Medigap plans explained by letter → The Lezen Blog

Choosing the right Medicare supplement plan can feel confusing, especially when you see options labeled with letters like Plan A, Plan G, or Plan N. These are known as Medigap plans, and each letter represents a standardized level of coverage designed to help fill the gaps left by Original Medicare.

In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we’ll explain Medigap plans by letter, how they work, what they cover, and how to choose the best one for your needs in the United States.

What is Medigap?

Medigap is supplemental health insurance that helps cover costs not paid by Original Medicare, such as:

Copayments
Coinsurance
Deductibles

It is offered by private insurance companies but regulated by the federal government.

Medigap works alongside:

Medicare Part A (hospital coverage)
Medicare Part B (doctor visits and outpatient care)

Why Do You Need Medigap?

Original Medicare doesn’t cover all healthcare expenses. Without supplemental coverage, you may face significant out-of-pocket costs.

Key Benefits of Medigap:

Predictable healthcare costs
Nationwide coverage (any provider accepting Medicare)
No network restrictions
Peace of mind for retirees

How Medigap Plans Work

Medigap plans are standardized and identified by letters: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N.

Important Notes:

Each plan offers the same benefits regardless of insurer
Only the price differs between companies
Plans with the same letter provide identical coverage

Medigap Plans Explained by Letter

Let’s break down each plan:

Plan A (Basic Coverage)

Plan A is the most basic Medigap plan and includes:

Medicare Part A coinsurance
Medicare Part B coinsurance
First 3 pints of blood

Best for: Those looking for minimal coverage at a lower cost.

Plan B

Includes everything in Plan A plus:

Medicare Part A deductible

Best for: Individuals who want slightly more coverage than Plan A.

Plan C (Limited Availability)

Includes:

Part A deductible
Part B deductible
Skilled nursing care coinsurance
Emergency foreign travel coverage

⚠️ Note: Plan C is not available to people newly eligible for Medicare after 2020.

Plan D

Covers:

Everything in Plan A
Part A deductible
Skilled nursing facility care
Foreign travel emergency

Best for: Balanced coverage without paying for Part B deductible.

Plan F (Most Comprehensive)

Plan F offers the highest level of coverage:

Covers all Medicare deductibles and coinsurance
No out-of-pocket costs for covered services

⚠️ Note: Not available to new Medicare enrollees after 2020.

Best for: Those who want maximum coverage and minimal expenses.

Plan G (Most Popular in 2026)

Plan G is similar to Plan F but does not cover the Part B deductible.

Benefits:

Comprehensive coverage
Lower premiums than Plan F
Widely available

Best for: Most Medicare beneficiaries seeking strong coverage.

Plan K (Cost-Sharing Plan)

Plan K covers a percentage of costs:

50% of many services
Annual out-of-pocket limit

Best for: Budget-conscious individuals willing to share costs.

Plan L

Similar to Plan K but with higher coverage:

Covers 75% of costs
Lower out-of-pocket limit than Plan K

Best for: Those wanting moderate cost-sharing with protection.

Plan M

Plan M covers:

50% of Part A deductible
Full coverage for most other services

Best for: Lower premiums with partial deductible coverage.

Plan N (Affordable and Popular)

Plan N offers:

Lower premiums
Small copayments for doctor visits and ER visits

Best for: Healthy individuals who don’t mind small out-of-pocket costs.

Medigap Coverage Comparison Table

Plan	Basic Benefits	Part A Deductible	Part B Deductible	Out-of-Pocket Limit
A	Yes	No	No	No
B	Yes	Yes	No	No
C	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
D	Yes	Yes	No	No
F	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
G	Yes	Yes	No	No
K	Partial	Partial	No	Yes
L	Partial	Partial	No	Yes
M	Yes	50%	No	No
N	Yes	Yes	No	No

Which Medigap Plan is Best in 2026?

The best plan depends on your needs and budget.

How Much Do Medigap Plans Cost?

Costs vary based on:

Age
Location
Insurance company
Plan type

Average Monthly Premiums:

Plan G: $100–$300
Plan N: $80–$250
Plan K/L: $50–$150

When to Enroll in Medigap

The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts when you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B.

Benefits of Enrolling Early:

Guaranteed acceptance
No medical underwriting
Lower premiums

What Medigap Does Not Cover

Medigap does not cover:

Prescription drugs
Dental or vision care
Long-term care
Hearing aids

For prescription coverage, you need Medicare Part D.

Medigap vs Medicare Advantage

Feature	Medigap	Medicare Advantage
Provider Choice	Nationwide	Network-based
Out-of-Pocket Costs	Lower	Varies
Flexibility	High	Limited
Extra Benefits	No	Yes (dental, vision)

Tips for Choosing the Right Plan

Assess your healthcare needs
Compare premiums vs coverage
Consider future medical expenses
Check insurer reputation
Review annual changes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing based only on premium
Ignoring coverage details
Missing enrollment period
Not comparing multiple insurers

Real-Life Example

A retiree chooses Plan G for comprehensive coverage. While they pay a slightly higher premium, they avoid most out-of-pocket costs, making budgeting easier and healthcare more predictable.

Final Thoughts

Medigap plans offer valuable protection against the gaps in Medicare coverage. Understanding each plan by letter helps you make a confident and informed decision.

Conclusion

Medigap plans explained by letter may seem complex at first, but they are designed to simplify your choices. Whether you prefer comprehensive coverage like Plan G or lower premiums with Plan N, there is an option to suit your needs.

By understanding how each plan works and comparing your options, you can secure the right coverage for your healthcare and financial future in the United States.

Take the time to evaluate your needs and enroll at the right time—your health and peace of mind are worth it. 💙

Medigap plans explained by letter