What Is a Medicare Supplement Plan?
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) covers many healthcare services, but it does not pay 100% of your costs. You are typically responsible for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance — and those costs can add up quickly.
Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, are sold by private insurance companies and are designed to help pay some of those remaining costs. Depending on the plan you choose, a Supplement may cover your Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
Medicare Supplement plans are standardized by the federal government. This means that a Plan G from one carrier offers the same core benefits as a Plan G from any other carrier — the main difference is the monthly premium and the company behind it.
Key Benefits of Medicare Supplement Plans
See Any Medicare-Accepting Doctor
Medicare Supplement plans generally allow you to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare — nationwide. There are no network restrictions.
Predictable Out-of-Pocket Costs
With a Supplement plan, your monthly premium is fixed and your covered costs are standardized, making it easier to budget for healthcare expenses.
No Referrals Required
You can typically visit specialists directly without needing a referral from a primary care physician.
Coverage Travels With You
Many Supplement plans include coverage for emergency care when you travel outside your home state, and some offer limited international emergency coverage.
Guaranteed Renewable
As long as you pay your premiums, your Medicare Supplement policy is guaranteed renewable — the insurer cannot cancel your coverage due to health conditions.
Works Alongside Original Medicare
Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare pays first; your Supplement plan pays second, according to your plan's benefits.
Commonly Available Supplement Plans
Medicare Supplement plan availability may vary by state and carrier. Not all plans are available in all areas. Contact us to find out which plans are available to you in Nevada.
Plan G
One of the most comprehensive Supplement plans available to those new to Medicare. Covers Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance, the Part A deductible, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and more. The Part B deductible is not covered.
Ask about Plan GPlan N
Offers broad coverage similar to Plan G, with lower monthly premiums in exchange for small copayments at doctor and emergency room visits. A cost-effective option for those in good health who visit the doctor less frequently.
Ask about Plan NHigh-Deductible Plan G
Provides the same benefits as Plan G after you meet a higher annual deductible. Monthly premiums are significantly lower, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious beneficiaries.
Ask about High-Deductible Plan GWhen Can You Enroll?
The best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the 6-month window that begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge you more due to pre-existing health conditions.
Outside of your Open Enrollment Period, you may still be able to enroll, but insurers in most states can use medical underwriting, which means your health history may affect your eligibility or premium. Certain qualifying life events may also trigger a Special Enrollment Period.
Enrollment rules and timelines can be complex. I can help you understand your options and enrollment windows at no cost to you.
Ready to Compare Medicare Supplement Plans?
I will review your options with you — no pressure, no obligation.
Licensed Insurance Broker. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Enrollment in a plan depends on the plan's contract renewal.