Medigap coverage
Medicare Supplements
Compare Medicare Supplement plan letters, premiums, enrollment timing, provider access, and California switching rights.
How Medigap works
Medicare Supplement insurance works with Original Medicare.
A Medigap policy does not replace Medicare. Original Medicare pays first, then the policy helps with certain deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments according to its standardized plan letter.
What stays consistent
The letter defines benefits. The carrier defines the price and service.
- AStandardized benefits
A Plan G from one insurer has the same standardized medical benefits as Plan G from another insurer.
- BDifferent premiums
Premiums, discounts, rate history, and household eligibility can differ by company.
- CBroad provider access
You generally can see providers nationwide who accept Medicare; there is no private plan medical network.
- DSeparate drug coverage
Medigap policies sold after 2005 do not include prescription drug coverage.
Popular plan letters
Compare how Plan G, Plan N, and High-Deductible G share costs.
This focused chart compares three commonly reviewed options. It is not a complete list of every Medigap plan, and availability and premiums vary by insurer and location.
| Compare | Plan GMore predictable cost sharing | Plan NSome member cost sharing | High-Deductible GLower premium approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| How benefits begin | Plan benefits apply after applicable Medicare deductibles. | Plan benefits apply after applicable deductibles, with certain office and emergency-room copays. | You pay Medicare-covered costs until the plan deductible is met, then Plan G benefits apply. |
| 2026 plan deductible | No separate high-deductible amount. | No separate high-deductible amount. | $2,950 |
| Part B deductible | Not covered. | Not covered. | Counts toward the high deductible. |
| Part B excess charges | Covered. | Not covered. | Covered after the plan deductible. |
| Foreign travel emergency | 80%, up to plan limits. | 80%, up to plan limits. | 80% after the plan deductible, up to plan limits. |
All three options leave the annual Part B deductible to the member. Plan N can also require copays for some office and emergency-room visits.
2026 carrier materials
Review Medicare Supplement plans by carrier.
Open each carrier guide to review available plan letters, California consumer materials, and source-linked 2026 information.
2026 Medicare Supplement guide
Blue Shield
Compare Blue Shield plans A, F Extra, G, G Extra, and N using the consumer enrollment kit and California rate…
View carrier guide
2026 Medicare Supplement guide
UnitedHealthcare
Compare UnitedHealthcare plans A, B, C, F, G, K, L, and N using the California enrollment kit for June 1,…
View carrier guide
2026 Medicare Supplement guide
Anthem
Compare Anthem plans A, F, Innovative F, G, and N using the California consumer enrollment kit and premium rates effective…
View carrier guide
2026 Medicare Supplement guide
Health Net
Compare Health Net plans A, D, F, High Deductible F, Innovative F, G, High Deductible G, Innovative G, and N…
View carrier guideCarrier availability, premiums, discounts, underwriting, and eligibility vary. Request a personalized comparison before applying.
Enrollment timing matters
Your first Medigap window is usually the most flexible.
Your one-time federal Medigap Open Enrollment Period lasts six months, beginning the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this window, an insurer cannot use medical underwriting to deny a policy it sells in your state.
Review federal Medigap timing- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
After this period, underwriting may apply unless you have another guaranteed-issue right.
Official resources
Compare benefits and California consumer guidance.
Personal Medicare guidance
Meet David Keum.
Licensed Medicare advisor CA License #4005450
Skyline Benefit provides independent help comparing Medicare Supplement plan letters, carrier premiums, enrollment timing, household discounts, and California switching rights.
Verified Google reviews
Medicare guidance clients recommend.
“David made things very easy to understand and the process was effortless.”
“David simplified the process by breaking everything down for us.”
FAQ
Frequently asked Medicare questions
Browse all Medicare FAQsIs a Medicare Supplement the same as Medicare Advantage?
No. A Supplement works with Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage is a private plan that provides your Medicare benefits through that plan.
Can I apply later?
You may be able to apply later, but medical underwriting can apply outside certain protected enrollment windows.
Do Supplements include drug coverage?
Generally no. Most people who choose a Supplement also review a standalone Part D plan.
What is California's Medigap birthday rule?
Current California Medigap policyholders generally have a 60-day period beginning on their birthday to move to a policy with equal or fewer benefits without medical screening or a new waiting period.
Personal Medicare guidance
Ready to compare plans around your needs?
Bring your doctors, prescriptions, preferred pharmacies, and current coverage. We will help organize the details and explain the tradeoffs.
Skyline Benefit is an independent insurance agency and is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. The organizations and number of plans we represent vary by location and eligibility. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.