Medigap Insurance in Arizona

Compare Medigap Insurance Plans

Quick answer: What is Medigap insurance in Arizona? Medigap insurance helps pay some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and certain deductibles. Arizona residents can compare Medigap plans to find a plan that fits their healthcare needs, budget, and desired level of financial protection.

Original Medicare provides great health care coverage, but it doesn’t cover 100% of medical expenses. You still pay deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, which can really add up. Medigap insurance, also called Medicare Supplement Insurance, can help pay some of those costs and make your healthcare spending easier to handle.

At Affordable Health Insurance, we guide Arizona residents through the Medicare Supplement options available to them and help them compare plans to match their healthcare needs, budget and coverage preferences. Ready to dig into the options? Compare the best Medigap plans in Arizona.

What Is Medigap Insurance?

Medigap insurance is private insurance designed to supplement Original Medicare Part A and Part B. It helps pay for some of the costs Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like certain deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

In most states, Medicare Supplement plans are standardized and given letter names such as Plan A, Plan G, and Plan N. Plans with the same letter tend to offer the same standardized benefits no matter which insurance company sells them, but premiums can differ from insurer to insurer.

The right policy is about more than the monthly premium. Other factors to consider include your healthcare needs, expected medical use, travel habits, and desired level of cost protection. Not sure where to start? See our overview of Medicare insurance options in Arizona, or look up unfamiliar terms in our Medicare glossary.

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What Does Medigap Insurance Cover?

Your coverage depends on the Medigap plan you choose. Benefits may help with:

Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance
Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments
Medicare Part A deductible
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
Hospice care coinsurance or copayments
The first three pints of blood used for an approved medical procedure
Medicare Part B excess charges under qualifying plans
Foreign travel emergency healthcare under certain plans

Because each standardized plan offers a different mix of benefits, comparing your available options can help you choose coverage that meets your priorities. See how Plan G, Plan N and Plan F compare.

Why Consider Medigap Insurance?

Greater predictability in managing healthcare expenses is one of the main reasons people choose Medigap. Original Medicare has no standard annual out-of-pocket maximum, so depending on how often you need medical services, your share of Medicare-approved expenses can become a real expense.

Reduce Unexpected Medical Expenses

Some plans cover many of the deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance you would otherwise have to pay yourself.

Keep the Flexibility of Original Medicare

Medigap helps pay for costs Original Medicare leaves behind. In general, you can keep seeing any health care provider in the United States who accepts Medicare.

Make Healthcare Costs Easier to Plan

If you visit the doctor regularly or anticipate needing hospital services, supplemental coverage can make your medical expenses more predictable.

Receive Additional Travel Protection

Certain Medigap plans offer limited coverage for qualifying emergency medical treatment you receive outside the U.S.

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

Medigap and Medicare Advantage are two different kinds of Medicare coverage.

Medigap is a supplement to Original Medicare that helps cover some of the out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Advantage (sometimes called Medicare Part C) is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company.

Medigap policies don’t cover costs for Medicare Advantage plans. If you’re looking at both, it’s good to know how premiums, access to providers, prescription coverage, extra benefits and out-of-pocket costs compare before you make your choice. Learn more in our guide to Medicare Advantage insurance plans.

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Older husband and wife planning their Medicare coverage

When Should You Buy Medigap Insurance?

For most people, the best time to buy Medigap insurance is during the six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which typically starts when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.

In general, you have stronger federal protections when you buy a Medigap policy during this period. If you apply later, you may be subject to medical underwriting where guaranteed-issue protections do not apply.

Medigap eligibility and availability can differ depending on your situation and state regulations, so it’s important to review your options at the right time.

Find the Right Medigap Insurance in Arizona

Picking a Medicare plan doesn’t have to be difficult. Affordable Health Insurance helps Arizona residents compare and better understand the differences between available Medicare options. We want to help you choose coverage based on what matters most to you in your healthcare, not just because a policy has the lowest premium.

If you are nearing Medicare eligibility, already enrolled in Original Medicare, or considering changing your current supplemental coverage, our team can help you explore your options. Browse more health insurance options in Arizona, or compare the best Medigap plans in Arizona. Learn about our agency or meet our team.

Related Medicare Resources

Keep exploring your Medicare options with these helpful pages and guides.

Best Medigap Plans in Arizona

Compare Plan G, Plan N and Plan F side by side. Compare the plans →

Medigap Plans Guide

A complete guide to the best Medigap plans and how to choose. Read the guide →

Best Medicare Advantage Plan in Arizona

Weighing Medigap against Medicare Advantage? Start here. Compare Advantage plans →

Serving Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler and communities across Arizona. See best Medicare plans in Mesa, all locations, or go back to the home page.

Compare Medigap Insurance Options in Arizona

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Frequently Asked Questions About Medigap Insurance

Is Medigap the same as Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Yes. Medicare Supplement Insurance is also known as Medigap. These policies are offered by private insurance companies to help pay for some of the costs not covered by Original Medicare.

Do I need Medicare Part A and Part B to buy Medigap?

Yes, as a rule. You must be enrolled in Original Medicare Part A and Part B before you can buy a Medigap policy.

Does Medigap include prescription drug coverage?

No. Medigap plans sold today do not cover prescription drugs. If you need this coverage, you might want to pick a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. When building your Medicare coverage, think about both your medical and prescription needs.

Can I have Medicare Advantage and Medigap at the same time?

Medigap is intended to fill in some of the gaps in coverage left by Original Medicare, and it cannot be used to pay for deductibles, copayments or coinsurance related to Medicare Advantage plans.

Does Medigap cover dental and vision care?

In general, Medigap does not pay for routine dental care, routine vision services, hearing aids, eyeglasses, or long-term care. Some of these services may have separate insurance options available. See our dental insurance plans in Arizona and other insurance options.

Which Medigap plan is best?

There is no single best plan for all. What’s right for you depends on your budget, expected healthcare needs, desired level of coverage and the policies available in your area. Compare Plan G, Plan N and Plan F.

Does Medigap insurance cover hospital costs in Arizona?

Yes. Depending on the Medigap plan you choose, coverage may help with Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance and other approved out-of-pocket costs. This can be useful if you want more predictable health care costs when you need inpatient care. The specific benefits depend on the standardized plan you choose.

Does Medigap cover doctor's visits?

After Original Medicare pays its portion, Medigap may cover Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments. The level of support varies by plan, so it’s important to look at benefits and not just pick a policy based on the monthly premium.

Where can I use Medigap insurance?

Medigap usually works with Original Medicare, so you can generally use any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. This can be useful for Arizona residents who travel frequently or live part-time in another state.

Does Medigap insurance cover emergency care when traveling abroad?

Some Medigap plans include foreign travel emergency benefits. These benefits often have specific conditions, limitations, and cost-sharing requirements. If you travel internationally, make sure the plan you are considering includes this benefit and read the coverage details carefully.

Does Medigap insurance have a monthly premium?

Yes. Medigap policies usually require a monthly premium in addition to your Medicare Part B premium. The cost varies based on the insurance company, plan type, your location, how your age is calculated, and other factors allowed by state and federal guidelines. Looking at a range of options helps you see what value each plan can bring.

Can I switch Medigap plans later?

You might be able to buy another Medigap policy in the future, but your choices may be limited based on your situation. Outside certain protected enrollment situations, an insurance company may be permitted to use medical underwriting, so changing plans later may not be as simple as it is during your initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period.