Medicare Supplement
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) in Central Oregon
Understand how Medicare Supplement insurance works to help cover Original Medicare's out-of-pocket costs.
A Medicare Supplement Insurance policy, also called Medigap, helps pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Medigap policies are sold by private companies. To purchase a policy, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B. If you have a Medigap policy and Original Medicare, Medicare will pay its share of the Medicare-approved amount for covered health care costs, and then your Medigap policy pays its share.
Standardized Plan Letters
Medigap policies are standardized by federal and state law and must follow specific regulations. They are identified by letters (Plans A through N).
- Consistent CoverageBecause plans are standardized, a Plan G from one insurance company offers the exact same basic benefits as a Plan G from a different company.
- Comparing OptionsSince the coverage is standardized across the same plan letter, it's important to look at factors like company reputation and customer service when evaluating policies.
Enrollment Timing
The Medigap Open Enrollment Period
The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period lasts for 6 months and begins on the first day of the month in which you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
During this period, an insurance company cannot use medical underwriting. They cannot refuse to sell you any Medigap policy they offer, or charge you more for a policy due to past or present health problems.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.