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Medigap costs can be a significant concern for many seniors, but understanding the various coverage options can help you make informed decisions. There are 10 standardized Medigap plans (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N) each with its own unique set of benefits.
Medigap Plan F is the most comprehensive, covering 100% of Medicare Part B excess charges, but it's also the most expensive. In contrast, Medigap Plan A offers the most basic coverage, but it's often the most affordable option.
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Medigap Cost Comparison Chart
Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies, so prices can vary. There can be differences in the premiums that different insurance companies charge for exactly the same coverage.
The monthly Medigap plan premium is a significant cost, and it can range depending on the plan you choose. You'll also need to pay Medicare Parts A and B premiums if required, as well as Medicare deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance if not covered by the Medigap plan.
Here's a breakdown of the costs associated with each Medigap plan:
Plan | Out-of-Pocket Limit (2025) |
---|---|
Plan K | $7,220 |
Plan L | $3,610 |
These costs can add up quickly, so it's essential to carefully review the Medigap plan's benefits and costs before making a decision.
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Compare Side-by-Side
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Medigap plans can be overwhelming to compare, but with the right tools, you can make an informed decision. The key is to understand what each plan covers and how much it costs.
Plan A is a basic plan that covers Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up, but it doesn't cover Part B coinsurance or copayment. Plan B covers Part B coinsurance or copayment, but it doesn't cover Part A deductible.
Plan C is a popular plan that covers Part A deductible, but it's not available to people who were newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Plan D covers Part A deductible, but it's also not available to people who were newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
Plan F* covers Part A deductible, but it's not available to people who were newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Plan G* is similar to Plan F, but it doesn't cover the Part B deductible.
For another approach, see: Medigap Plan G vs N
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Plan K is a more affordable option that covers 50% of Part B coinsurance/copayment, first three pints of blood, Part A hospice care coinsurance/copayment, skilled nursing care coinsurance/copayment, and Part A deductible. However, it has a maximum out-of-pocket limit of $7,220 in 2025.
Plan L is similar to Plan K, but it covers 75% of Part B coinsurance/copayment, first three pints of blood, Part A hospice care coinsurance/copayment, skilled nursing care coinsurance/copayment, and Part A deductible. It also has a maximum out-of-pocket limit of $3,610 in 2025.
Here's a summary of the plans:
Plan | Part A Coinsurance | Part B Coinsurance | Part A Deductible | Part B Deductible |
---|---|---|---|---|
A | X | X | ||
B | X | |||
C | ||||
D | X | |||
F* | ||||
G* | X | |||
K | 50% | 50% | X | |
L | 75% | 75% | X |
Keep in mind that Plan F and G are not available to people who were newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Plan K and L have a maximum out-of-pocket limit, and Plan N pays 100% of the costs of Part B services, except for copayments for some office visits and some emergency room visits.
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C and F in 2020
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Medigap Plan F and Plan C are no longer available to new Medicare enrollees as of January 1, 2020.
If you already had one of these plans before 2020, you can keep it.
New Medicare enrollees after 2020 won't be able to buy Plan C or Plan F, unless it's available in their area.
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Understanding Medigap
Medigap plans offer additional coverage to fill the gaps in Original Medicare.
Medigap plans can help cover the out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. This can be a huge relief for those who don't want to worry about unexpected medical expenses.
There are eight available Medigap plans, with Plan C being one of the most commonly chosen, covering about 479,000 people in 2021. Plan C offers comprehensive coverage for Part A coinsurance/copayment, Part A hospice care coinsurance/copayment, and skilled nursing care coinsurance/copayment.
Some Medigap plans, like Plan D, also provide foreign travel coverage, which can be beneficial for frequent travelers. In 2021, about 151,000 Americans had Medigap Plan D, which adds emergency coverage in foreign hospitals and skilled nursing facility coinsurance to the available benefits.
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Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies, so the benefits and costs can vary. It's advisable to compare different plans to find the one that best fits your healthcare needs and budget.
Here are some common benefits of having a Medigap plan:
- Cost-sharing coverage: Medigap plans can help cover the out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
- Freedom to choose healthcare providers: With Medigap, you can typically visit any healthcare provider who accepts Medicare patients, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred doctors and specialists.
- Coverage for foreign travel: Some Medigap plans provide coverage for emergency medical care when you’re traveling outside the United States, which can be beneficial for frequent travelers.
- No network restrictions: Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap plans don’t have network restrictions. You can receive care from any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare.
- Guaranteed renewable: Once you enroll in a Medigap plan, it is guaranteed renewable as long as you continue paying your premiums, regardless of any health conditions you may develop.
