A Guide to Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)

Learn about Medigap policies, compare popular plans like Plan G and Plan N, and understand how Supplement pricing works.

Understanding Medicare Supplements (Medigap)

A Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy helps pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap policies are sold by private companies.

What is a Medigap Policy?

Medigap policies only work with Original Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can't buy a Medigap policy. Medigap policies are standardized, meaning every Medigap policy must follow federal and state laws designed to protect you, and they must offer the same basic benefits.

Comparing Plan G vs. Plan N

• Plan G: Covers almost everything that Original Medicare doesn't, except for the Part B deductible. It's often considered the most comprehensive plan available for new enrollees.
• Plan N: Similar to Plan G, but requires you to pay up to a $20 copayment for some office visits and up to a $50 copayment for emergency room visits that don't result in an inpatient admission. It also does not cover Part B excess charges.

How Supplement Pricing Works

Insurance companies set premiums for Medigap policies in three ways: Community-rated (everyone pays the same), Issue-age-rated (premium based on your age when you buy), and Attained-age-rated (premium goes up as you get older). It's important to ask how the policy is priced before you buy.

Need Personalized Guidance?

Reading about Medicare is a great first step, but everyone's situation is unique. Speak with a licensed Arkansas Medicare advisor to get personalized answers.