What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Medicare Supplement insurance (also called Medigap) is private insurance that helps pay for some of the healthcare costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. These standardized plans work alongside Original Medicare to provide comprehensive coverage.
Key Medicare Supplement Benefits
- Works with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare
- No network restrictions or referrals needed
- Predictable healthcare costs with comprehensive coverage
- Guaranteed renewable as long as you pay premiums
- Standardized plans - same benefits from any insurance company
- Coverage travels with you anywhere in the US
Popular Medicare Supplement Plans in Illinois
Plan G (Most Popular)
Covers all Medicare gaps except the Part B deductible ($257 in 2025). Excellent comprehensive coverage with predictable costs.
Best for: People who want comprehensive coverage with one small annual deductible.
Plan N (Budget-Friendly)
Covers most Medicare gaps with small copays for doctor visits ($20) and emergency room visits ($50). Lower premiums than Plan G.
Best for: Healthy individuals who don't mind small copays in exchange for lower premiums.
Plan F (Grandfathered)
Available only to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Covers all Medicare gaps with no deductibles or copays.
Best for: Those eligible who want first-dollar coverage with no out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare Supplement Coverage Comparison
| What It Covers | Plan F* | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A deductible | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part A coinsurance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part B deductible | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Part B coinsurance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓** |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Foreign travel emergency | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
*Plan F only available to those eligible for Medicare before 1/1/2020
**Plan N has $20 copay for office visits, $50 copay for ER visits
Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage
While Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement works alongside it. Here's when Medigap might be right for you:
- You want to keep your current doctors
- You travel frequently and need nationwide coverage
- You prefer predictable healthcare costs
- You don't want network restrictions
- You value comprehensive coverage
Top Medicare Supplement Companies in Illinois
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois - Local favorite with competitive rates
- UnitedHealthcare (AARP) - Strong nationwide presence
- Mutual of Omaha - Excellent customer service and stability
- Humana - Competitive pricing and good coverage
- Cigna - Growing presence in Illinois market
When Can You Enroll?
Medigap Open Enrollment Period: 6 months starting when you first enroll in Medicare Part B at age 65 or older. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights - no medical underwriting.
Special Circumstances: Limited situations allow guaranteed issue rights outside the open enrollment period.
Important: You'll Also Need Part D
Medicare Supplement plans don't include prescription drug coverage. You'll need a separate Medicare Part D plan for prescription drugs.