What is Medigap?
Medigap, also called Medicare Supplement insurance, is designed to work with Original Medicare. Depending on the policy, it can help pay certain out-of-pocket costs that remain after Medicare pays its share.
How it is commonly used
People often pair Original Medicare with a Medigap policy and a separate Part D prescription drug plan. This structure is different from Medicare Advantage.
Why timing matters
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period generally begins when you are both age 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During certain guaranteed-issue windows, your ability to buy certain Medigap coverage may be more favorable than it would be later.
Questions to review
- How important is broad provider access?
- Do you travel often?
- How do you want to balance premium and out-of-pocket exposure?
- Will you need a separate Part D plan?
Medigap enrollment reminder
Your federal Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time 6-month period that starts the first month you have Medicare Part B and are age 65 or older. It does not repeat each fall with Medicare Open Enrollment. Outside that period, federal guaranteed-issue rights are limited, although additional state protections may apply.
Read the official Medigap enrollment guidance at Medicare.gov.