Learn about Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap)
Get help with some of the out-of-pocket costs not paid for by Original Medicare (Parts A & B) with a Medicare Supplement insurance plan (Medigap). Plan options with predictable out-of-pocket expenses that put the control of and planning for future medical expenses right where it belongs: with you.
Medicare Supplement insurance plans are standardized by the federal government and labeled with a letter. The plans and what they cover are standardized by the federal government.
General features of Medicare Supplement insurance plans
Medicare Supplement insurance plans work with Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to help with out-of-pocket costs not covered by Parts A and B. The following are also true about Medicare Supplement insurance plans:
- Predictable costs help you stay ahead of unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
- No network restrictions mean you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare patients.
- You don't need a referral to see a specialist.
- Coverage goes with you anywhere you travel in the U.S.
- There is a range of plans available to fit your health needs and budget goals.
- Purchasing a Medigap plan and a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan could give you more complete coverage.
- Guaranteed coverage for life† means your plan can't be canceled.
† As long as you pay your premiums when due and you do not make any material misrepresentation when you apply for this plan.
For PA residents only: As long as you pay your premiums when due. You do not misstate one or more material facts when you apply for this plan. UnitedHealthcare has 2 years to act on misstatements. The 2 year limit does not apply to fraud.
Rates are subject to change. Any change will apply to all members of the same class insured under your plan who reside in your state. can provide peace of mind by helping with some of these costs.
Shop and apply for an AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan
How do Medicare Supplement insurance plans work with Original Medicare?
Medicare Supplement plans work alongside your Original Medicare coverage to help cover some of the costs you would otherwise have to pay on your own. These plans, also known as "Medigap", are standardized plans. Each plan has a letter assigned to it, and offers the same basic benefits. The basic benefit structure for each plan is the same, no matter which insurance company is selling it to you. Note: The letters assigned to Medicare Supplement plans are not the same things as the parts of Medicare. For example, Medicare Supplement Plan A is not the same as Medicare Part A (hospital insurance).
What Does Medicare Supplement Insurance Cost?
The primary goal of a Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) plan is to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs of Original Medicare (Parts A & B). As a general rule, the more comprehensive the coverage, the higher the premium, however, premiums will also vary by insurance company, and premium amounts can change yearly.
Learn more about costs associated with Medicare supplement plans
Medicare costs and Medicare Supplement
Original Medicare doesn't pay for everything. When you have a Medigap plan to work with Original Medicare it can help with some of the following costs that you would have to pay on your own:
- About 20% in out-of-pocket expenses not paid by Medicare Part B for doctor and outpatient medical expenses (after the annual deductible is met—$226 in 2023).
- Part A coinsurance, and most plans include a benefit for the Part A deductible (which could be one of the largest out-of-pocket expenses if you need to spend time in a hospital.)
- Hospital coverage up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up.
- Part A hospice/respite care coinsurance or copayment.
See how Medicare costs may work with these Medicare coverage examples
Applying for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan
The best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan is during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period because your acceptance is guaranteed. It starts on the first day of the month in which you're both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. Some states have additional Open Enrollment periods and Guaranteed Issue requirements.
If you apply outside of Open Enrollment or Guaranteed Issue periods, you may be denied coverage or charged more based on your health history. This does not apply to residents of Connecticut and New York where Open Enrollment and Guaranteed Issue is ongoing and Medicare supplement plans are guaranteed available.
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Scroll for Important Disclosures
UnitedHealthcare pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. AARP does not employ or endorse agents, brokers or producers.
AARP encourages you to consider your needs when selecting products and does not make product recommendations for individuals.
Please note that each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its products.
AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
AARP endorses the AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, insured by UnitedHealthcare.
Insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, Hartford, CT or UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of America, Schaumburg, IL (for ND residents) or UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York, Islandia, NY (for NY residents). Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its products. Policy form No. GRP 79171 GPS-1 (G-36000-4).
In some states, plans may be available to persons under age 65 who are eligible for Medicare by reason of disability or End-Stage Renal Disease.
Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.
This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you.
You must be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan.
THESE PLANS HAVE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS. FOR COSTS AND COMPLETE DETAILS (INCLUDING OUTLINES OF COVERAGE), CALL A LICENSED INSURANCE AGENT/PRODUCER AT THE TOLL-FREE NUMBER ABOVE.
Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Prescription Drug plans
Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare. You do not need to be an AARP member to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Prescription Drug plan.
This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information.
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