What this means in plain English
A Medicare Supplement, also called Medigap, is a policy from a private insurer. It helps pay costs Original Medicare doesn't, like coinsurance and deductibles. It works only with Original Medicare, so you can't use it with a Medicare Advantage plan. Each policy covers one person, which means spouses buy their own.
What to look for when you compare Medicare supplements
Check the pricing method before the price. A community-rated policy charges everyone the same regardless of age. Issue-age pricing is based on your age when you buy. Attained-age pricing rises as you get older. Ask each insurer how often its rates have gone up. And check your timing. Outside your open enrollment period, an insurer can use medical underwriting and may turn you down unless you have a guaranteed issue right.
Examples to help you compare
For example, say you turn 65 in May and your Part B starts May 1. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period runs May through October. Shop then, while insurers can't turn you down because of your health. Pricing matters too. Unlike an attained-age policy, an issue-age policy won't raise your premium just because you get older. It can still go up for other reasons, like inflation.
Top options compared
Most people new to Medicare look at Plan G and Plan N. Plan G covers the same benefits as Plan F except the Part B deductible. Plan N also leaves you the Part B deductible. It adds copays of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don't lead to admission. Plan N also doesn't cover Part B excess charges. A high-deductible Plan G is offered in some states. You pay a set deductible before it starts paying.
How to choose the right plan when you compare Medicare supplements
Start with how you use care, not with the cheapest quote. If you see specialists often, Plan N's copays add up. If your doctors accept Medicare assignment, excess charges may matter less to you. Then decide whether you'd rather pay a higher premium for fewer bills at the counter. Once you've picked a letter, compare that exact plan across several carriers in your ZIP code. Weigh price, pricing method and rate history together.
What to do next
You now know the core rule: pick the letter, then compare price, pricing method and rate history for that same plan. This article is general information. A licensed agent can run quotes for your ZIP code. Call or text 888-333-5853, or schedule a free meeting at The Medicare Store. You can meet in Las Vegas, Reno, Phoenix, Albuquerque, McAllen or Laredo, or talk by phone from any state.
How your agent helps
An agent will compare Medigap quotes across several carriers, check your Part D drugs, and handle enrollment. After that, your agent checks in six times your first year and reviews your coverage every Annual Enrollment Period. Help is available in English and Spanish.