Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)

What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Medicare Supplement insurance, commonly known as Medigap, is private health insurance designed to fill the "gaps" in Original Medicare coverage. While Medicare Part A and Part B cover many healthcare costs, they don't pay for everything. Without supplemental coverage, you could be responsible for deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments that can add up quickly.

Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies but are standardized by the federal government. This means that Plan G from one company offers the exact same benefits as Plan G from another company — the only differences are the premium, customer service, and company reputation.

How Medigap Works With Medicare

To purchase a Medigap policy, you must first be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. Here's how the coverage works together:

1. You receive medical care from any provider who accepts Medicare
2. Medicare pays its share of the approved amount for covered services
3. Your Medigap policy pays its share of remaining costs (deductibles, coinsurance, copays)
4. You pay little to nothing out-of-pocket for covered services

This predictable cost structure is why many retirees prefer Medigap over Medicare Advantage — you know exactly what your healthcare will cost each month.

Medicare Supplement Plans Available in Arizona

There are 10 standardized Medigap plans available in most states, each identified by a letter. In Arizona, you can choose from Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M, and N. Plans C and F are only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

Most Popular Plans in Arizona

Plan G is currently the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare beneficiaries. It covers:

• Part A hospital coinsurance and costs up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted
• Part B coinsurance or copayment (typically 20% of approved costs)
• Blood (first 3 pints)
• Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
• Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026)
• Part B excess charges (amounts above Medicare-approved costs)
• Foreign travel emergency care (80%, up to plan limits)

The only cost not covered by Plan G is the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026).

Plan N offers similar coverage to Plan G but at a lower premium. In exchange for the savings, you'll pay:

• The Part B deductible ($283 in 2026)
• Up to $20 copay for office visits
• Up to $50 copay for emergency room visits (waived if admitted)
• Part B excess charges are not covered

Medicare Supplement Plan Comparison Chart

** Plan N requires copays up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted).

When to Enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan

The best time to enroll in a Medigap policy is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This is the 6-month period that begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B.

Why Choosing the Right Company Matters

When selecting a Medicare Supplement plan, choosing the right insurance company is one of the most important decisions you'll make. This is essentially a lifetime decision — unlike Medicare Advantage, you typically cannot freely switch between Medigap carriers without medical underwriting.

Here's what can happen without proper guidance:

• You could get locked into a company that dramatically increases rates
• The carrier might close enrollment to new members, leaving existing members to absorb all claims costs
• With fewer people in the pool, your premiums spiral upward with no way to switch

As your broker, I analyze carrier stability, rate history, and local market presence to protect you from these scenarios.

Medicare Supplement Costs in Arizona

Medigap premiums in Arizona vary based on several factors:

• Age: Most policies use attained-age rating, meaning premiums increase as you get older
• Gender: Women typically pay slightly lower premiums than men
• Location: Rates vary by ZIP code within Arizona
• Tobacco use: Smokers pay higher premiums
• Insurance company: Different carriers charge different rates for the same plan

In Arizona, monthly premiums for popular plans typically range from:

• Plan G: $120 - $250/month
• Plan N: $90 - $180/month

Because I work with multiple insurance carriers, I can compare rates from companies like UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, Aetna, and Cigna to find you the best value.

Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage

Many people ask whether they should choose Medigap or Medicare Advantage. Here's a quick comparison:

Choose Medicare Supplement if you:

• Want predictable healthcare costs with minimal out-of-pocket expenses
• Travel frequently or split time between states
• Want to see any doctor who accepts Medicare without referrals
• Have chronic health conditions requiring regular specialist care
• Live in a rural area or have a second home somewhere rural (finding in-network doctors can be difficult with Medicare Advantage)
• Can afford the monthly premium

Consider Medicare Advantage if you:

• Want lower monthly premiums (often $0)
• Prefer an all-in-one plan including drug coverage
• Are comfortable with provider networks
• Want extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing

Not sure which option is right for you? Schedule a free consultation and I'll help you compare both options based on your specific healthcare needs and budget.

How I Help You Find the Right Plan

As an independent insurance agent licensed in Arizona, New Mexico, Minnesota, and Rhode Island, I work with multiple insurance carriers — not just one company. This means I can:

• Compare rates from 10+ carriers to find you the best price
• Explain the differences between plans in plain English
• Help you understand your enrollment options and deadlines
• Assist with the application process from start to finish
• Be available year-round for questions and annual plan reviews

My services are completely free to you — I'm paid by the insurance carriers, and the premium is the same whether you use an agent or not. There's no obligation, and I'll never pressure you to make a decision.