Identify Coverage Gaps
2-3 hoursReview what your primary insurance does not cover: Medicare copays/deductibles, critical illness lump sums, accident medical, or hospital indemnity.
Intermediate3-7 days
Supplemental Insurance Guide
Free step-by-step supplemental insurance for Medicare enrollees. Plan supplemental insurance with calculators and checklists covering identify coverage gaps.
Medicare enrolleesemployees with HDHPfamilies seeking gap coverage
Workflow
Compare Supplement Types
2-4 hoursEvaluate Medigap (Plans F, G, N), Medicare Advantage vs Original, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity policies.
Calculate Value
2-3 hoursCompare supplemental premiums against expected out-of-pocket costs and worst-case scenarios without supplement.
Enroll and Coordinate
1-2 daysEnroll during Medigap open enrollment (6 months after Part B) for guaranteed issue. Coordinate with HSA rules if on HDHP.
Tools Used
- Health Insurance Cost-Sharing CalculatorPrimary
Compare Medicare supplement plan costs and coverage. · Model out-of-pocket costs with and without supplemental.
- Medical Bill Calculator: Cost Share and EOB CheckSupporting
Estimate worst-case medical bills under Original Medicare alone.
- HSA CalculatorSupporting
Verify HSA eligibility with chosen supplemental plan.
- Budget CalculatorReference
Budget supplemental premiums in retirement healthcare costs.
Checklist
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Assessment
Comparison
Timing
Taxes
Finance
Shopping
Reference Materials
Medigap Plan ComparisonTable
Standardized Medigap plans and what each covers.
| Plan | Part A Deduct | Part B Coinsurance | Part B Deduct | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | Yes | Yes | No | $100-$200 |
| Plan N | Yes | Most* | No | $80-$150 |
| Plan F (closed) | Yes | Yes | Yes | $120-$220 |
| None (Original only) | No | No | No | $0 + 20% coinsurance |
Medigap Open EnrollmentStandard
6-month window starting when you turn 65 and enroll in Part B. Guaranteed issue — no medical underwriting. Missing this window means insurers can deny coverage or charge more based on health.
Medigap Open Enrollment Is Critical
The 6-month window after Part B enrollment is your only guaranteed-issue period — missing it can mean denial for pre-existing conditions.
Plan G Is the Sweet Spot
Plan G covers everything Plan F did except Part B deductible ($240/year) — usually cheaper overall than Plan F.
Use SHIP Free Counseling
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) offer free unbiased Medicare counseling — call 877-839-2675.
Safety Notes
- Beware Medicare scam calls during open enrollment — never give Medicare number to unsolicited callers.
- Medicare Advantage and Medigap are mutually exclusive — understand what you are giving up when switching.