Medicare Help
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans in Phoenix
A Medicare Supplement policy — also called Medigap — works alongside Original Medicare to help pay some of the costs Original Medicare doesn't cover.
In short
Medigap is extra insurance you buy from a private company to go with Original Medicare (Parts A and B). It helps pay costs like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. It does not include prescription drug coverage, so most people pair it with a separate Part D plan.
How Medigap works
Original Medicare pays first. Then your Medigap policy pays its share of the remaining approved costs, depending on the plan you choose.
- See any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare — no network.
- No referrals needed to see a specialist under Original Medicare.
- Standardized plans. Plans are named with letters (such as Plan G or Plan N). The benefits for a given letter are the same no matter which company sells it — prices can differ.
- You pay a monthly premium to the insurance company, in addition to your Part B premium.
Popular plan types
| Plan | What to know |
|---|---|
| Plan G | Covers most gaps in Original Medicare except the yearly Part B deductible. Often chosen for predictable costs. |
| Plan N | Typically lower premiums than Plan G, with some copays for office and emergency room visits, and you may owe Part B "excess charges." |
| High-deductible Plan G | Lower premium in exchange for a yearly deductible you pay before the policy pays. |
| Plans C & F | Not available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. |
Timing matters: your Medigap Open Enrollment Period
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time, 6-month window that starts the first month you're 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this time, insurance companies generally can't deny you a policy or charge you more because of health conditions.
Why this window is so important
Outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period and certain guaranteed-issue situations, companies may be able to ask health questions and could decline your application or charge more. Rules can change and vary by state, so ask about current Arizona rules before you switch.
Don't forget drug coverage
Because Medigap doesn't cover prescriptions, most people also enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan. Going without creditable drug coverage when you're first eligible can lead to a late enrollment penalty.
Is a Medicare Supplement a good fit?
People often consider Medigap when they want to keep seeing doctors without a network, travel often within the U.S., or prefer more predictable costs in exchange for a monthly premium. It's a personal choice — I'll walk through both options with you.
How I can help
I'll explain the plan letters, compare premiums from the companies I represent, and help you think about how premiums may change over time — plus help you choose a Part D plan that fits your prescriptions.
Common questions
Is Plan G the same with every company?
Yes — the benefits of each lettered plan are standardized. What differs is the monthly premium, how the company sets and raises prices over time, and customer service.
Can I switch Medigap plans later?
You can apply to change at any time, but outside of guaranteed-issue situations the new company may be able to review your health history. It's worth choosing carefully the first time.
Does Medigap cover dental or vision?
Generally no. Medigap helps with costs for services Original Medicare covers. Routine dental, vision, and hearing usually need separate coverage.
This page is general educational information, not personal advice. Medicare rules, costs, and plan options change and depend on your situation. For official information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).
Have questions? Let's talk them through.
A no-cost, no-obligation conversation with a licensed local agent. Bring your questions — we'll go at your pace.