1-800-MEDIGAP

Medigap, also called Medicare Supplement Insurance, is a private policy that helps pay some of the costs Original Medicare (Parts A and B) leaves you with, such as deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. It works only with Original Medicare, not with Medicare Advantage.

No. 1-800-MEDIGAP is an independent, privately run educational site and is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. For official information, visit Medicare.gov.

Plan G and Plan N both cover most of the gaps in Original Medicare; Plan N usually has a lower premium but adds some copays and does not cover Part B excess charges, while Plan G covers more but usually costs more each month. Prices vary by company, state and age, so compare both.

For most people the best time is the six-month Medigap open enrollment period that starts the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During that window a company generally cannot turn you down or charge more because of your health; outside it, medical underwriting may apply unless you have a guaranteed issue right.

Neither is better for everyone. Medigap with Original Medicare lets you see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, with no network or referrals and predictable costs, but usually has a higher monthly premium and needs a separate Part D plan; Medicare Advantage often has lower premiums and extra benefits but uses networks, prior authorization and copays. The right choice depends on your health, budget, doctors and travel.

No. Medigap plans sold today do not include prescription drug coverage, so most people pair Medigap with a standalone Medicare Part D plan. Delaying Part D without other creditable drug coverage can mean a late enrollment penalty.

Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information, or talk with a Medigap agent — Jeff Cline on contacts.plus. An independent licensed agent can compare the companies that offer Medigap plans in your state.