The short answer
What is Medigap?
Medigap is private supplemental insurance that works with Original Medicare to help pay certain deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments. It is not Medicare Advantage and generally does not include outpatient prescription coverage. Enrollment protections, underwriting, availability, and prices can depend on timing, location, and individual circumstances.
Use this guide to understand the basics, then verify current coverage rules and costs before you enroll.
How Medigap fits
Medigap works with Original Medicare. It does not replace Part A or Part B, and it is not the same as Medicare Advantage. Standardized plan letters generally offer the same basic benefits within a letter, although premiums and company service can differ.
What it generally does not include
- Standalone outpatient prescription drug coverage
- Routine dental, vision, or hearing care
- Long-term custodial care
- Private-duty nursing
Timing matters
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period generally starts when you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this six-month period, federal protections provide broader access. Outside it, availability, pricing, and medical underwriting can depend on state rules and your situation.
Illustrative example
Why Medigap timing matters
A person who applies during the six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that begins when they are both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B generally has stronger federal enrollment protections. Applying later can involve different availability or underwriting rules unless another guaranteed-issue right applies.
Ready for your next step?
Put what you learned into practice.
Start with your ZIP code to review plans available in your area, or ask for help from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
Frequently asked questions
Is Medigap the same as Medicare Advantage?
No. Medigap supplements Original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage is another way to receive Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through a private plan.
Does Medigap include prescription coverage?
Policies sold today generally do not include outpatient prescription coverage. People with Original Medicare commonly consider a separate Part D plan.
When is Medigap Open Enrollment?
The federal Medigap Open Enrollment Period generally lasts six months and begins when you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B.
Can I buy Medigap at any time?
You can apply, but outside protected enrollment or guaranteed-issue periods an insurer may use medical underwriting where permitted. State protections can differ.
Are Medigap plans standardized?
Most policies are standardized by letter, and policies with the same letter generally provide the same basic benefits. Premiums, service, availability, and some state rules can differ.
Primary sources
- Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) — Medicare.gov
- Your Medicare coverage choices — Medicare.gov