What is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan?
A Medicare Supplement plan — commonly called Medigap — works alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). After Medicare pays its share of a covered service, your Medigap policy pays some or all of the remaining costs: deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. The result is far more predictable out-of-pocket spending and very few surprise bills.
Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap has no networks. You can see any doctor, specialist, or hospital in the country that accepts Original Medicare — no referrals, no in-network worries when you travel. That freedom is why Medigap appeals to people who value choice and stability.
Plan G vs. Plan N: the two most popular choices
| Plan G | Plan N | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Higher | Lower |
| Part A deductible | Covered | Covered |
| Part B deductible | You pay (small annual amount) | You pay (small annual amount) |
| Doctor/ER copays | None | Small copays (up to $20 office / $50 ER) |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Best for | Most predictable, near-zero out-of-pocket | Lower premium if you visit the doctor less |
Both are excellent plans. Plan G gives you the most predictable costs — after the small annual Part B deductible, you typically pay nothing for covered services. Plan N trades small office and ER copays for a lower premium, which can come out ahead if you don't see the doctor often. We'll run the numbers for your situation.
Compare Medigap rates across a dozen carriers
Same coverage, different prices — we find you the lowest one. Free, no pressure.
Get my free Medigap quotesWhen should you enroll? Timing matters
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time, six-month window that starts the month you're 65 and enrolled in Part B. During this window you have guaranteed-issue rights — carriers cannot turn you down or charge more because of your health. This is the best time to buy.
Outside that window, carriers in most states can use medical underwriting, meaning your health history can affect approval and price. Certain situations (like losing other coverage) can also open guaranteed-issue rights. If you're unsure where you stand, we'll tell you plainly and help you act before a window closes.
Do you need a drug plan too?
Yes — Medigap does not include prescription coverage. You'll pair it with a standalone Part D drug plan. We compare Part D options against your exact medication list so your total cost — Medigap premium plus drug costs — is as low as possible.
Why work with Honorbrook
We're independent and appointed with many top Medigap carriers, so we shop the whole market for you instead of pushing one company. Our help is always free — carriers pay our commission, and your premium is the same whether you use us or apply on your own. We're licensed across 11 states and handle everything by phone, with year-round service after you enroll.