How Many Medicare Supplement Plans Are There?

Medicare Supplement Plans, also known as Medigap, are standardized insurance policies designed to help cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not pay for, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. A common question among new enrollees is: How many Medicare Supplement plans are there? The answer is that there are 10 standardized Medigap plans available in most states, labeled A through N. Each plan offers a different combination of benefits, so understanding the details is essential for making an informed decision.

What Are Medicare Supplement Plans?

Medicare Supplement Plans are offered by private insurance companies but are regulated by federal and state laws to ensure consistency across insurers. These plans work alongside Original Medicare, not in place of it. They help reduce financial risks by covering costs that Medicare does not fully cover.

Each plan is standardized, meaning that Plan G from one company must offer the same benefits as Plan G from another. However, premiums may vary by insurer and location. Importantly, these plans do not cover prescription drugs, dental, vision, or long-term care.

Which Medicare Supplement Plans Are Available?

Currently, there are 10 standardized Medicare Supplement plans available in most states. These are:

• Plan A
  
• Plan B
  
• Plan C*
  
• Plan D
  
• Plan F*
  
• Plan G
  
• Plan K
  
• Plan L
  
• Plan M
  
• Plan N
  

*Note: Plans C and F are only available to individuals who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. New enrollees after this date cannot purchase these plans.

Each plan offers a unique combination of benefits, and some provide more comprehensive coverage than others. For example, Plan G is widely considered one of the most comprehensive plans available to new enrollees.

How Do Medicare Supplement Plans Differ?

Each Medigap plan covers different percentages of the following basic benefits:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
  
• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment
  
• Blood (first 3 pints)
  
• Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
  
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
  
• Part A deductible
  
• Part B deductible*
  
• Part B excess charges
  
• Foreign travel emergency care (up to plan limits)
  

Some plans cover all of these, while others offer partial or no coverage for specific services. For example:

• Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible.
  
• Plan K and L have lower premiums but cover a smaller percentage of out-of-pocket costs and include annual out-of-pocket limits.
  
• Plan N requires copayments for certain office and emergency visits.
  

Which Plans Are Most Popular?

The most popular Medicare Supplement plans tend to be those that offer broad coverage:

• Plan G is the most popular among new enrollees, offering comprehensive benefits except for the Part B deductible.
  
• Plan N is also favored for its slightly lower premiums while still providing solid coverage.
  
• Plan F was the most popular before 2020 because it covered every gap, including the Part B deductible. However, it is now closed to new Medicare beneficiaries.
  

Popularity often depends on how much financial protection a person wants in exchange for monthly premiums.

Are All 10 Plans Available in Every State?

Most states offer all 10 Medigap plans, but there are exceptions. For example:

• Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have their own versions of standardized Medigap policies, which do not follow the A–N format.
  
• Availability may also vary based on insurance providers in your region. Not all insurers offer every plan.
  

It’s crucial to check what’s available in your zip code and compare offerings from different companies.

Can I Change My Medicare Supplement Plan?

Yes, but the timing matters. You have the most flexibility during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which is the six months after you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. During this period, you can purchase any Medigap plan available in your area without undergoing medical underwriting.

After this window, insurers can deny coverage or charge more based on your health history unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right. This makes it important to choose your plan carefully the first time.

Additional Considerations When Choosing a Plan

When comparing Medicare Supplement Plans, consider the following:

• Health needs: Do you frequently visit specialists or travel often? A plan that covers excess charges and foreign travel may be useful.
  
• Budget: How much can you afford in monthly premiums versus out-of-pocket costs?
  
• Enrollment timing: Enrolling during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period offers the most options and best prices.
  
• Doctor access: Medigap plans work with any provider who accepts Medicare, unlike some Medicare Advantage plans that have networks.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare and often includes drug coverage and extras like dental and vision. Medicare Supplement works with Original Medicare to reduce out-of-pocket costs but doesn’t include drug coverage.

Can I have both Medicare Advantage and Medigap?
No, you cannot enroll in both at the same time. You must choose one or the other.

Do Medigap plans include prescription drug coverage?
No. If you want prescription coverage, you’ll need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan.

Are Medigap plan benefits the same in every state?
Yes, except for Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, which use a different standardization model.

Do Medigap plans cover dental or vision care?
No, these are not included. You would need separate insurance or a Medicare Advantage plan for those benefits.

Conclusion

So, how many Medicare Supplement plans are there? There are 10 standardized Medigap plans labeled A through N, though not all may be available in every state or from every insurer. Each plan provides a different level of coverage to help pay for costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. When choosing a Medigap policy, take the time to compare benefits, costs, and personal health needs. Doing so ensures you get the right plan to protect both your health and your budget.