What Is A?
Medigap Plan A provides the most limited coverage among Medigap plans.
Around 93,000 Americans were enrolled in Plan A in 2021, according to a 2023 report from the Congressional Research Service that excluded California and a few other states.
It's one of the most widely available plans for 2024, available in at least three states: New York, Connecticut, and Washington.
Plan A could be best for people who only want help covering their coinsurance or copayment for Part A, Part B, and hospice care, and can cover their deductibles out of pocket.
People who choose Plan A may need to pay their deductibles on their own, but it can be a good option for those who want to keep their premiums low.
For another approach, see: Medigap Policies in California
What Is B?
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Medicare Supplement Plan B is a popular option for those who want to cover their Part A, Part B, and hospice coinsurance or copayments, as well as the Part A deductible.
It's available only if you have Original Medicare, so if you have Medicare Advantage (Part C), you won't be able to purchase a Medigap plan like Plan B.
Plan B offers more coverage than Plan A by adding the Part A deductible coverage, making it a good fit for those who mainly want help with these expenses.
In 2021, around 182,000 people enrolled in Plan B, making it the third most popular plan.
Here's a breakdown of what Plan B covers:
- Part A coinsurance/coinsurance
- Part A hospice care coinsurance/copayment
- Part A deductible
- Part B coinsurance/copayment
- First three pints of blood
What Is D?
Medicare Supplement Plan D is a popular option among those eligible, with about 151,000 Americans having it in 2021. It's the fourth most popular plan out of eight available.
Plan D adds coverage for emergency care in foreign hospitals and skilled nursing facility coinsurance to the existing benefits. This can be a huge relief for those who travel abroad.
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Here are the benefits you can expect with Plan D:
- Part A coinsurance/coinsurance
- Part A hospice care coinsurance/copayment
- Part A deductible
- Part B coinsurance/copayment
- First three pints of blood
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Foreign travel coverage
Plan D is a great choice for those who want coverage for most copayments and coinsurance, skilled nursing care, and foreign travel coverage.
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What Is G?
Medicare Supplement Plan G is the most popular plan available to those eligible after 2010, with an enrollment of about 4.5 million in 2021.
Plan G is likely to be offered in your state by various insurers, so it's worth exploring your options.
This plan offers broad coverage, including Part A coinsurance/coinsurance, Part A hospice care coinsurance/copayment, Part A deductible, Part B coinsurance/copayment, first three pints of blood, skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, foreign travel coverage, and Part B excess charge.
It's worth noting that Plan G also comes in a high deductible version, with a deductible of $2,800 for 2024.
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What Is L?
Medigap Plan L is a popular choice for those who want a lower out-of-pocket maximum.
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It has a lower out-of-pocket maximum of $3,530 in 2024, which is much lower than other plans.
Plan L is the second least popular Medicare plan, with only about 34,000 Americans having it in 2021.
It's not widely available, with Medigap insurers in the states we surveyed not making it widely available.
Once you spend $3,530 during the year, the plan will pay 100% of your Part A and Part B coinsurance or copayment.
Plan L covers the Part A coinsurance or copayment and 75% of these out-of-pocket expenses until you reach the out-of-pocket maximum.
It doesn't cover international emergency medical care, like Plan K.
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What Is M?
Medigap Plan M is the least popular Medicare Supplement plan, with only about 4,500 Americans enrolled as of 2021.
It's also the plan that insurers offer the least in many states, with some states not offering it at all.
Plan M covers 50% of your Part A deductible for the year, but that's it.
Here are the out-of-pocket costs that Plan M does cover:
- Part A coinsurance/copayment
- Part A hospice coinsurance/copayment
- Skilled nursing care coinsurance/copayment
- Part B coinsurance/copayment
- First three pints of blood
- Foreign travel coverage
Plan M might be a good fit for those with savings who can pay half of their Part A deductible.
What Is N?
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Medicare Supplement Plan N is a popular choice for many Americans. As of 2021, over 1.3 million people were enrolled in this plan.
Plan N provides comprehensive coverage, especially when it comes to Part B out-of-pocket expenses. You'll have low copays for office visits, up to $20, and emergency room visits, up to $50.
Here are some of the benefits you can expect from Plan N:
- Part A coinsurance/copayment
- Part A hospice coinsurance/copayment
- Skilled nursing care coinsurance/copayment
- Part B coinsurance/copayment
- First three pints of blood
- Part A deductible
- Foreign travel coverage
This plan is a good choice for those who want flat copays for routine coverage.
