Most people with Original Medicare have the option to purchase a Medicare Supplemental Plan (Medigap). Since Medigap requires that you are concurrently enrolled in Original Medicare, we are here to help you answer the following big question: “Which is Better-Original Medicare by itself or Original Medicare with a Medigap plan?” Spoiler Alert: Medicare with Medigap is better but it comes at a cost. Let’s find out if it is worth it!

Making a choice about Medigap and Medicare is a whole lot easier than choosing between these cuties.

What is Medigap?

Medigap is additional insurance that you can purchase and is designed to fill in the “gaps” of fees not covered by Original Medicare. It helps to cover many of the out-of-pocket expenses that Medicare makes patients pay. As we stated above, when you enroll in a Medigap plan, you are still enrolled in Original Medicare.

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Medigap Key Highlights

Here is a brief overview of what you get when you add Medigap to Original Medicare. For an additional monthly premium, Medigap can:

Comparing Original Medicare to Original Medicare with Medigap

The chart below will show you the benefits you get with Original Medicare only vs Medicare with two different Medigap plans. For the best understanding, we will show a minimal coverage Medigap plan that has low enrollment (Medigap Plan A) as well as a plan that offers greater benefits and is very popular (Medigap Plan G).

The chart explains what you pay for the following health services:

Benefits Original Medicare Medigap Plan A Medigap Plan G
Doctor and Hospital Network Nationwide network of doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare assignment Nationwide network of doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare assignment Nationwide network of doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare assignment
Part A Hospital Deductible $1,632 for each 60-day benefit period* $1,632 for each 60-day benefit period* $0
Medicare Part B Deductible $240 $240 $240
Hospital Days 60-90 $408 per day $0 $0
Hospital Lifetime Reserve Days After Day 90 $816 per day (max of 60 days) $0 PLUS an extra 365 days $0 PLUS an extra 365 days
Skilled Nursing Facility Fee Days 21-100 $204 per day $204 per day $0
First 3 Pints of Blood for a Transfusion 100% $0 $0
Medicare Part B Copays/Coinsurance 20% $0 $0
Medicare Part B Excess Charges 100% 100% $0
Foreign Emergency Healthcare 100% 100% 20% (max coverage $50k)

*Medicare requires that your Part A deductible be paid each time you enter a hospital after 60 days of your previous release.

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Should you choose to add Medigap to your Original Medicare?

From the chart above, you should now understand that Medigap can save you a lot of money on medical fees that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. We believe that if you can afford Medigap with Original Medicare, you should consider purchasing this additional insurance. Medigap offers great financial protection for seniors. If you cannot afford Medigap, we do not recommend Original Medicare alone. Instead, consider a Medicare Advantage plan.

Next Steps

To find out how much Medigap costs in your area, get an instant Medigap insurance quote. If you need help with Medigap plans, call one of our licensed agents at 800-930-7956. Our agents will NOT charge you a fee for a quote or to help enroll you in a Medicare supplemental plan.