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If you've looked at Original Medicare's out-of-pocket costs, you've probably noticed the 20% coinsurance with no annual limit. A major surgery or serious illness could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
That's where Medicare Supplement insurance comes in—often called Medigap because it fills the "gaps" in Medicare coverage. I've helped over 3,000 people navigate Medicare, and one thing is clear: Medicare Supplement plans provide the most comprehensive coverage available. You trade higher monthly premiums for near-zero out-of-pocket costs and complete freedom to choose your doctors.
A Medicare Supplement plan is private insurance that works alongside Original Medicare to cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
You go to any doctor that accepts Medicare. Medicare pays its share. Your Medigap plan pays its share. You typically pay little to nothing out of pocket.
Important: All Medicare Supplement plans are standardized by federal law. Plan G from Company A offers the exact same benefits as Plan G from Company B. The only differences are price and customer service.
For people turning 65 in 2026, two plans stand out:
What Plan G Covers:
What You Pay:
After you meet the $283 deductible, Plan G covers everything Medicare doesn't.
Best for: People who want maximum protection, those with chronic health conditions, anyone who values predictability.
What Plan N Covers:
What You Pay:
Best for: People in good health with few doctor visits, those wanting to save on monthly premiums, anyone comfortable with small copays.
Annual premium difference: Plan N saves approximately $240-360 per year.
If you have fewer than 12-18 doctor visits per year, Plan N typically costs less overall. If you have more frequent doctor visits, Plan G's higher premium may be worth it to avoid the copays.
Medigap only covers Original Medicare gaps. It does NOT cover:
For prescription coverage, add a Part D plan.
For dental, vision, and hearing, consider supplemental policies.
You have a one-time, 6-month window when you can buy any Medigap plan without medical underwriting.
Starts: First day of the month you're 65 AND enrolled in Medicare Part B
Lasts: 6 months
Benefit: Guaranteed acceptance—no health questions, no pre-existing condition exclusions
Example: If you turn 65 on June 15th and enroll in Part B effective June 1st, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period runs from June 1st through November 30th.
During this 6-month window:
After this window:
Bottom line: If you want a Medicare Supplement, enroll during your initial 6-month window.
Premiums vary based on location, age, and insurance company.
Location: Zip code matters significantly. The same plan can cost $150/month in one area, $250/month in another.
Age: Most companies use attained-age rating (premiums increase as you get older). Some use issue-age rating (based on age when you buy) or community rating (everyone pays the same).
Insurance Company: Benefits are identical, but prices vary by carrier. We help you find the best price from a highly-rated company.
2026 Typical Costs:
Yes. Switch freely between plans with no medical underwriting and guaranteed acceptance.
You can apply to switch, but insurance companies can require medical underwriting. You could be denied based on health or charged higher rates.
You have guaranteed issue rights (can buy Medigap without underwriting) if:
Some states have additional protections and guaranteed issue periods.
Beyond comprehensive coverage, Medigap offers:
No Networks or Referrals: See any doctor accepting Medicare nationwide. No referrals for specialists, no prior authorizations.
Nationwide Coverage: Perfect for snowbirds and frequent travelers.
Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage: Plans G and N include 80% coverage abroad after $250 deductible, $50,000 lifetime maximum.
Predictable Costs: Know exactly what you'll pay each month with minimal surprise bills.
No Claim Forms: Medicare and your supplement pay automatically. You typically owe nothing.
Medicare Supplement plans offer the most comprehensive coverage available—near-zero out-of-pocket costs, complete freedom to choose any doctor nationwide, and true peace of mind. The key is enrolling during your 6-month Open Enrollment Period when you have guaranteed acceptance.
At A&E Insurance Agency, we help you compare Plan G and Plan N, shop multiple carriers to find the best price, and enroll at the right time to lock in guaranteed acceptance. Whether you're turning 65 or reconsidering your coverage, we'll make sure you get the protection you need at the best available rate. Schedule a free consultation to get started.
