As you may have read in other sections of this site, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) won't cover all your health care expenses, and you are expected to pay a share of the products and services it does cover. For some of the expenses it does not pay, many people purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, sometimes known as "Medigap" plans.
Medicare supplement insurance plans aren't a government benefit, like Original Medicare. They are insurance plans sold by private companies. Whether or not you buy a plan is up to you.
Ten standard plans are available, labeled "A" through "N," although not all plans are available in all states. For information about Medicare supplement insurance plans available in your area, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Not all plans are available in all states.
Medicare supplement insurance costs
Medicare supplement insurance premium
As a general rule, the more generous the benefits, the higher the premium. However, premiums for Medicare supplement insurance plans can vary widely from insurer to insurer, and your Medicare supplement insurance plan premiums may change over time.
Medicare supplement insurance cost sharing
Medicare supplement insurance deductible
Some companies offer high-deductible versions of Plan F. With these plans, you'll pay the plan's deductible first, before the plan begins paying any of your expenses. Plans C and F pay the Medicare Part B deductible.
Medicare supplement insurance copays
Plan N may require copays for Part B office visits (up to $20) and trips to the emergency room (up to $50).
Medicare supplement insurance coinsurance
Plans K and L use coinsurance to split costs between you and the insurance company until you reach your out-of-pocket limit.