A Medicare Supplement, also called Medigap, helps pay certain costs left to you by Original Medicare. It is not the same as a Medicare Advantage plan.
What a Supplement can help with
Depending on the policy, Medigap helps with costs such as deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. It works alongside Original Medicare. Modern Medigap policies do not include prescription drug coverage; consider Part D separately.
Plan letters and timing matter
Policies with the same letter generally have standardized benefits; Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin use different standardization systems. Compare the benefits you need and the premiums for the policies available to you.
Check your enrollment rights before switching
Your federal Medigap Open Enrollment Period lasts six months beginning when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Outside protected enrollment opportunities, eligibility and pricing may involve underwriting. State protections can differ. Confirm your rights before ending existing coverage.