Medigap / Medicare Supplements
Predictable costs, no networks, and coverage that travels anywhere Medicare is accepted in the U.S. Here's how Medigap works, and whether it's right for you.
What Is Medigap?
Medicare Supplement Insurance is usually called Medigap. It's private insurance that fills the gaps left by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). It helps cover costs like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles that Medicare doesn't fully pay.
Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap doesn't replace Original Medicare. It works alongside it. You keep your Original Medicare coverage and the Medigap plan pays second, picking up costs Medicare leaves behind.
Medigap Plan Letters
Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government and sold as lettered plans (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). The same lettered plan provides the same benefits regardless of which insurance company sells it. What differs is the price.
- Plan G: The most comprehensive plan available to new enrollees (2020+). Covers everything except the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026).
- Plan N: Similar to G but with small copays ($20 for office visits, $50 for ER visits). Lower premium than G.
- Plan F: Covers the most. You can only get it if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Medigap does not include prescription drug coverage. You'll need a separate Part D plan if you choose Medigap + Original Medicare.
Open Enrollment: Your Most Important Window
When you first enroll in Medicare Part B, you have a 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period during which insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more due to pre-existing health conditions. This is the best time to buy.
After that window closes, insurers can look at your health. They can charge you more, or turn you down. Some states have additional protections, but Idaho follows federal rules.
How Medigap Is Priced
- Community-rated: Everyone pays the same premium regardless of age.
- Issue-age-rated: Premium is based on your age when you buy the policy and doesn't increase with age.
- Attained-age-rated: Premium increases as you get older. Often lower initially but can rise significantly.
In Idaho, most Medigap plans are attained-age-rated. We'll help you compare the lifetime cost, not just the initial premium.
Advantages
- ✓Use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, no network
- ✓Predictable out-of-pocket costs
- ✓Coverage works anywhere in the U.S.
- ✓No referrals needed for specialists
- ✓No annual plan changes, your coverage stays consistent
Considerations
- ×Higher monthly premium than most Medicare Advantage plans
- ×No drug coverage (requires separate Part D plan)
- ×No dental, vision, or hearing benefits
- ×Medical underwriting applies outside open enrollment
- ×Premium increases with age (attained-age plans)
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage?
It depends on your health, budget, and priorities. Let us walk you through both options side by side.
Free Comparison (208) 207-4508By calling you will be connected to a licensed insurance agent.
Ready to Find the Right Medicare Plan?
Medicare enrollment windows have strict deadlines. Speak with a licensed Idaho agent today, it's completely free.