Compare Medigap Plan Benefits

Comparing the ten Medicare Supplement plans can be confusing. We’ll walk you through how to read the commonly used comparison chart to compare Medigap plan benefits.

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Medicare Supplement (Medigap) comparison charts provide a convenient way to compare Medigap plan benefits. However, it can be confusing to understand the layout, definitions and meaning of this commonly used chart.

This step-by-step guide will help you compare Medicare Supplement plans correctly and find the best plan for your needs.

Medicare Supplement Plans Comparison Chart

You will notice that some of the benefits listed on the left side of Medicare Supplement comparison charts are shared by all Medigap plans. That’s because all Medigap policies must legally provide some basic benefits. However, some policies offer additional benefits that are also listed on any Medicare Supplemental Insurance comparison chart.

Most states have 10 standardized Medicare Supplement plans. Medicare supplement plans are standardized in a different way in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Regardless of the state, you’ll usually see the plans referred to by letters of the alphabet (Plan A, Plan B etc.).

Medigap Benefit	A	B	C¹	D	F²	G	K	L	M	N
Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Part B coinsurance or copayment	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	50%	75%	✅	✅³
Blood (first 3 pints)	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	50%	75%	✅	✅
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	50%	75%	✅	✅
Skilled nursing facility care insurance	❌	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅	50%	75%	✅	✅
Part A deductible	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	50%	75%	50%	✅
Part B deductible	❌	❌	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Part B excess charge	❌	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
Foreign travel exchange (up to plan limits)	❌	❌	80%	80%	80%	80%	❌	❌	80%	80%
Out-of-pocket-limit⁴	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	$6,940	$3,470	N/A	N/A

Medigap Comparison Chart Disclaimers

1 As of Jan. 1, 2020 Medicare Supplement plan types C and F will no longer be made available to beneficiaries who become Medicare-eligible after Dec. 31, 2019. For those who became Medicare-eligible prior to Jan. 1, 2020, Medicare Supplement plan types C and F will remain active and available for future enrollment.

¹ Plans F and G also offer a high-deductible plan in some states. With this option, you must pay for Medicare-covered costs (coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles) up to the deductible amount of $2,700 in 2023 before your policy pays anything. (Plans C and F aren’t available to people who were newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.)

³ Plan N pays 100% of the Part B coinsurance, except for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to a $50 copayment for emergency room visits that don’t result in inpatient admission.

⁴ After you meet your out-of-pocket yearly limit and your yearly Part B deductible, the Medigap plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year

Basic Medicare Supplement Plan Benefits

Medicare Supplement comparison charts briefly list the benefits that various plans offer. These brief descriptions can be confusing for people unfamiliar with the healthcare industry. Some of the most basic benefits that all Medicare Supplement plans offer include:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs: Medicare usually covers the first 60 days of any hospital stay minus a deductible, all but $329 a day for the next 61 to 90 days in the hospital, and all but $658 a day for the next 91 to 151 days. There is nothing to pay after the 151st day of your hospital stay. All Medicare Supplement plans pay for the copays and all fees for an extra 365 days in hospital.
• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment: Medicare pays for 80% of these costs. All Medicare Supplement plans pay some or all of the remaining 20%, but benefit amounts vary.
• Blood, first three pints: Medicare Supplement plans pay some or all of the first three pints of a blood transfusion. The percent each plan pays is shown on the Medigap chart. Medicare covers the entire cost of any blood transfusion after the first three pints.
• Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments: All Medicare Supplement Plans pay some or all of the Medicare copayment or coinsurance. Medicare Supplement charts list the exact percentage each plan covers. Medicare pays 100% of remaining approved hospice care costs.

 

Optional Medicare Supplement Plan Benefits

In addition, there are benefits that some Medicare Supplement plans cover. These benefits can really help Americans differentiate one Medicare Supplement plan from another.

• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance: This benefit covers procedures in health care facilities with skilled nursing or rehabilitation staff. These procedures might include physical therapy or intravenous injections. For 2024, Medicare covers the first 20 days of treatment via these services in its entirety, then all but $204 of the next 21 to 100 days. Medicare supplement plans may pay all, some, or none of the deductibles or copays for your first 100 days of treatment.
• Part A deductible: This benefit refers to the deductible on a hospital stay. In 2024, this amounts to $1,632 per hospital stay. A Medicare Supplement plan may pay for all, some, or none of this amount.
• Part B deductible: This is the annual deductible payable before you receive Part B benefits, such as doctor’s visits and other outpatient medical services. In 2024, this amounts to $240. Medicare Supplement plans typically pay for all or none of this amount.
• Part B excess charges: This is an additional amount that a health care provider can charge for Part B services above the Medicare approved amount.
• Foreign travel emergency: This optional benefit covers policyholders for essential emergency medical care not covered by Medicare while traveling overseas. Plans offering this benefit typically pay 80% of foreign medical fees up to a lifetime cap of $50,000 with a deductible of $250.

For more information and updated Medicare costs, visit our Medicare Costs page.

