Medicare Supplement (Medigap) in Tampa Bay, explained in plain English.
Medicare Supplement, also called Medigap, is private insurance that pays part of what Original Medicare doesn't, such as deductibles and coinsurance. You keep Original Medicare and can see any doctor or hospital that accepts it. There is no charge for our help.
How Medigap works
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn't pay everything. You are still responsible for deductibles, coinsurance and copays, and there is no yearly limit on what you could owe. A Medigap plan helps with some of those costs. I'm Maxwell Kingsbury, a licensed independent insurance agent in Florida.
Works with Original Medicare
Medicare pays first. Your Medigap plan then pays its share of what remains.
Any doctor who accepts Medicare
There is no provider network. You can see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.
Standardized plans
Plans are labeled by letter. For the same letter, the benefits are the same no matter which company sells it.
You still pay your Part B premium plus the Medigap premium. Medigap doesn't include prescription drug coverage, so most people add a separate Part D plan.
Plan G and Plan N
There are several Medigap letters, but people new to Medicare often start by comparing these two.
Plan GMore costs covered
Covers most of what Original Medicare leaves, including Part B coinsurance and excess charges. You pay the Part B yearly deductible.
- Usually a higher monthly premium
- Fewer surprise costs when you use care
Plan NLower premium, small copays
Covers much of the same, but with small copays for some office and ER visits, and it doesn't cover Part B excess charges.
- Usually a lower monthly premium
- A few costs you pay as you go
Plan F is no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. See the official benefits chart at Medicare.gov (opens in a new tab) for every letter and the current details.
What to compare
Because the benefits are the same for each letter, the choice comes down to a few things.
Which plan letter fits you
If you see doctors often, fewer copays may matter more. If you rarely do, a lower premium may fit better.
How the premium is priced
Some companies charge the same at every age, some base the price on your age when you buy, and some raise it as you get older. That changes what you will pay in later years.
The company behind it
Two companies can sell the same plan letter at different prices and with different service and rate histories.
When you can buy Medigap
Timing matters more for Medigap than for most Medicare choices.
Medigap Open Enrollment6 months from when you're 65+ and in Part B
This is usually the easiest time to buy. Insurers must sell you any plan they offer, and can't turn you down or charge more because of your health.
After that windowHealth questions may apply
In most cases the company can ask health questions and may decline you or charge more. Some life events give you a right to buy without them, so ask before you decide.
Medigap works only with Original Medicare, so you can't have it and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time. See our Medicare Advantage guide to compare the two paths, or start with Medicare 101. Prefer something you can print? Download our free Medicare guide.
How we help, and what it costs you
There is no charge for our help. Insurance carriers pay agents a commission when you enroll, so you don't pay anything for our time. A Medigap plan costs the same whether you enroll through us or directly with the company.
Request a call
Tell us how to reach you, and we'll call to learn about your health, how you use care and your budget.
Get a personal comparison
We compare the Medigap plans we offer and explain how each is priced, with no pressure.
Enroll and get ongoing support
We help you apply, and we're here for questions after. We can also help you add a Part D plan.
One honest note: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Common questions about Medigap
What does Medigap cover?
It helps pay costs Original Medicare leaves, such as deductibles, coinsurance and copays. Exactly what is covered depends on the plan letter you choose. Medigap generally doesn't include dental, vision or hearing.
Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?
No. Most people who choose Medigap add a separate Part D plan.
Can I have Medigap and Medicare Advantage at the same time?
No. Medigap works only with Original Medicare.
Can I be turned down for Medigap?
Not during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. Outside that window, and without a special right, companies in most cases can use health questions to decide.
Ready to compare?
Tell Maxwell about your health and your budget, and he'll show you how the Medigap plans we offer line up. It takes a few minutes, and there's no obligation.
Request a call Call Maxwell727-351-3321, 10am-6pm Eastern. See the Privacy Policy.