Medicare Supplements
Written By Jo Gallo 6/22/2025
Key Points
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Medicare Supplements or "Medigaps" fill the gaps Original Medicare doesn't cover
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Plan G and Plan N are currently very popular
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Under-65 Medicare Disability recipients often have different options compared to those over 65
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Premiums often increase yearly at different rates depending on the insurance company
Introduction
Medicare Supplements are an incredibly popular way for Medicare enrollees to help cover the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare doesn't cover. Learn more in this article!
What is a Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Supplement or "Medigap" insurance is made to supplement or "fill the gaps" of Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Original Medicare has high deductibles, copays and coinsurances, and these plans help you avoid any large medical bills. A beneficiary must be enrolled in both Parts A & B to apply.
Medigap policies must follow federal and state laws, and they must be identified as “Medicare Supplement Insurance.” Insurance companies can only sell you standardized policies identified in most states by letters A through D, F through G, and K through N.
Medicare Supplements are standardized to be the same between companies. This means that a Plan G is a Plan G, no matter where you purchase it. It is almost akin to buying a brand-name product at a grocery store; it does not matter which grocery store you go to, you still will be purchasing the same brand name product. The only difference is that you will pay a different price dependent on where it was purchased!
What Are The Most Popular Plans?
The most popular Medicare Supplement plans currently are Plans G and N.
Plan G requires meeting the Part B deductible ($257 in 2025), and then any covered service that Medicare does not pay in full is paid by the Plan G. For clients that are looking for the most comprehensive service and bang for their buck, Plan G is the answer.
Plan N is similar to Plan G, but requires up to a $20 copay at the physician and up to a $50 copay at the ER, and does not cover Part B excess charges. For those that do not use provider services often, this can be of a great savings. Some Plan N premiums fall up to $30-$50 a month less than the Plan G. If you are not using the doctor every month, this can create significant savings. For those frequent fliers, or those using specialists that may charge excess, this may not be the right choice.
What If I Have Medicare Due To Disability?
Plan D is the only supplement offered to those on Medicare under 65 due to disability who started Medicare after 1/1/2020. It offers comprehensive benefits, but does not cover Part B excess charges and the Part B deductible. The premium is comparable to the Plan G, but can increase at different rates.
For beneficiaries who started Medicare prior to 2020, the Plan C disability supplement is also available. For a comparatively higher premium, Plan C covers each gap within Original Medicare except for Part B Excess charges.
When you turn 65, you will have the option to enroll in Plans like G and N.
How Much Does The Price Of Medicare Supplements Increase?
Most Medicare Supplements will see a rate increase each year. It could be a small amount like 3-5%, or a large amount such as 15-20%. The increase you experience depends on a multitude of factors.
We use our internal data to monitor Medicare Supplement insurance carriers' rate increases over time, and try to keep our clients costs as low as possible.
If you aren't our client and think you are overpaying on your Medicare Supplement, reach out today! Call our office at 848-226-6897.
New Jersey Medicare Supplements
For more information on New Jersey Medicare Supplements, read this article:
About the Author
Jo Gallo is a licensed life and health insurance broker with NJ Life and Health. He has personally helped hundreds of people with their Medicare needs across several states.