Medigap Plans

Medigap Plans are supplemental insurance plans for Medicare recipients that help cover what traditional Medicare does not, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. This includes the 20% not covered by Medicare Part B for outpatient services (i.e. dialysis) and immunosuppressant medication for transplant recipients.However, Medigap policies do not cover everything. Typically they do not cover long-term care, vision or dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, or private-duty nursing.

Medigap policies are offered by private insurance companies in each state. You can only buy a Medigap policy in your state.

Since Medigap plans are offered by private insurance companies, they have a separate monthly premium and varying coverage benefits. It is important to research your options in your state.

All states offer Medigap policies for people over 65 years old. A few states also offer Medigap policies for people under 65. To find out what Medigap policies are available in your state contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs).

If you are interested in a Medigap plan, the best time to enroll is during the 6-month period after you turn 65. You must be enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, insurance companies cannot deny you an insurance policy they offer even if you have health problems. After that you can try to join anytime but companies do not have to offer you insurance.

For people with kidney failure (ESRD), you may not be able to buy the Medigap policy you want, or any Medigap policy, until you turn 65. Federal law doesn't require insurance companies to sell Medigap policies to people under 65. Learn more about enrolling in a Medigap policy.