What is the difference between Medicare and Medigap?+
Medicare is the federal health program for people 65 and older and certain younger people with disabilities. Medigap (Medicare Supplement) is private insurance that works alongside Original Medicare to pay the deductibles, copays, and coinsurance Medicare leaves behind. Medicare is your base coverage; Medigap fills the gaps. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to compare plans free.
How much does a Medicare Supplement plan cost in 2026?+
Medicare Supplement premiums vary by plan letter, your age, ZIP code, gender, and tobacco use, so there is no single price. Plan G is more comprehensive and generally costs more than Plan N. Because carriers price the same plan differently, the only way to know your rate is real quotes. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for free comparisons.
Is Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement better?+
Neither is universally better. Medicare Advantage has lower premiums but uses networks and charges copays as you use care. Medicare Supplement has higher premiums but predictable costs and lets you see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare. Frequent care users often prefer Supplement; healthy, budget-minded enrollees may prefer Advantage. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for free help deciding.
What does Medicare Plan G cover?+
Medicare Supplement Plan G covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare except the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). That includes Part A and Part B coinsurance, hospital costs, skilled nursing coinsurance, Part B excess charges, the Part A deductible, and foreign travel emergency care. It's the most comprehensive plan open to new enrollees. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for quotes.
When should I enroll in Medicare?+
Your Initial Enrollment Period is 7 months — the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. Enrolling during this window avoids late penalties. Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period also begins when you turn 65 and have Part B, when insurers cannot deny you. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to time your enrollment.
Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?+
No. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans sold today do not include prescription drug coverage. To cover medications alongside Original Medicare and Medigap, you need a separate Medicare Part D drug plan. Skipping Part D when first eligible can trigger a late-enrollment penalty. We can pair the right Part D plan with your Supplement — call 1-800-MEDIGAP.
What is the Medicare late enrollment penalty?+
If you delay Part B without other creditable coverage, you pay a 10% premium penalty for each full 12-month period you could have had it, and it typically lasts as long as you have Medicare. Part D and Part A penalties can also apply. Enrolling on time avoids these. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for guidance.
Can I switch Medicare plans every year?+
Yes. During the Annual Election Period (October 15–December 7) you can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Advantage plans, or change your Part D drug plan. Medigap changes can happen anytime but may require medical underwriting outside your open enrollment window. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to review your options.
What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N?+
Both Medigap plans cover most Original Medicare gaps. Plan G covers Part B excess charges and has no visit copays. Plan N usually has a lower premium but charges up to $20 per office visit and up to $50 per ER visit (waived if admitted), and doesn't cover excess charges. Which saves more depends on your doctors and area. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to compare.
Is help from 1-800-MEDIGAP really free?+
Yes. Our licensed agents are compensated by the insurance carriers, so comparing plans and enrolling through us costs you nothing — you never pay a fee, and there's no obligation. You get no-pressure guidance across major carriers. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) to get started.