Medigap insurance

Medigap is a type of health insurance sold by private companies to fill the "gaps" in Original Medicare Plan coverage. Medigap policies help pay some of the health care costs that the Original Medicare Plan doesn't cover.

Overview

Medigap policies are regulated by state and federal laws which are there to protect you. The Medigap insurance policies are standardized and identified by letters A through N. Each standardized Medigap policy must offer the same basic benefits, no matter which insurance company sells it.

Coverage

Medigap policies generally do not cover long-term care, vision or dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, or private-duty nursing. The vast majority of Medigap policies do not cover prescription drugs.

Enrollment

The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your Medigap open enrollment period. This period lasts for 6 months and begins on the first day of the month in which you're both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.

Costs

The cost of Medigap policies can vary widely. There can be big differences in the premiums that different insurance companies charge for exactly the same coverage.

See Also

• Medicare (United States)
• Health insurance in the United States
• Healthcare in the United States

References

• Medicare & You handbook
• Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare

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