Medicare
Medicare Supplement Coverage, also known as "Med-Sup" or "Medigap", is health insurance sold by private insurance companies to fill the gaps in Original Medicare plan coverage. If you're on Original Medicare, Parts A and B, a Medicare Supplement policy will pay for a portion of your healthcare costs that Original Medicare does not cover, not including prescription drugs.
In most cases, when you buy a Medicare Supplement policy, you must have Medicare Part A and B. If you're married, you and your spouse must each buy separate Medicare Supplement policies. Your Medicare Supplement policy won't cover any healthcare costs for your spouse.
Medicare Supplement plans typically do not cover prescription drug costs. If you decide to supplement your Original Medicare coverage with a Medicare Supplement plan, you'll likely need to enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
In conclusion, most seniors choose to structure their Medicare choices in one of three ways. The first way is Original Medicare, Parts A and B, plus Medicare Part D, prescription drug coverage. The second way is Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C. Medicare Advantage provides all of your Part A and Part B coverage through a private company approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans often include prescription drug coverage, Medicare Part D. The third way is Original Medicare, Parts A and B, plus Medicare Part D, prescription drug coverage, plus Medicare Supplements, or Medigap.
Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called "Part C" or "MA Plans," are offered by private companies approved by Medicare and provide Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare prescription drug coverage is insurance run by an insurance company or other private company approved by Medicare. A Medicare Supplement plan is a health insurance plan provided by a private company that fills in the "gaps" in original Medicare coverage.
*Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.