What is Medigap? Questions Answered
Medicare provides a whole lot of coverage, but it doesn’t cover everything. So, some people choose to buy a separate policy to provide coverage for the areas Medicare falls short on. This is known as Medigap (also known as Medicare Supplement) insurance. You buy the plan from a private insurance company. 
You can also use your policy to cover expenses you have under Medicare, such as annual co-pays and deductibles.
Important note: If you opt for a Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C), any Medicare Supplement policy you have won’t pay out. So, if you decide to move into a Medicare Advantage Plan and you already have a Medicare Supplement policy you need to drop the Medigap.
Which Medigap Plan should I choose?
There are 12 standard Medigap policies to choose from, with the eye-popping names of A through L. Medigap A is the most basic “core” policy. As you move through the alphabet, the plans add more coverage. For example, Medigap E will offer something that is not included in Medigap D, but will lack a coverage provided in Medicare F.
There is no difference in plans offered by different insurers; plan details are all set by the government. (Important caveat: If you live in Massachusetts, Minnesota or Wisconsin, check with your state insurance company or a private insurer who operates in your state. Medicare Supplement policies in these states offer coverage different than the plans followed by the 47 other states.)
If you and your spouse want coverage, you’ll need to buy separate policies; spouses aren’t covered together.
Ralph is an Arizona Independent Insurance Broker – Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Part D Plans in Arizona.
To learn more, contact Ralph your Local Medicare broker
