Are Medicare supplemental plans same as Medigap?
Asked by: Dr. Cornell Wyman | Last update: January 15, 2026Score: 5/5 (41 votes)
What is the difference between Medigap and Medicare Supplement plan?
Medicare Supplement plans, also known as “Medigap,” help pay your share of medical costs not paid by Original Medicare, like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Some Medigap plans may also assist in paying for home healthcare , durable medical equipment (DME) , hospital costs and lab costs.
What is the downside to Medicare Supplement plans?
There are a couple of cons to consider before choosing a Medigap plan: Premiums: Medigap premiums can be pricey. Coverage: Medicare Supplement plans don't cover everything, so you'd still have to pay out of pocket for things like dental care, vision care and long-term care.
What is the best supplemental insurance for Medicare for seniors?
- Best for extra plan benefits: Humana.
- Best for straightforward coverage: State Farm.
- Best for extensive medical care coverage: AARP by UnitedHealthcare.
- Best for a range of Medigap plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield.
What is Medicare supplemental insurance called?
Medigap (Medicare Supplement Health Insurance) A Medigap policy is health insurance sold by private insurance companies to fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare Plan coverage. Medigap policies help pay some of the health care costs that the Original Medicare Plan doesn't cover.
Here's How Much We Paid With Medicare | Medicare Supplement vs Advantage
What is the difference between Medicare Plan G and Plan G Extra?
Medigap G Extra offers the same benefits as standard G, but adds hearing, vision and Over-the-Counter benefits.
What plan G does not cover?
High deductible plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible. However, high deductible F and G count your payment of the Medicare Part B deductible toward meeting the plan deductible. 2Plans K and L pay 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year once you meet the out-of-pocket yearly limit.
Why do people choose Medigap over Medicare Advantage?
Under Advantage plans, the government pays insurers to provide all of the care under a private policy. Medigap also allows retirees to choose their doctors. Advantage plans operate like HMOs, which control the cost of care by requiring policyholders to stay within an approved network of providers.
Why does AARP recommend UnitedHealthcare?
AARP does not necessarily argue that UnitedHealthcare is the right choice for every Medicare beneficiary, but it does proclaim it as a trusted healthcare partner and resource. Of course, there may be an additional reason other than UHCs good name. UnitedHealthcare pays AARP for the use of its name.
Why is it not a good idea to have supplemental insurance?
One of the most significant drawbacks of supplemental insurance policies is the coverage limits. For instance, with Mechanical Repair Coverage, you'll typically need to pay out of pocket until your deductible is met on your primary policy before supplemental insurance takes over to cover a costly vehicle repair.
Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?
But there are trade-offs. Medicare Advantage plans often have a limited network of hospitals and physicians. And while the premiums are typically low, enrollees could end up paying more in the long run in copays and deductibles if they develop a serious illness.
Is there a medicare supplement that covers everything?
With Medicare Supplement Plan F, you get the most complete coverage available. And because Plan F also covers costs in excess of Medicare-approved amounts, you may have no out-of-pocket costs for hospital and doctor's office care.
Why do people say not to get a Medicare Advantage plan?
Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans can include difficulty switching out of the plans later, restrictions on care access, limited provider networks, and limitations on extra benefits.
Do Medigap premiums increase with age?
Attained-age-rated: Premiums are initially based on your age when you purchase a policy, and they increase as you get older (meaning you pay a different price at age 65 than you do at age 70). These premiums may be the lowest when you first buy them, but they are generally the most expensive over your lifetime.
What does Medigap not pay for?
Medigap plans generally don't cover: Long-term care (like care in a nursing home) Vision or dental care. Hearing aids.
What is the best Medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?
Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.
What is the biggest disadvantage of the Medicare Advantage Plan?
Medicare Advantage Plan Pros And Cons
One disadvantage is that some Medicare Advantage plans may offer fewer options when it comes to doctors and hospitals, as they may have smaller plan networks than Original Medicare.
Is Medigap Plan G being phased out?
Medicare Plan G is not going away. There is a lot of confusion surrounding which Medigap plans are going away and which are still available. Rest assured that Plan G isn't going away. You can keep your plan.
What is the most popular medicare supplement plan?
There are 10 different types of Medigap policies (labeled A through N), each having a different, standardized set of benefits (Appendix Table 3). Plan G is the most popular Medigap policy, accounting for 39% of all policyholders, or nearly 5.3 million people, in 2023 (Figure 3).
Does Plan G cover colonoscopy?
However, if you have a comprehensive Medigap plan, such as Plan G, you wouldn't have to worry about your Part B coinsurance or Part B excess charges as Medigap Plan G covers both costs. Instead, your colonoscopy would be 100% covered regardless of the type of doctor you see.
Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?
Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.
What is the best supplemental health insurance for seniors?
"Based on NerdWallet's Medigap rubric, I picked five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield. These companies stood out based on plan types offered, premiums, discounts, complaint rates and nationwide availability."
Is AARP UnitedHealthcare the same as UnitedHealthcare?
AARP® Medicare Supplement insurance plans for retirees. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (UnitedHealthcare) is the exclusive insurer of AARP Medicare Supplement insurance plans.