Understanding the Medigap Comparison Chart Layout

Medicare Supplement charts let you easily see each policy’s benefits side by side. As you read across the horizontal row, you’ll see whether each benefit listed on the left is covered or not and to what degree.

Medicare Supplement charts typically use the following words or symbols:

• Yes or a tick: the plan covers this benefit entirely
• XX %: the plan covers the listed percentage of the benefit
• No, a cross, or a blank space: the plan doesn’t cover that benefit
• N/A: the benefit is not applicable to the plan

To make the best choice, decide which benefits are important to you and look for a plan that provides most of them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Comparing Medicare Supplement Plans

How are Medicare Supplement plan premiums set?

Medicare Supplement plan premiums are determined by different rating systems:

1. Community-rated: Under this system, all individuals, regardless of age, will pay the same premium. However, the pricing may be affected by inflation over time, without increases based on age.
2. Issue-age-rated: This rating system considers the age at which you purchased the plan. Generally, the younger you are when you purchase, the lower your premium will be. However, the price does not increase as you get older.
3. Attained-age-rated: With this rating system, the premium starts at a lower cost and gradually increases as you age. As you continue to renew your plan, the premium will reflect your advancing age.

These different rating systems provide choices for individuals seeking Medicare Supplement plans, allowing them to select the option that aligns with their budget and preferences.

For more information, visit “Understanding Medigap Policy Ratings and Costs.”

What doctors accept Medicare Supplement plans?

Medicare Supplement plans provide the flexibility to see any doctor who accepts Medicare. This means that you have potential access to thousands of providers nationwide. If a doctor is willing to accept Medicare as a form of insurance, they are also obligated to accept your Medicare Supplement plan, regardless of the insurance carrier. This feature is one of the greatest benefits of having a Medigap plan – you don’t need to worry about whether your doctor or specialist is in-network. Furthermore, you have the freedom to travel across state lines and still have your Medicare Supplement plan cover your visits to  healthcare providers in the area. It’s important to note that Medicare Supplement plans differ from Medicare Advantage plans (or Medicare Part C), which typically require you to use a specific network of doctors. When you choose Original Medicare along with a Medigap plan, you have the ability to see any physician that accepts Medicare. 

Can individuals with Medigap plans see any physician that accepts Medicare?

Yes, individuals with Medigap plans have the freedom to see any physician that accepts Medicare. Medigap plans work alongside Original Medicare and help cover the costs that Medicare doesn’t pay for, allowing individuals to choose their healthcare providers without network restrictions.

Do Medicare Advantage plans require the use of a network of doctors?

Yes, Medicare Advantage plans or Medicare Part C generally require individuals to use a network of doctors. This means that you may need to choose healthcare providers from a specific network and may have restrictions or additional costs on seeing doctors outside of that network.

What is the difference between a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan?

A Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan are not the same. One of the most notable differences is thatMedicare Advantage plans or Medicare Part C require individuals to use a network of doctors. On the other hand, if you choose a Medigap plan and stay with your Original Medicare, you have the flexibility to see any physician that accepts Medicare.

Learn More:  Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap comparisons 

What does Medicare Supplement Plan M cover and at what percentage?

View table above to see the full breakdown on what Medigap Plan M covers.

What benefits does Medicare Supplement Plan L offer?

View table above to see the full breakdown on what Medigap Plan L covers.

What benefits does Medicare Supplement Plan K offer?

View table above to see the full breakdown on what Medigap Plan K covers.

What does Medicare Supplement Plan F cover with no additional cost-share?

Medicare Supplement Plan F covers all of the benefits listed, with no additional cost-share aside from the monthly premium.

View table above to see the full breakdown on what Medigap Plan F covers.

What does Medicare Supplement Plan G cover, and what is excluded?

Medicare Supplement Plan G covers everything that Plan F does, except for the Part B annual deductible.

View table above to see the full breakdown on what Medigap Plan G covers.

What does Medicare Supplement Plan D cover, and what is excluded?

Medicare Supplement Plan D covers most services, except for two Part B charges – the Part B annual deductible and Part B excess charges.

View table above to see the full breakdown on what Medigap Plan D covers.

What does Medicare Supplement Plan C cover, and what is excluded?

Medicare Supplement Plan C covers almost every benefit listed, except for excess charges from Medicare.

View table above to see the full breakdown on what Medigap Plan C covers.

Can I enroll in Medicare Supplement plan F or plan C if I turned 65 after January 1st, 2020?

No, if you turned 65 after January 1st, 2020, you are not eligible to enroll in Medicare Supplement plan F or plan C. These plans are only available to those who turned 65 prior to 2020. However, if you turned 65 prior to 2020 but did not enroll in Medicare Part B until after 2020, you are still eligible to enroll in these two plans.

Is there a single “best” option for Medicare Supplement plans?

No, there is no single “best” option for Medicare Supplement plans. The truth is that each plan has different benefits, and the best option for you depends on your healthcare and budget needs. It is important to assess all of your options and consider how they align with your specific requirements before making a decision.

What is the process to assess all of my options for Medicare Supplement plans?

