Medicare supplement plans help you pay for some of the costs Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover, like copayments and deductibles. There are up to 10 different Medigap policies sold by private companies, and they are standardized by the federal government so that the same basic benefits are available no matter which insurance company sells them.

The best time to buy a Medicare supplement plan is during Read more your six-month open enrollment period, which begins the month you are first eligible for Part B and age 65 or older. If you wait to enroll after this period, you may not be able to get a Medigap policy and you might pay more.

When you’re shopping for a Medicare supplement policy, make sure to shop around and compare the rates and benefits of various plans from different insurers. You can also ask friends or family about their experiences with a particular insurance company.

You can use eHealth’s search tool to find the right Medicare supplement plan for you and your family. It uses the NAIC Medicare file to give you a complete view of the health insurance market and to provide you with all the important facts you need to decide on your coverage.

Medigap insurance is private and not government insurance, so it’s always a good idea to buy from an insurance agent you trust. It’s also a good idea to choose a company that has a history of financial strength and excellent customer service.

Choosing the right Medicare Supplement plan can be difficult, especially when you are considering the number of options that are available to you. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered before you can make the right choice for you and your family. Talking with family, friends and a trusted financial adviser is an important step in the process.

Once you’ve decided which plan is best for you, it’s time to get your application in. You can do so by going to your local health department or by visiting Medicare’s website.

You can also go to your State Health Insurance Assistance Program to get free, personalized assistance with your Medicare Supplement plan. SHIP counselors are licensed by the federal government to provide Medicare counseling services and can answer any questions you might have about a Medigap policy.

Your Medicare Supplement insurance policy is automatically renewed each year to make sure you are still covered, regardless of changes in your health status or age. The open enrollment period for your policy is the only time that companies must sell you a Medigap policy, even if you have a preexisting condition.

The best Medicare Supplement plan is one that offers you the most coverage, with the lowest out-of-pocket costs. We compared and ranked the best plans, taking into account price, discounts, geographic coverage, user experience and more.

Our top three Medicare Supplement plans offer comprehensive coverage that helps you avoid paying out of pocket for unexpected medical expenses. They include low deductibles and copayments, no network restrictions and no waiting periods for emergency care.