- This is your single best opportunity — do not miss it
3. Understand the Standardized Plans
- Plans are labeled A through N (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N)
- Plan F Most comprehensive (closed to new enrollees who became eligible after January 1, 2020)
- Plan G Most popular for new enrollees — covers everything Plan F does except Part B deductible ($275 in 2026)
- Plan N Lower premium alternative — covers most costs but has small copays for some office/ER visits
- Benefits are standardized by letter — a Plan G from one insurer covers the same things as a Plan G from another
4. Compare Plans in Your Area
- Visit medicare.gov/medigap-supplemental-insurance-plans
- Enter your ZIP code, age, sex, and tobacco use
- Compare premiums from different insurance companies for the same plan letter
- Since benefits are identical within a plan letter, the main difference is price and insurer reputation
5. Evaluate Pricing Methods
- Community-rated Same premium for all ages (premium does not increase with age)
- Issue-age-rated Premium based on age when you bought the policy (does not increase as you age)
- Attained-age-rated Premium increases as you get older (starts cheaper but costs more over time)
- Community-rated and issue-age-rated policies are better long-term values
6. Check Insurer Reputation
- Review the insurer's financial strength rating (A.M. Best, S&P)
- Check complaint history with your state's Department of Insurance
- Research claim processing speed and customer service reviews
- Consider insurers with a long track record in the Medigap market
7. Enroll in a Plan
- Apply through the insurer's website, by phone, by mail, or through an insurance agent
- During your Open Enrollment Period, you cannot be denied regardless of health
- If applying outside the OEP, be prepared for medical underwriting questions
- Coverage typically starts the first of the month after your application is processed
8. Add a Part D Drug Plan
- Medigap does NOT include prescription drug coverage
- Enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan during your Initial Enrollment Period
- Use Medicare Plan Finder to compare Part D plans in your area
- Ensure no gap in drug coverage to avoid late enrollment penalties
Common Mistakes
- Missing the Medigap Open Enrollment Period
- Choosing based on premium alone
- Not buying a Part D plan
- Trying to use Medigap with Medicare Advantage
- Waiting for health issues to enroll
Pro Tips
- Plan G is the sweet spot for most new enrollees: comprehensive coverage at lo...
- Plan N is a good budget option if you do not mind small copays and can handle...
- Ask about household discounts — many insurers offer 5-15% off when both spous...
- Lock in community-rated or issue-age-rated plans when possible for more predi...
- Call your state's SHIP program for free, unbiased counseling: shiphelp.org