Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
Medicare Supplement insurance fills the gaps in Original Medicare — covering costs like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays that Medicare doesn't pay. Learn how a Medicare broker can help compare represented Medigap options.
Your Independent Medicare Broker
William Gray
Founder of The Medicare Dude · Licensed Since 1998 · Independent Medicare Broker
"Very Knowledgable and personable! William made a seemingly difficult transition easy and seamless. I appreciated his unbiased opinion and personalized what was best for me. He took great care in listening to my concerns. I never felt rushed and felt he took a personal interest in assisting me to make the best choice. Not one of those "Big box" sales as seen on TV. Highly recommend William."
Sharon H
Medicare client
5 ★ · 85 reviews
What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers most of your medical costs — but not all of them. You're still responsible for deductibles, coinsurance, and copays that can add up quickly if you have a serious illness or hospitalization.
Medicare Supplement insurance (also called Medigap) is sold by private insurance companies and works alongside Original Medicare to cover those remaining costs. You keep your Medicare card and use it everywhere — the Supplement plan pays what Medicare doesn't.
Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government. A Plan G from Aetna covers the same core benefits as a Plan G from Mutual of Omaha. Premiums and company-related considerations — including available discounts, rate history, and customer service — can differ between carriers, which is why comparing represented options matters.
The Three Plans William Recommends Most
Plan G
The most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new enrollees. Covers everything except the Part B deductible.
- Part A coinsurance & hospital costs (365 extra days)
- Part B coinsurance or copayment
- Part A deductible (see Medicare.gov for current year amount)
- Part B excess charges
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits)
People who want maximum coverage and predictable out-of-pocket costs.
Plan N
Strong coverage at a lower monthly premium. You pay small copays ($20 office / $50 ER) at the point of service.
- Part A coinsurance & hospital costs
- Part B coinsurance (except small copays)
- Part A deductible
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency
- Does NOT cover Part B excess charges
People who want solid coverage at a lower premium and are comfortable with small copays.
High-Deductible Plan G
Same benefits as Plan G — but you pay all Medicare costs until you reach the annual deductible, then Plan G benefits kick in.
- All Plan G benefits — after deductible is met
- Lowest monthly premium of the three
- Best for healthy people with low utilization
- Annual deductible set by CMS each year
- Part B excess charges covered (after deductible)
- Foreign travel emergency (after deductible)
Healthy people who want catastrophic protection at the lowest possible monthly premium.
Not sure which plan is right for you? Call 1-800-DUDE-309 (800-383-3309) — William will walk you through the options at no cost.
Medicare Supplement: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Use any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare
- No referrals needed to see specialists
- Predictable out-of-pocket costs
- No network restrictions
- Coverage travels with you — including foreign travel emergency
- Benefits are standardized — same benefits regardless of carrier
Considerations
- Higher monthly premium than Medicare Advantage
- Does not include drug coverage (need separate Part D plan)
- Does not include dental, vision, or hearing
- Medical underwriting may apply outside Open Enrollment
What Does Medicare Supplement Cost?
Medigap premiums vary based on several factors: your location, age, the plan letter you choose, the carrier, how the plan is rated (attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated), tobacco use, household discounts, and whether you qualify for any enrollment discounts. There is no single national rate — two people in different ZIP codes, or even the same ZIP code with different carriers, can see meaningfully different premiums for identical standardized benefits.
Because benefits are standardized by federal law, the only variable between carriers for the same plan letter is price and company financial strength. That is exactly where an independent broker adds value: comparing multiple carriers in your specific area rather than quoting a single company.
Get an actual rate comparison for your ZIP code
William compares carriers across your area at no cost to you. Takes about 15 minutes.
When Can You Enroll in a Medigap Plan?
The most favorable time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — a six-month window that begins the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurers cannot use medical underwriting to deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on health status. You have a guaranteed right to any Medigap plan sold in your state.
Outside of that initial window, applying for a Medigap plan may involve medical underwriting, depending on your state and the carrier. Some states have additional protections — for example, birthday rules or anniversary rules that create annual windows to switch plans without underwriting. The rules vary by state, so the answer to "can I still get a plan?" depends on where you live and your specific situation.
Certain life events — called guaranteed issue rights — also allow you to enroll in specific Medigap plans without underwriting regardless of timing. These typically apply when you lose other coverage involuntarily, such as when an employer plan ends or a Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area.
Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage
Trying to decide between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare — Parts A and B remain your primary coverage, and the Medigap plan pays some or all of the cost-sharing that Original Medicare leaves behind. You can generally use any provider that accepts Medicare, nationwide. The tradeoff is a separate monthly premium on top of your Part B premium.
Medicare Advantage replaces how your Part A and Part B benefits are administered. A private insurer delivers your Medicare benefits, typically through a network, with plan-specific copays, prior authorization requirements, and annual benefit structures that can change each year. Some plans include Part D drug coverage and supplemental benefits not covered by Original Medicare.
Neither structure is universally better. The right fit depends on your health, how you use care, where you live, and what you value in coverage predictability. If you are weighing both options, a conversation with an independent broker who represents both sides is the most efficient way to compare.
What Clients Say
"I contacted William to assist my wife and I after moving to Florida from another state. He contacted us immediately and scheduled a phone appointment for the following week. We spent about an hour getting to know each other and our needs. He recommended several companies to match our needs and our location here in FL that we would NEVER had figured out on our own. Praise the Lord for Bill and for his help!! I would recommend him to anyone and everyone!!"
Jim M.
Medicare client · Verified Google Review
"Working with William Gray on my Medicare selections was an outstanding experience. Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, but William made the entire process simple, clear, and stress-free. He took the time to understand my specific needs, explained every option in a way that was easy to grasp, and offered thoughtful guidance without ever making me feel rushed or pressured."
Julie K.
Medicare client · Verified Google Review
"ABSOLUTELY GOD SENT! I knew nothing about Medicare and close to panicking before speaking with William. Super professional, well informed and kind! Anyone out there approaching 65 years old needs someone like William in their corner; he walked me through each step and all the options best suited my needs!!! All at NO COST because he is paid through the insurance companies."
JKC
Medicare client · Verified Google Review
"Navigating the healthcare system is complex to say the least. This is where The Medicare Dude, William Gray, shined for us on the road to consummating an ideal configuration for our unique and collective situations. William is not just a registered healthcare broker professional, but he is also a wealth of knowledge and sage consult in our best interests. He's always available when questions arise."
TinaKelvin B.
Medicare client · Verified Google Review
"I required an insurance broker with comprehensive knowledge in the field, and William Gray exceeded my expectations. He visited my home and provided a thorough explanation of various Medicare products. As a result, he helped me select the best supplement and achieve a significant reduction of over $150 per month in premiums."
Debra A.
Medicare client · Verified Google Review
"Very Knowledgable and personable! William made a seemingly difficult transition easy and seamless. I appreciated his unbiased opinion and personalized what was best for me. He took great care in listening to my concerns. I never felt rushed and felt he took a personal interest in assisting me to make the best choice. Not one of those "Big box" sales as seen on TV. Highly recommend William."
Sharon H.
Medicare client · Verified Google Review
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Compare Medigap Rates — Free, No Obligation
William compares rates from multiple carriers in your ZIP code. Takes about 15 minutes.
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