Medicare Supplement Plans — Find the Right Medigap Coverage for You
If you are enrolled in Original Medicare and looking for a way to reduce your out-of-pocket healthcare costs, a Medicare Supplement plan, also known as Medigap, may be exactly what you need. As an independent Medicare insurance broker serving seniors across New York, New Jersey, and nationwide, I help clients compare and enroll in Medicare Supplement plans every day. Here is everything you need to know.
What Is a Medicare Supplement Plan?
Original Medicare — Part A and Part B — covers approximately 80% of your approved medical costs. The remaining 20% is your financial responsibility, which can add up to thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
A Medicare Supplement plan is private insurance that works alongside Original Medicare to cover some or all of those remaining costs. With the right Medigap plan, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate your out-of-pocket expenses, giving you greater financial predictability and peace of mind.
Key Benefits of Medicare Supplement Plans
- Freedom of choice — See any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare anywhere in the United States with no network restrictions
- No referrals needed — Visit specialists directly without needing a primary care referral
- Predictable costs — Know exactly what your healthcare will cost each month with no surprise bills
- Nationwide coverage — Your coverage travels with you anywhere in the country
- Guaranteed renewable — Your plan cannot be cancelled as long as you pay your premiums
- Standardized benefits — The federal government standardizes Medigap plan benefits — the coverage is identical from carrier to carrier
Medicare Supplement Plans vs Medicare Advantage
Medicare Supplement plans and Medicare Advantage plans are two very different approaches to covering your Medicare costs. Here is a quick comparison:
- Medicare Supplement — works alongside Original Medicare, gives you freedom to see any Medicare-accepting doctor nationwide, with a higher monthly premium but very predictable costs
- Medicare Advantage — replaces Original Medicare through a private carrier, typically has lower or $0 monthly premiums, but restricts you to a network of doctors and hospitals
The right choice depends on your health needs, budget, preferred doctors, and lifestyle. As an independent broker, I help you evaluate both options objectively — with no bias toward any carrier or plan type.
Medicare Supplement Plans Available in New York
There are 10 standardized Medigap plans available — lettered A through N. Each plan offers a different combination of benefits at different premium levels. Here is an overview of the plans I help New York seniors navigate:
Most Popular Plans
- Medigap Plan G — the most popular and comprehensive plan available to new Medicare enrollees. Covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs except the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2026)
- Medigap Plan N — comprehensive coverage at a lower monthly premium than Plan G, with modest copays per doctor and emergency room visit
Additional Plan Options
- Medigap Plan A — the most basic Medigap plan covering core benefits at the lowest premium
- Medigap Plan B — adds Part A deductible coverage to the core Plan A benefits
- Medigap Plan C — comprehensive coverage including Part B deductible — available only to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020
- Medigap Plan D — solid core coverage, including skilled nursing facility coinsurance and foreign travel emergency coverage
- Medigap Plan K — cost-sharing plan with lower monthly premiums and a built-in annual out-of-pocket spending cap of $7,220 in 2026
New York’s Guaranteed Issue Protections
New York is one of a small number of states with guaranteed issue protections for Medigap plans year-round. This means that in New York, insurance companies cannot deny your Medigap application or charge higher premiums based on your health history, regardless of when you apply or what pre-existing conditions you have.
This is a significant advantage for New York seniors compared to most other states, where insurance companies can use medical underwriting outside of your initial Medigap enrollment window. New York’s protections give you the flexibility to enroll in or switch Medigap plans at any time without fear of denial.
How Much Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cost in New York?
Medicare Supplement premiums in New York vary based on the plan you choose, your age, gender, and the insurance carrier. In the New York metro area:
- Plan G premiums typically range from $150 to $350 per month
- Plan N premiums typically range from $120 to $280 per month
- Plans A, B, D, and K are generally less expensive with lower monthly premiums
Because the federal government standardizes Medigap benefits, the coverage is identical from carrier to carrier. This means the only real difference between plans of the same letter is the monthly premium, and shopping for the lowest premium is always the right strategy. As an independent broker, I compare rates across all available carriers to make sure you never overpay.
Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Prescription Drugs?
No — Medicare Supplement plans do not include prescription drug coverage. If you choose a Medigap plan, you will need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to cover your medications. You do not need to use the same carrier for your Medigap and Part D plans.
Frequently Asked Questions — Medicare Supplement Plans
When is the best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan?
The best time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — a 6-month window that begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, you have guaranteed issue rights nationwide. In New York, these protections apply year-round.
Can I switch Medicare Supplement plans?
In most states, switching requires medical underwriting. In New York, you can switch Medigap plans at any time thanks to the state’s guaranteed issue protections without fear of being denied or charged more based on health history.
Is it free to use a Medicare broker to find a Medigap plan?
Yes — completely free. Independent Medicare brokers like Craig Smith are compensated by insurance carriers, not clients. You get expert plan comparison and enrollment guidance at no cost to you.
Can I use my Medicare Supplement plan anywhere in the country?
Yes — Medigap plans allow you to see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare anywhere in the United States with no network restrictions. This makes them ideal for seniors who travel frequently or spend time in multiple states.
Get Your Free Medicare Supplement Quote
As an independent Medicare broker appointed with all major carriers, I compare Medicare Supplement plan rates across every available carrier in your area — making sure you get the best coverage at the lowest available premium. My services are completely free of charge.
I serve clients across New York, New Jersey, and nationwide by phone, video, or in person.
📞 Contact Craig Smith Insurance Group today at (917) 740-1895 for your free Medicare Supplement consultation — or fill out the quote form below and I will be in touch shortly.
