This is the most common point of confusion. Think of it as freedom vs. bundles.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap): You keep Original Medicare (Part A and B). The supplement acts as a secondary payer for the 20% Medicare doesn't cover. You can see any doctor in the U.S. who accepts Medicare.
Medicare Advantage (Part C): This is an "all-in-one" alternative. Private companies manage your care through a network (HMO/PPO). It often includes "extras" like dental and vision but limits you to specific doctors.
Note: You cannot have both at the same time. If you have an Advantage plan, you cannot use a Medigap policy to pay your copays.
The absolute best time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
The Window: This 6-month period starts the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
The "Why": During this time, you have "guaranteed issue rights." Insurance companies must sell you a policy at the same price as someone in perfect health, regardless of your medical history. If you wait, they can use "medical underwriting" to charge you more or deny you coverage entirely.
Generally, no. Medigap plans are strictly designed to cover the out-of-pocket costs of "medical" and "hospital" services covered by Original Medicare.
Prescriptions: You must buy a standalone Medicare Part D plan for drug coverage.
Dental/Vision/Hearing: These are not covered. You would need to purchase separate private insurance for these services, though some Medigap providers offer them as "add-on" discounts.
If you became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you cannot buy Plan F or Plan C.
The Reason: Federal law changed to prohibit plans from covering the Medicare Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). The goal was to ensure beneficiaries have some "skin in the game" for outpatient care.
The Alternative: Plan G has become the new "gold standard." It covers everything Plan F did, except for that Part B deductible.
No. As long as you pay your premiums on time, your Medigap policy is "guaranteed renewable." Even if you develop a chronic illness or have high medical bills, the insurance company cannot cancel your plan or raise your specific rate based on your health status once you are enrolled.
PLEASE NOTE: Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. The purpose of this communication is the solicitation of insurance. Contact will be made by an insurance agent/producer or insurance company. Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
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