When you’re choosing Medicare Supplement plans, the wrong choice can cost you hundreds — even thousands — of dollars over time. This guide cuts the fluff and shows exactly how Medigap coverage stacks up, what you’ll actually pay, and how to choose the best plan based on real dollar value, not sales hype.
We compare standardized benefits, typical pricing ranges, common pitfalls, and the smartest way to buy Medicare Supplement insurance with confidence.
What Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance Really Is
Medicare Supplement plans fill the gaps left by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). They can cover deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs that Medicare doesn’t pay.
These plans are standardized by letter (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N) — the benefits are the same no matter the insurer. What varies is:
- Premium cost
- Rate structure
- Customer service & claims handling
Primary Keyword
Medicare Supplement plans compared
Secondary Keywords
Medigap comparison, Medicare Supplement pricing, Medicare Supplement coverage, best Medigap plans, Medigap cost guide, Medicare out-of-pocket protection
H2: How Medigap Plans Work (No Boring Insurance Talk)
Medigap policies work with Original Medicare, not instead of it. You still have Medicare Part A and Part B — the supplemental plan pays costs Medicare leaves you with.
Original Medicare alone leaves you exposed to:
- Part A deductible (hospital costs)
- Part B coinsurance (doctor visits & outpatient)
- Excess charges over Medicare-approved fees
- No out-of-pocket maximum
Medigap fills these holes — but not every plan fills all the holes.
H2: Medigap Coverage Compared — What Each Letter Plan Covers
Benefits are standardized across companies for the same plan letter.
| Medigap Plan | Part A Deductible | Part B Coinsurance | Part B Excess Charges | Skilled Nursing | Foreign Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan A | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Plan B | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Plan D | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plan G | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plan N | No | Yes* | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Plan K | Partial | Partial | No | Partial | Yes |
| Plan L | Partial | Partial | No | Partial | Yes |
*Plan N may require small copayments for office or ER visits.
H3: The Truth About Plans F and C
Plans F and C used to be the gold standard — they covered the Part B deductible. But since 2020, new enrollees can no longer buy Plan F or C if they first became eligible for Medicare after that date.
If you already have Plan F, you can keep it — but don’t expect new enrollment.
H3: Why Most People End Up With Plan G
Plan G gives you nearly everything except the Part B deductible — and because you don’t have unlimited Part B excess charges like Plan F did, premiums are lower without sacrificing real coverage.
Most advisors now call Plan G the most cost-efficient comprehensive Medigap option.
H3: When Plan N Makes Sense
Plan N has lower premiums — but you pay:
- Copays for some office visits
- Limited excess charges
If you’re healthy, use doctors with agreed fee schedules, and want lower premiums, Plan N can be a reasonable trade-off. But you’re still taking risk in exchange for savings.
H2: Medigap Pricing — Be Realistic About Costs
Medigap pricing varies by:
- Location
- Age
- Gender & tobacco use
- Rate structure (issue age, attained age, or community rated)
- Insurance company pricing strategy
Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap premiums don’t include drug coverage (Part D) — that’s separate.
H3: Typical Monthly Premium Ranges (Approximate)
| Plan | Monthly Premium Range |
|---|---|
| Plan G | $120 – $300+ |
| Plan N | $90 – $240+ |
| Plan K | $60 – $140+ |
| Plan L | $80 – $180+ |
Reality Check: These aren’t “official prices” — they’re realistic ranges based on common markets. Your actual quote could be lower or higher depending on underwriting and your demographics.
H3: Issue Age vs Attained Age vs Community Rating
- Issue-age rated: Premium based on your age when you buy and stays fixed (good if you buy early).
- Attained-age rated: Premium increases with age (cheaper initially, more expensive later).
- Community rated: Same premium for everyone in an area, regardless of age.
If someone sold you Medigap without explaining this, you weren’t getting full disclosure.
H2: Medigap vs Medicare Advantage — Be Honest About What You’re Buying
Medigap and Medicare Advantage (MA) are not the same:
| Feature | Medigap | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Works with Original Medicare | Yes | N/A |
| Out-of-pocket max | No standard cap | Yes (set by plan) |
| Provider choice | Broad (any Medicare doc) | Often limited networks |
| Copays & deductibles | Predictable | Variable |
| Drug coverage | Separate Part D needed | Usually included |
If you need predictable costs and broad provider choice, Medigap wins. If you want lower premiums and are okay with networks, Medicare Advantage can make sense — but it’s a different product, not a supplement.
H2: How to Choose the Right Medigap Plan (Smart, Not Sales-y)
H3: Step 1 — Buy Early in Your Open Enrollment Window
Your Medigap Open Enrollment starts the month you’re 65 and enrolled in Part B. During that 6-month window, you have guaranteed issue rights — insurers can’t deny or charge more for health conditions.
Waiting later? Expect underwriting and higher premiums.
H3: Step 2 — Compare By Plan Letter, Not By Insurer Name
Because benefits are standardized, your decision should be Plan G vs Plan N vs Plan K/L, then compare how different companies price the same letter plan.
H3: Step 3 — Consider Long-Term Cost, Not Just Premiums
Low initial premiums can balloon later — especially with attained-age rated plans. Do the math over 5, 10, and 15 years.
H2: FAQ — Straight Answers You Actually Care About
What’s the best Medigap plan overall?
For most new enrollees today, Plan G offers the best balance of coverage and pricing.
Is Plan F still available?
Not for new Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible after 2020. If you already have it, you can keep it — but it’s not available to newcomers.
How much will Medicare Supplement insurance cost?
Expect monthly premiums from roughly $90 to $300+ depending on plan and personal factors.
Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?
No. You’ll still need a standalone Part D drug plan.
Can I switch Medigap plans later?
Yes — but you may face underwriting (higher cost or denial) outside your open enrollment unless you qualify for guaranteed issue rights.
H2: Conclusion — Choose Clarity Over Confusion
Here’s the blunt reality:
- Know what you’re buying: Medigap = gap coverage, not an all-in-one plan.
- Plan G leads the pack: It’s the practical successor to the old Plan F.
- Pricing isn’t uniform: Insurers price the same benefits very differently.
- Timing matters: Buy during open enrollment whenever possible.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers, focus on real long-term costs, and don’t overpay for bells and whistles you don’t need.
Secure coverage that protects your retirement budget — not your agent’s commissions.