Once you are Medicare-eligible, you may decide that Medigap is right for you. Here are the things you need to do before enrolling in Medigap. If you’re just getting started, our Turning 65 Medicare enrollment checklist walks through the whole timeline.
1) Get Medicare Part B
While Part A is free for most people, few think it is enough coverage since Part A only covers hospitalization. Part B gives you coverage at the doctor’s office. Also you need both Part A and Part B to enroll in Medigap. Here are a few things Medicare Part B covers:
- Lab tests
- Surgeries
- Doctor visits
- Wheelchairs
2) Medigap Fills in Medicare’s Gaps
As you may know, Medigap can fill in the gaps that Original Medicare leaves. Some of the items Medigap may cover are deductibles, copays, coinsurance, an extra 365 days of hospitalization, and foreign travel emergency care. Plans vary in coverage from basic to comprehensive. For someone new to Medicare, Plan G is the most comprehensive option available and tends to be the most popular choice. Plan F was once the most comprehensive plan, but it is no longer sold to anyone who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
3) Consider Medigap Plan G
You might think Medigap Plan A would be the best because, well, it starts with the letter A. But Medigap A is just basic coverage. Medigap Plan G is the most comprehensive plan available today. See the two compared below:
| Benefits | Medigap Plan A | Medigap Plan G |
|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to 365 days after Medicare benefits finish | Yes | Yes |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment | Yes | Yes |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | Yes | Yes |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance/copayment | Yes | Yes |
| Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance | No | Yes |
| Part A deductible | No | Yes |
| Part B deductible | No | No |
| Part B excess charges | No | Yes |
| Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits) | No | Yes |
The one gap Plan G leaves is the annual Part B deductible ($283). Plan F covered the Part B deductible too, but it is no longer available to those newly eligible for Medicare.
4) Medigap Options on a Budget
If you still want strong coverage but don’t want a higher monthly premium, there are two options:
- High-Deductible Plan G offers the same coverage as standard Plan G, but with a lower monthly premium in exchange for a yearly deductible ($2,960).
- Plan N has a lower monthly premium than Plan G in exchange for small copays (up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don’t lead to an inpatient admission), and it does not cover Part B excess charges.
Can I Switch Medigap Plans Later?
Yes. You are not locked in for life. You can apply to switch Medigap plans at any time through medical underwriting. Qualifying is easier than most people expect, even with certain pre-existing conditions. If your state has the Birthday Rule or a similar law, that is a bonus that can let you switch without health questions. Not sure where you stand? Our Medigap Underwriting Checker lets you enter any condition and see how it would affect your approval chances.
Get a Medigap Quote Enroll in Medigap
Next Steps
To complete your package, get Medicare Part D coverage for prescription drugs. For help with Medigap, call our team at 800-930-7956 or visit our Senior65.com Medigap page.