What Medigaps cover
Private insurance companies sell Medigap plans. If you have Original Medicare, they help pay for some of the costs that Medicare Part A and B do not cover such as copays, coinsurance and deductibles. These plans do not include prescription drug coverage.
What Medigaps cost
Premiums will vary on Medigap plans depending on the coverage you choose.
When to sign up
- To qualify for enrolling in a Medigap plan, you must first be enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B.
- The best time to sign up for a Medigap plan is during the first six months in which you are age 65 or older and also enrolled in Part B.
- If you're under age 65, you might not be able to buy the Medigap plan you want - or any Medigap plan - until you turn 65.
When you can switch Medigap plans
If you're already enrolled in a Medigap plan B through N, you can switch at any time to another Medigap plan B through N. If you have a Medigap plan A, you can switch to any other Medigap plan A. In either of these situations, you do not have to take a written health screening questionnaire.
However, if you're switching from some other type of health insurance plan to a Medigap plan, rules can vary and insurers may require you pass a written health screening questionnaire. If you're not sure you need to take a written health screening, call our Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-562-6900 and ask to speak with a health compliance analyst.
We’re here to help!
We know Medicare can be hard to understand, we’re here to help you navigate it. We have volunteer SHIBA advisors in your local community who are trained to provide free, unbiased and confidential help with Medicare.