To help pay your share of out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare you can buy extra insurance from a private health insurance company called Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap).

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To buy a Medigap policy, generally you must have Original Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).

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A Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) is different from a Medigap policy.  Besides Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage Plan is another way to get you Medicare coverage.  A Medigap policy is basically a supplement to Original Medicare coverage.

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Generally, Medigap plans help cover your share of costs for services that are covered by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).  Each plan offers different benefits.   Not all plans are offered in every state. 

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Medigap policies cover some of the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, like:  (Copayments,

Coinsurance, and Deductibles).   

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Medigap plans generally don’t cover:

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• Long-term care (like non-skilled care you get in a nursing home)

• Private-duty nursing

• Eyeglasses  

• Vision or dental care 

• Hearing aids 

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Generally, Medicare will pay its share of the Medicare-approved amount for covered health care costs if you have a Medigap policy and get care.

 

Generally, Medigap will then help pay your doctor the amount you owe under your policy.  You may be responsible for remaining costs.         

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Generally, you can’t buy a Medigap policy if you have a Medicare advantage Plan.

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You can enroll in a separate Medicare drug plan (Part D) if you want prescription drug coverage.