What Is Medigap Plan B? What You Need to Know

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Medigap Plan B is a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan that helps cover certain out-of-pocket expenses that remain after Medicare Part A and Part B pay for services. Plan B covers the basic benefits common to all Medigap plans, plus one: the Medicare Part A deductible.

» MORE: Best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies

Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medigap plans

How it works

Medigap plans help pay for the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, including copays, coinsurance and deductibles. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can’t also buy a Medigap plan.

There are 10 standardized Medigap plans available in most states (except Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin, which use different standards). The plans differ in terms of coverage for services, out-of-pocket limits and premium costs.

What Medigap Plan B covers

Here’s what Medigap Plan B covers, according to Medicare.gov:

Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up.
Part A deductible.
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment.
Part B coinsurance or copayment.
Blood transfusion (first three pints).

What Medigap Plan B doesn’t cover

Here are the benefits Medigap Plan B doesn’t cover that are included in some other plans:

Part B excess charges (if a provider is permitted to charge more than Medicare’s approved amount and does so).
Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance.
Emergency care during travel outside the U.S.

Additionally, all Medigap plans, including Plan B, sold to new Medicare members don’t cover the following:

Part B deductible (since 2020, new Medicare members can’t buy any plan that covers the Part B deductible, although existing members may own older plans that do).
Prescription drugs.
Long-term care (like non-skilled care you get in a nursing home).
Dental care.
Vision care.
Private-duty nursing.

Shopping for Medigap plans? We have you covered.

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT, or Medigap, is private health insurance that covers “gaps” in traditional Medicare coverage. Compare options from our Medigap roundup.
Best for Medigap plan options AARP/UnitedHealthcare	Best for member satisfaction State Farm
Best for premium discounts Mutual of Omaha	Best for extra benefits Anthem

How much does Medigap Plan B cost?

The government regulates Medigap plans, but you buy your plan from a private health insurance company, which sets the price you pay. Prices vary as a result of factors such as age, location and tobacco use.

In Atlanta, a metro area with average costs for Medigap policies, monthly Medigap Plan B premiums for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker range from $152 to $316.

🤓Nerdy Tip

A $152 Medigap Plan B policy has the same standardized Medicare coverage as one that costs $316. Companies may add on extra perks like discounted gym memberships, but the core Medicare benefits are the same, so go ahead and compare based on price.

» MORE: How much does a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan cost?

For the smoothest enrollment experience and lowest prices, sign up for a Medigap plan during your Medigap open enrollment period.

This period happens only once. It starts once you’re 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B, and lasts for six months. (If you're still working after 65 and covered by a group employer plan that is deemed creditable coverage, your six-month period starts after you’ve ended active employment or no longer have that insurance.)

Medigap policies are cheapest and easiest to get during this open enrollment period because insurance companies aren’t allowed to factor your health or medical history into your price. After the period ends, the prices may go up or you may be denied coverage due to your health status or medical history.

In some states, insurance companies sell Medigap plans to those under 65 who are living with a disability and are eligible for Medicare. You can find more information through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP.

If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).

Compare alternative plans

Get details on Medicare Supplement Insurance options
Coverage	Medigap Plan
Basic benefits	Medigap Plan A.
Basics plus some extras	Medigap Plan B. Medigap Plan M.
Highest coverage	Medigap Plan D. Medigap Plan G.
Lower premiums, but higher copays	Medigap Plan N.
Lowest premiums — partial coverage	Medigap Plan K. Medigap Plan L.
No longer for sale to new Medicare members	Medigap Plan C. Medigap Plan F.