Skip to main content

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE

Medicare Supplement Insurance Has You Covered 

While Medicare Parts A and B cover a lot of health care costs, they don’t cover all costs. Learn how easy it is to cover that financial gap with Medicare Supplement Insurance. 

Pharmacist reviewing prescription bottle with older man.

Five Things to Know About Medicare Supplement Insurance

1. Original Medicare Doesn’t Cover Everything.

A Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan covers the costs that Part A and Part B (sometimes also called Original Medicare) don’t.

  • Medicare Supplement Plans are identified by the letters A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N.
  • Each plan covers a different set of costs.
  • Some plans only cover basic benefits.
  • Other plans cover a wider range of health care costs and benefits.

2. Coverage Varies According to Insurance Plan.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans typically do not cover hearing, dental, vision or prescription drugs. However, some Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans cover foreign travel care and there are enhanced plans that cover dental and vision.

3. Each Insurance Plan Provides the Same Benefits No Matter the Insurer You Choose.

These insurance plans have the same benefits for everyone. Plan G from one company has the same coverage as Plan G from another company. The only differences are the premium and the level of service. You can use any doctor, specialist or hospital that accepts Medicare.

4. You Can Enroll in a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan Year-Round, but . . .

You can enroll anytime, but acceptance is guaranteed only during the open enrollment period. This period starts the first month that you are 65 or under 65 with certain disabilities and enrolled in Medicare Part B. 

5. You Can’t Have a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan and a Medicare Advantage Plan at the Same Time.

  • Medicare Advantage Plans are health insurance plans approved by Medicare and offered by private companies.
  • Medicare Advantage Plans are different from Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans.
  • If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you cannot purchase a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.

Get an Overview of Medicare Supplement Plans

Play this short video to learn about how Medicare Supplement works, eligibility requirements and how it covers what Original Medicare will not.

Tools and Resources

Helpful Tools and Resources

Understanding Your Medicare Choices

Unsure about Medicare options? Our guide can help. Learn about different plans, get clear answers and make an informed decision.

Download Our Decision Guide