Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Original Medicare leaves you with significant out-of-pocket exposure — no annual maximum. A Medigap policy fills those gaps, covering your share of coinsurance, copays, and deductibles so your costs become predictable.
Prefer help? Let an agent handle it for you →
What You Need to Know
Four essential facts about how Medigap works.
Standardized Plans
Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government — Plan G from one company offers the same core benefits as Plan G from another. The difference is price and service.
Best Time to Buy
Your Open Enrollment Period (OEP) starts the month you turn 65 AND are enrolled in Part B. During this 6-month window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more based on health.
No Network Restrictions
Medigap works with Original Medicare — any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare accepts your Medigap coverage. No referrals, no networks, nationwide coverage.
Does Not Include Drug Coverage
Medigap does not include Part D prescription drug coverage. You must enroll in a separate Part D plan if you want drug coverage.
What Medigap Can Cover
The exact benefits depend on which lettered plan you choose. All standardized plans cover the first four items below.
Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
Covers your share of costs for extended hospital stays.
Part B coinsurance or copayment
Pays the 20% you owe for doctor visits and outpatient services.
Part A hospice care coinsurance
Covers your cost share for hospice care.
First 3 pints of blood
Covers blood costs not paid by Original Medicare.
Part A deductible
Covers the per-benefit-period hospital deductible (plans vary).
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
Covers days 21–100 of a skilled nursing stay (plans vary).
Foreign travel emergency
80% of emergency care costs outside the U.S. up to plan limits (plans vary).
Plan G vs Plan N vs Plan A
Plan G is the most comprehensive plan available to new Medicare beneficiaries and the most popular in NJ. Plan N offers lower premiums with some copays.
| Benefit | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance & hospital costs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part B coinsurance/copay | ✓ | Copays up to $20–$50 |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part A hospice coinsurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part A deductible | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part B deductible | ✗ | ✗ |
| Part B excess charges | ✓ | ✗ |
| Foreign travel emergency (80%) | ✓ | ✓ |
Our recommendation for most NJ beneficiaries: Plan G offers the most complete coverage and eliminates nearly all out-of-pocket exposure after the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2025). Plan N works well if you're healthy and want lower premiums and can absorb occasional $20–$50 copays.
When to Buy Medigap
Timing is everything — guaranteed issue rights protect you from medical underwriting.
Best Time: Medigap Open Enrollment
You have a 6-month open enrollment period that begins the month you are both age 65 and enrolled in Part B. During this time, insurers cannot reject you, charge more, or impose waiting periods based on pre-existing conditions.
After Open Enrollment
Insurers can use medical underwriting to deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health history — except in states with additional protections. NJ has additional consumer protections, so speak with a local advisor.
Explore Other Medicare Parts
Compare Medigap Plans in New Jersey
A licensed NJ Medicare advisor will compare Plan G, N, and other Medigap options from every carrier available in your area — always free, no obligation.