To assess all of your options for Medicare Supplement plans, it is important to consider your healthcare and budget needs. Each plan has different benefits, so it is crucial to evaluate all available options. You can compare the plans based on their coverage differences and consider how they align with your specific needs to make an informed decision.

How can I compare all the available Medigap plans side-by-side based on their difference in coverage?

Comparing the available Medigap plans side-by-side based on their difference in coverage is relatively easy by using our Medigap comparison table above. Every year, Medicare releases any changes to the Medicare Supplement plans being offered. From there, you can compare all of the available MediGap plans side-by-side based on their difference in coverage.

What is the criteria for eligibility to enroll in certain Medicare Supplement plans?

If you turned 65 after January 1st, 2020, you are not eligible to enroll in Medicare Supplement plan F or plan C. These plans are only available to those who turned 65 prior to 2020. However, if you turned 65 prior to 2020 but did not enroll in Medicare Part B until after 2020, you are still eligible to enroll in these two plans.

Is there a one-size-fits-all option for Medicare Supplement plans?

No, there is no best plan or one-size-fits-all option when it comes to Medicare Supplement plans. It is important to understand the differences in coverage levels between the plans before making a decision.

What is the most popular Medicare Supplement plan?

The most widely purchased Medicare Supplement plans in recent years have been Medicare Supplement Plan F and Plan G. However, Plan F is not available to beneficiaries who became Medicare-eligible after Jan. 1, 2020.

What are other viable options for coverage?

In addition to Medicare Supplement Plan F and Plan G, other viable options for coverage include Medicare Supplement Plan N and Medicare Supplement Plan G High-Deductible. These plans may have some cost-sharing with their coverage but also offer lower premiums.

Are copayments required for Medicare Supplement plans?

If enrolled in a Medicare Supplement plan that requires certain copayments, those copayments will likely be due at the time of service. View our table above to see which Medigap plans require copayments.

What is the claims process for Medicare Supplement plans?

The doctor or provider bills Medicare for the entire cost of the visit or service. Medicare pays its portion of the claim, and then the remainder of the claim is sent to the Medicare Supplement insurance carrier. The Medicare Supplement insurance carrier pays the rest of the balance based on the individual’s coverage level.

Are Medicare Supplement plans standardized?

Yes, Medicare Supplement plans are standardized. This means that the core benefits of a specific plan cannot change regardless of the insurance carrier. These plans are also regulated on the state and federal level.

What are the “gaps” in coverage that Medicare Supplement plans aim to fill?

Medicare Supplement plans fill the gaps left by Original Medicare, which can include deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

What might be due at the time of service with Medicare Supplement plans?

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Supplement plan that requires certain copayments, those copayments will likely be due at the time of service. This means that when you visit a doctor or receive a service, you may need to pay the copayment amount specified by your Medicare Supplement plan. The exact copayment amounts and requirements vary depending on the specific plan and coverage you have chosen.

How do Medicare Supplement plans work in relation to Original Medicare?

Medicare Supplement plans fill in the gaps left by Original Medicare. After your doctor or provider bills Medicare for the entire cost of your visit or service, Medicare pays its portion of the claim. Then, Medicare sends the remaining claim balance to your Medicare Supplement plan insurance carrier. Your Medicare Supplement insurance carrier pays the rest of the claim based on your level of coverage. So, Medicare Supplement plans work in conjunction with Original Medicare to help cover deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

Are Medicare Supplement plans and Medigap plans the same?

Yes, Medicare Supplement plans and Medigap plans are the same plans with two different names. Both terms are used interchangeably to refer to the exact same plan types. So, whether you come across the term Medicare Supplement plan or Medigap plan, they are referring to the same type of insurance coverage.

What are the core benefits of Medicare Supplement plans?

The core benefits of Medicare Supplement plans are standardized and do not change regardless of the insurance carrier. This means that the benefits of a specific plan, such as Plan G, will be the same across different insurance carriers. These standardized benefits help ensure consistency and comparability among different Medicare Supplement plans.

How are Medicare Supplement plans standardized in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin?

Medicare Supplement plans are standardized in a different way in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin compared to other states. The specific details of how they are standardized may vary in these states.

Learn more about these details on Medicare.gov:

Medigap in Minnesota

Medigap in Massachusetts

Medigap in Wisconsin

How many standardized Medicare Supplement plans are there in most states?

In most states, there are 10 standardized Medicare Supplement plans. These plans are typically referred to by letters of the alphabet, such as Plan A, Plan B, etc.

Are Medicare Supplement plans regulated on the state and federal level?

Yes, Medicare Supplement plans are regulated on both the state and federal level. This regulation helps to protect consumers and ensure that the plans provide the promised benefits.

Are the benefits of a specific Medicare Supplement plan the same regardless of the insurance carrier?

Yes, the benefits of a specific Medicare Supplement plan, such as Plan G, remain the same regardless of the insurance carrier. These plans are standardized, meaning that the core benefits cannot change.

Are there any regulations in place to protect consumers?

Yes, Medicare Supplement plans are regulated on the state and federal level, which helps to protect consumers.

What is the purpose of Medicare Supplement plans?

Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, are designed to fill the gaps in coverage that Original Medicare does not cover.