Medicare Supplement Insurance Basics

Why choose Medicare Supplement?

Because Original Medicare pays for only about 80% of your coverage.

Medicare Supplement (also known as Medigap) covers things that Original Medicare doesn’t, like copays, deductibles, and coinsurance (Need to know more about copays, deductibles and coinsurance? Learn more here). It does all this with a steady, predictable, monthly bill you can budget for. And it can’t be cancelled. It will be renewed for as long as you pay your premium on time.

Is Medicare Supplement Insurance the right fit for you?

It's a great fit!

It's not the best solution for you.

You have or are planning to enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
You want more coverage than Part A and Part B give.
You’d rather pay a monthly, predictable bill than have to pay out of pocket for a large, unexpected medical bill.
You want to see any doctor who accepts Medicare — and you want to see them without a referral.
You like the flexibility and control of buying a separate dental and vision plan.
You want to be able to travel across the world with the confidence you will be covered.
You want the peace of mind that your insurance can’t ever be cancelled, as long as you don’t miss a premium.

You are not planning on enrolling in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
Your employer or your union help cover costs that Part A and Part B don’t cover.
You have Medicare Advantage (Part C) or are about to sign up for it.

See what Medicare Supplement Insurance plans are available to you

Benefits of Medicare Supplement Insurance

Your Doctors and Hospitals, Your Choice – Wherever You Are

Keep your doctors and hospitals. Any health care provider that accepts Medicare patients accepts Medicare Supplement insurance. You won’t have to worry about finding network providers or getting referrals to see specialists.

Travel the World with Confidence

Most Medicare Supplement insurance covers healthcare even when you’re traveling outside the country. (Benefit is subject to a $250 deductible, 20 percent coinsurance and a lifetime maximum of $50,000.)

Take Your Coverage Coast-to-Coast

Just like Medicare, your Medicare supplement insurance covers your health care needs anywhere in the United States. That way, you can visit family and friends anywhere you choose.

Keep Your Coverage, Year After Year

Your Medicare Supplement insurance policy can’t be cancelled. It’ll be renewed as long as you pay the premiums on time.

When can I apply for Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Your open enrollment period starts when you turn 65 or when you first sign up for Part B. It lasts for 6 months. This is the best time to sign up, because you’ll get the best possible rate and can’t be denied for a pre-existing condition. After this 6-month window closes, you can still apply but the insurance company may use medical underwriting. There is also the possibility that you could be denied.