What Is C?
Medigap Plan C is a popular choice among Medicare beneficiaries, with over 479,000 people enrolled in 2021.
Plan C offers comprehensive coverage for a wide range of medical expenses. It covers Part A coinsurance/copayment, which can be a significant cost for hospital stays.
Plan C also covers Part A hospice care coinsurance/copayment, which can be a major expense for those receiving end-of-life care.
In addition to these benefits, Plan C covers skilled nursing care coinsurance/copayment, which can be a major cost for those requiring extended care.
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Plan C also covers the first three pints of blood, which can be a significant cost for those requiring blood transfusions.
Plan C covers the Part A deductible, which can be a major expense for those with Medicare Part A coverage.
Plan C also covers the Part B deductible, which can be a significant cost for those with Medicare Part B coverage.
Plan C covers 80% of foreign travel medical expenses, which can be a major cost for those traveling abroad.
Here are the benefits of Plan C summarized:
- Part A coinsurance/copayment
- Part A hospice care coinsurance/copayment
- Skilled nursing care coinsurance/copayment
- First three pints of blood
- Part A deductible
- Part B deductible
- Foreign travel medical expenses (80%)
What Is F?
Medicare Supplement Plan F has historically been the most popular Medigap plan, with roughly 5.75 million Americans enrolled in 2021.
This plan covers everything Plan C covers, plus Part B excess charges, making it an excellent option for those who want the best and most complete coverage.
In 2024, high-deductible Plan F has a deductible of $2,800, meaning you must pay $2,800 out-of-pocket before your Medigap plan will start covering qualifying expenses.
High-deductible Plan F is less available than the standard Plan F, so it's essential to explore your options carefully.
Medigap Plan F is available in two versions: standard and high-deductible, with the latter requiring a higher upfront cost.
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Coverage Options and Benefits
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Medigap plans are designed to fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, leaving beneficiaries with out-of-pocket costs and coverage limitations. Medigap plans are offered by private insurance companies and are standardized by the government, meaning that each plan with the same letter designation (e.g., Plan A, Plan B) provides the same basic benefits, regardless of the insurance company offering it.
Most Medigap plans cover Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance or copayment, and the first three pints of blood. These benefits help reduce the out-of-pocket expenses associated with hospital stays, doctor visits, and blood transfusions.
Plan F and Plan G cover Part B excess charges, which are additional costs that some doctors may charge above the Medicare-approved amount. Plan G is the most popular plan available to those eligible after 2010, with an enrollment of about 4.5 million in 2021.
Medigap plans also cover hospice care coinsurance or copayment, which helps with end-of-life care costs. Some plans, like Plan C and Plan F, cover the Part B deductible, which is an annual cost-sharing for outpatient services.
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If you're looking for a plan with comprehensive coverage, Plan F might be a good option, but it's worth noting that it's not as widely available as other plans. On the other hand, Plan N provides fairly comprehensive coverage and is the second most selected plan by Medicare enrollees.
Here's a summary of the common benefits of Medigap plans:
- Cost-sharing coverage: Medigap plans can help cover the out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
- Freedom to choose healthcare providers: With Medigap, you can typically visit any healthcare provider who accepts Medicare patients, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred doctors and specialists.
- Coverage for foreign travel: Some Medigap plans provide coverage for emergency medical care when you’re traveling outside the United States, which can be beneficial for frequent travelers.
- No network restrictions: Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap plans don’t have network restrictions. You can receive care from any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare.
- Guaranteed renewable: Once you enroll in a Medigap plan, it is guaranteed renewable as long as you continue paying your premiums, regardless of any health conditions you may develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the downside to Medigap?
Medigap plans, including Plan G, come with significant out-of-pocket costs, including high monthly premiums and separate prescription drug expenses. If you're looking for comprehensive coverage, you may want to consider alternative options.
What is the best medicare supplemental plan?
There is no single "best" Medicare supplemental plan, as the best option depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider Humana for extra benefits, State Farm for straightforward coverage, AARP by UnitedHealthcare for extensive medical care, or Blue Cross Blue Shield for a range of Medigap plans.
Sources
- https://www.cigna.com/medicare/shop-plans/supplemental/
- https://www.humana.com/medicare/medicare-resources/compare-medicare-supplement-plans
- https://www.investopedia.com/compare-medicare-supplement-plans-8606543
- https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/medicare/parts/compare-medicare-supplement-plans/
- https://www.medicaresupplement.com/articles/medicare-supplement-plans-comparison-chart/
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