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Learn about the different Medicare Supplement plans and what they cover
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There are 10 Medigap plans, also known as Medicare Supplement plans, available to people turning 65 in 2024, and they go by letters such as A or G. They cover out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay for. When comparing options, it’s important to look at what kinds of expenses are covered, coverage levels, and how much the plan costs.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay for, such as copayments and deductibles.
- There are 10 Medigap plans available to eligible people turning 65 in 2024.
- The most popular plans are Plan G, Plan N, and Plan B.
- The most widely available plans are Plan A, Plan G, and Plan N.
- When choosing a Medigap plan, consider what it covers, how much it covers, and the premium.
How Does Comparing Medicare Supplement Plans Work?
Medicare Supplement plans are distinguished by letters such as A or G. While plans differ, plan components are identical across every insurance company and almost every state.
“In 1990, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) standardized all 10 Medigap plans,” said John Hill, president of Gateway Retirement in Rock Hill, South Carolina. “That means Medigap Plan G with one insurance company is the same as with all other insurance companies.”
Note
Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin manage their own Medigap systems and offer different plans.
Each Medicare Supplement plan differs slightly in how it covers your deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, and whether emergency medical expenses in a foreign country are covered. Comparing plans requires looking closely at these differences. Some aspects are similar. Among the plans currently available to those turning 65 in 2024, coverage for the four parts includes:
- Part A coinsurance/copayment
- First three pints of blood
- Part A hospice
- Part B coinsurance/copay
However, even among these similarities, the percentage of coverage may differ. In addition, different providers will charge various rates for the same plan.
Use our guide to Medicare Supplement Insurance Cost to compare costs between insurers offering plans in your state, which may vary widely.
Medicare Supplement Plan Types Available in 2024
The following plans are available to those becoming eligible for Medicare by turning 65 on or after Jan. 1, 2020. However, not all plans are available in all states or from all Medigap providers. If you turned 65 before 2020, you’re eligible for two more plans that are discussed later.