Medicare Supplement Insurance Coverage

Medicare supplement insurance is also known as Medigap insurance. It helps pay some or all of the health care costs that Original Medicare Parts A and B do not cover.

Medicare supplement insurance is meant to be used in combination with Original Medicare. If you receive your benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan, you do not need supplement insurance.

Plans are offered through private insurance companies in your state. The terms vary by plan, however, all plans cover care received anywhere in the United States. For information about specific plans in your area, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

What’s covered by Medicare supplement insurance?

In general, Medicare supplement insurance helps pay your share of your health care costs under Original Medicare. These are some of the costs that plans may help with.

You may have several Medicare supplement insurance plans to choose from. It’s important to review the specific coverage offered by any plans you are interested in.

What’s not covered by Medicare supplement insurance?

Medicare supplement insurance does not help with the cost of:

• Long-term care such as nursing home care
• Additional days in a skilled nursing facility beyond what’s covered by Part A
• Routine vision, dental or hearing care
• Hearing aids
• Eyeglasses
• Private-duty nursing
• Prescription drugs

Many people who choose to add supplement insurance to Original Medicare Parts A and B also add a standalone prescription drug plan (Part D).