The short answer
What is Medigap?
Medigap is private supplemental insurance that works with Original Medicare to help pay certain deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments. It is not Medicare Advantage and generally does not include outpatient prescription coverage. Enrollment protections, underwriting, availability, and prices can depend on timing, location, and individual circumstances.
How Medigap fits
Medigap works with Original Medicare. It does not replace Part A or Part B, and it is not the same as Medicare Advantage. Standardized plan letters generally offer the same basic benefits within a letter, although premiums and company service can differ.
What it generally does not include
- Standalone outpatient prescription drug coverage
- Routine dental, vision, or hearing care
- Long-term custodial care
- Private-duty nursing
Timing matters
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period generally starts when you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this six-month period, federal protections provide broader access. Outside it, availability, pricing, and medical underwriting can depend on state rules and your situation.
Official sources
This article is educational and is not a final plan recommendation. Verify current plan details, costs, formularies, networks, eligibility and enrollment timing with a licensed insurance advisor before making a decision.