What is Medigap Insurance?

If you are 65 or older, you may be eligible for Medicare, a government-run health insurance program. While Medicare offers comprehensive coverage, it may not cover all of your medical expenses. That’s where Medigap insurance comes in. Medigap is a type of supplemental insurance that fills in the gaps in Medicare coverage, providing you with more comprehensive protection.

What Does Medigap Insurance Cover?

Medigap insurance covers a wide range of healthcare expenses that are not covered by Medicare, including:

Benefits Covered by Medigap Insurance
Co-payments
Deductibles
Coinsurance
Skilled nursing facility care
Emergency medical care when traveling outside the country

Medigap insurance does not cover everything, however. For example, it does not cover long-term care, dental care, or eyeglasses. It also does not cover prescription drugs. If you need prescription drug coverage, you will need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.

How Does Medigap Insurance Work?

When you enroll in a Medigap insurance plan, you will pay a monthly premium in addition to your Medicare premium. Medigap insurance policies are standardized by the government, so each plan offers the same benefits regardless of which insurance company you choose. There are ten different Medigap plans, labeled A through N.

Each plan covers different benefits, and the more comprehensive the plan, the higher the monthly premium. For example, Plan F is the most comprehensive Medigap plan, covering all of the benefits listed in the table above. Plan A, on the other hand, is the least comprehensive, covering only a few benefits.

FAQ

Who is eligible for Medigap insurance?

Anyone who is enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B is eligible for Medigap insurance. You cannot enroll in Medigap insurance if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, however.

When can I enroll in Medigap insurance?

You can enroll in Medigap insurance during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which lasts for six months and begins on the first day of the month in which you turn 65. During this period, you cannot be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions. If you miss your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you may be subject to medical underwriting, which means that an insurance company can deny you coverage or charge you a higher premium based on your health status.

How much does Medigap insurance cost?

The cost of Medigap insurance varies depending on the plan you choose, your age, your location, and other factors. On average, Medigap insurance costs between $100 and $200 per month.

Can I switch Medigap insurance plans?

Yes, you can switch Medigap insurance plans at any time. However, if you have a pre-existing condition, you may be subject to medical underwriting if you switch plans after your Medigap Open Enrollment Period has ended.

Do I need Medigap insurance?

Whether or not you need Medigap insurance depends on your personal situation. If you have a lot of medical expenses and want extra protection, Medigap insurance may be a good choice for you. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or do not have many medical expenses, you may not need Medigap insurance.

In conclusion, Medigap insurance is an important supplement to Medicare coverage that can help you pay for medical expenses that would otherwise be out-of-pocket. If you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare, it is worth considering whether Medigap insurance is right for you.