Medicare Supplements are insurance programs that fill the gaps of “Original” Medicare (better known as Part A & B.) Often you’ll hear about Plan F, G, or N with Medicare Supplements, as these are the most common and popular plans for “Original” Medicare participants; you’ll also hear them referred to as Medigap plans. 

With “Original” Medicare, participants will have two types of out of pocket costs. These include:

• Deductibles– The amount YOU must pay before Medicare covers anything during a benefit period (for example, Part B has a $198 deductible for 2020.)
•  Coinsurance– The percentage of the bill that Medicare doesn’t cover. (for example, after your deductible Medicare pays 80% of approved Part B costs. You pay 20% out of pocket.)

Medicare Supplements cover parts of Medicare Deductibles and Coinsurance depending on the plan you use.  Medigap plans cost more up front (as you pay for your Medicare Part B and the Medigap plan premium), but offer three benefits that make it a great option:

1. You pay less when you use your Medicare approved services.
2. You can use any doctor that accepts Medicare in the United States.
3.  You need minimal prior-authorizations to go to specialists or get testing.