Freedom to choose.
Zero medical surprises.
Original Medicare only covers 80% of your doctor and hospital bills—with no limit on what you owe. Protect your retirement with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan and never worry about network restrictions again.
- See any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare.
- No HMO network restrictions and no referrals required for specialists.
- Virtually eliminates the 20% coinsurance gap and hospital deductibles.
Total Network Freedom
Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap plans travel with you. If the best cancer specialist is in another state, you can go to them instantly.
Guaranteed Renewable
As long as you pay your premium, the insurance company can never cancel your policy due to age, changing health, or expensive new diagnoses.
Compare Medigap Plans
Find the lowest rates for standardized Plans G & N in your zip code in minutes.
What Original Medicare Doesn't Pay
Many seniors assume Medicare covers everything. It doesn't. Medicare Part A & B leave significant "gaps" that can quickly devastate a retiree's savings.
Uncapped Coinsurance
Under Part B (doctor visits, outpatient surgeries, chemo), Medicare pays 80%. You pay 20%. There is no annual out-of-pocket maximum.
Hospital Deductibles
If admitted to a hospital, Part A requires a deductible (over $1,600) per benefit period. You could pay this multiple times a year.
Part B Excess Charges
Some doctors are allowed to charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. You are billed directly for this difference.
Foreign Travel Emergencies
Original Medicare provides almost zero coverage outside the United States. If you get sick on vacation, you pay 100% out of pocket.
Out-of-Pocket Exposure Estimator
Because Original Medicare has NO out-of-pocket maximum, a severe illness can liquidate your savings. See how a Supplement Plan G mathematically protects you.
Medical Scenario
How it works: Under Medicare Part B, you are responsible for 20% of the total approved cost of outpatient surgeries, chemotherapy, and doctors' services.
Your Financial Liability
Original Medicare Only
$30,000
You pay the 20% gap
With Medigap Plan G
$240
Part B Deductible Only
Without a supplement, your 20% coinsurance would result in a devastating $30,000 bill. With a standard Plan G, your policy covers that entire gap, limiting your out-of-pocket exposure to just the small annual deductible.
*Educational tool. Assumes standard Medicare Part B 20% coinsurance liability for illustrative procedure costs. The Plan G output represents the standard annual Part B deductible (using approx $240 for projection). You must continue to pay your Part B and Medigap monthly premiums.
The Most Important Decision You'll Make
Don't be lured in by "$0 premium" TV commercials without understanding what you're giving up. Compare Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage.
| Coverage Feature | Medicare Supplement (Medigap) | Medicare Advantage (Part C) |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Choice | Any doctor who takes Medicare | Restricted to HMO/PPO Network |
| Specialist Referrals | Never Required | Usually Required |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | Near Zero (Predictable) | Copays until Max is reached (up to $8k+) |
| Monthly Premium | Higher Upfront Premium | Low or $0 Premium |
The Medigap Open Enrollment Window
Timing is everything. Making a mistake regarding your initial enrollment period can cost you your right to buy a policy.
The Golden Window
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period lasts for 6 months, starting the first month you are 65 AND enrolled in Part B. During this time, your acceptance is 100% guaranteed.
No Medical Underwriting
If you buy during your open enrollment period, insurance companies cannot legally deny you coverage or charge you more due to pre-existing health conditions.
The Risk of Delaying
If you try to buy a Medigap policy *after* your 6-month window closes, companies can require full medical underwriting. If you are sick, they can deny you entirely.
Medicare Supplement FAQs
Clear answers to help you navigate your healthcare retirement.
Are all Plan Gs the same?
Yes. By federal law, Medigap plans are standardized. A Plan G from Company A provides the exact same medical benefits as a Plan G from Company B. The only difference between them is the monthly premium they charge and their customer service.
Does a Medicare Supplement cover prescriptions?
No. Modern Medigap policies (like Plan G and Plan N) do not cover pharmacy medications. You must purchase a standalone Medicare Part D plan alongside your Medigap policy to cover your prescription drugs.
Can my doctor refuse my Medigap plan?
If a doctor accepts Original Medicare, they are legally required to accept your Medicare Supplement plan, regardless of which insurance company issued it. There are no networks to worry about.