Medigap is extra health insurance that you buy from a private company to pay health care costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as co-payments, deductibles, and health care if you travel outside the U.S. Medigap policies don't cover long-term care, dental care, vision care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, and private-duty nursing. Most plans do not cover prescription drugs.
You pay a monthly premium for a Medigap policy. A Medigap policy covers only one person. If you and your spouse both want a Medigap policy you will each need to buy one.
Medigap policies are only available to people who already have Medicare Part A, which helps pay for hospital services, and Medicare Part B, which covers the cost for doctor services. People who have a Medicare Advantage plan cannot get a Medigap plan.
To learn about Medigap plans offered in your area, you can use the online Medicare Personal Plan Finder or contact your state's department of insurance.
Standard Medigap plans are labeled A through N and offer different levels of health coverage. Plans E, H, I, and J are no longer available to new subscribers.