Plan guide
Medicare Supplement
Standardized plans labeled by letter. Pick the letter, compare carriers on price and rate history, and keep any doctor who takes Medicare.
Overview
Medicare Supplement insurance, often called Medigap, works alongside Original Medicare. When you receive care, Medicare pays its share first and your Supplement plan pays most or all of what is left, depending on the plan letter you choose.
Plans are standardized by the federal government. A Plan G from one carrier covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from another carrier. What differs is the monthly premium, how the carrier prices increases over time, and the household discounts they offer. That makes comparing carriers a pricing exercise, and it is where an independent advisor saves clients real money.
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular choices for people new to Medicare since 2020. Supplement plans do not include prescription coverage, so you will also want a stand-alone Part D plan.
What's included
Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
Covered by every plan letter, including 365 extra hospital days after Medicare benefits end.
Part B coinsurance
The 20 percent you would otherwise owe, fully covered on Plans G and F, with small copays on Plan N.
Part A deductible
Covered on Plans B, C, D, F, G, M (50%) and N.
Skilled nursing coinsurance
Days 21 to 100 are covered on Plans C, D, F, G, M and N.
Foreign travel emergency
80 percent up to plan limits on Plans C, D, F, G, M and N.
Freedom of providers
No networks. Any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare.
Medigap plan letters, A to N
Plans G and N are highlighted because they are the most common choices for people new to Medicare. Scroll the table sideways on a phone.
Plan A
Core benefits only
4 of 9 benefits
Plan B
Core plus Part A deductible
5 of 9 benefits
Plan C
Broad coverage, pre-2020 only
8 of 9 benefits
Pre-2020 onlyPlan D
Like G, without excess charges
7 of 9 benefits
Plan F
Most complete, pre-2020 only
9 of 9 benefits
Pre-2020 onlyPlan G
Everything but the Part B deductible
8 of 9 benefits
Most chosenPlan K
Half cost sharing, yearly cap
6 of 9 benefits
Plan L
75% cost sharing, yearly cap
6 of 9 benefits
Plan M
Half the Part A deductible
7 of 9 benefits
Plan N
Lower premium, small copays
7 of 9 benefits
Best value
| Benefit | A | B | C | D | F | G | K | L | M | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance and hospital costs | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Part B coinsurance or copays | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | 50% | 75% | Covered | Yes* |
| First 3 pints of blood | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | 50% | 75% | Covered | Covered |
| Part A hospice coinsurance | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | 50% | 75% | Covered | Covered |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | - | - | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | 50% | 75% | Covered | Covered |
| Part A deductible | - | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | 50% | 75% | 50% | Covered |
| Part B deductible | - | - | Covered | - | Covered | - | - | - | - | - |
| Part B excess charges | - | - | - | - | Covered | Covered | - | - | - | - |
| Foreign travel emergency | - | - | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | - | - | 80% | 80% |
* Plan N pays Part B coinsurance except up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits without admission. Plans C and F are only available to people eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Plans K and L have yearly out-of-pocket limits.
Costs to plan for
Sample figures- Plan G premium, age 65
- $118 to $164/mo
- Plan N premium, age 65
- $86 to $121/mo
- Your yearly deductible on G
- $283
- Plan N copays
- Up to $20 / $50
Indianapolis ZIP codes, non-tobacco (sample range)
Indianapolis ZIP codes, non-tobacco (sample range)
The Part B deductible only (2026 sample figure)
Office visit and ER copays (sample)
Figures are illustrations for Central Indiana. Your actual costs depend on the plan, your ZIP code, age and income. Confirm current amounts at Medicare.gov.
How we help with Medicare Supplement
- 1
Choose a plan letter
Most clients decide between G and N based on how often they see doctors.
- 2
Price every carrier
We quote each carrier we represent for your ZIP code, age, gender and tobacco use.
- 3
Check rate history
We show how each carrier's premiums have changed over the past several years in Indiana.
- 4
Apply during your open window
Your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period guarantees acceptance without health questions.
Is it a fit?
Often a good fit when
- You want predictable costs and few surprise bills
- You see specialists often or travel
- You are within your Medigap Open Enrollment Period
Watch out for
- Higher monthly premium than most Advantage plans
- No drug, dental or vision coverage built in
- After open enrollment, carriers may ask health questions
Questions about Medicare Supplement
Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible. Plan N costs less per month but has copays of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that do not result in admission, plus possible Part B excess charges. If you see doctors a handful of times a year, N often wins. If you want no surprises, G is the simpler choice.
Only if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. People new to Medicare after that date can choose Plan G, which is identical except for the Part B deductible.
Most carriers in Indiana use attained-age pricing, so premiums increase as you age and with medical inflation. We review rate history before recommending a carrier and can re-shop your plan later if you stay healthy.
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, the six months starting the month your Part B begins and you are 65 or older. During that time carriers cannot deny you or charge more because of your health.
Related coverage
Original MedicarePart A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance, run by the federal government.Read the guide 
Part D drug plansStand-alone prescription drug coverage to pair with Original Medicare and a Supplement.Read the guide 
Dental, vision and hearingCoverage for the routine care Original Medicare generally does not pay for.Read the guide
Questions about Medicare Supplement?
A licensed Beacon advisor will compare plans against your doctors, prescriptions and budget. No cost, no obligation.
Licensed in Indiana. TTY 711. Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 6:00 pm