Many seniors choose a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan to create peace of mind and a smoother path through their healthcare journey. These plans remove many of the frustrations people face with other coverage—like doctor networks, referrals, or prior authorizations—so you can focus on your health, not on red tape.

A Medicare Supplement is a secondary policy sold by private insurance companies that works alongside your Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical). After Medicare pays its share, your Medigap plan steps in to cover some or all of the deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that would normally come out of your pocket. Some plans even include wellness perks like free gym memberships to help you stay active.

How Medicare Supplement Plans Work

• No networks. As long as your doctor or hospital accepts Medicare, your Supplement will be accepted too—anywhere in the U.S.

• No referrals or pre-approvals. You decide which providers you see without worrying about barriers.

• Standardized coverage. The government requires each Medigap plan (A, B, C, D, F, G, K–N) to offer the same benefits no matter which company you choose. The only difference is price and rate stability.

• Predictable costs. By filling in Medicare’s gaps, Medigap reduces or even eliminates surprise medical bills.

Note: Plans C and F are only available if you qualified for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you already have one, you can keep it.

Enrollment and Eligibility

• Initial Enrollment (Guarantee Issue): You have a 6-month window when you first enroll in Part B or turn 65. During this time, you can get a Medigap plan with no health questions asked.

• After the 6-month window: You can still apply anytime, but you’ll usually go through underwriting (answering health questions). Based on your health, you may be charged more or even denied.

• Employer/Retiree Coverage: If you already have retiree or group coverage, it may act as a Supplement. But if you lose that coverage, you’ll have 63 days to enroll in a Medigap plan without underwriting.

Medicare Supplement for People Under 65

Medicare isn’t just for those turning 65—many younger adults qualify due to disability. Rules for getting a Medigap plan under age 65 vary by state. For example, in Kentucky (as of January 1, 2024), people under 65 on Medicare for disability now have the same enrollment rights as those 65 and older.

At Imagine Insurance Advisors, we have years of experience working with this community and have built strong partnerships with local organizations who serve Medicare beneficiaries under 65. That means we understand the unique challenges you face and can help you find the best fit for your needs.

Choosing the Right Plan and Company

While benefits are standardized, companies set their own premiums and raise rates differently. Every Medigap plan will see annual increases due to rising Medicare deductibles and healthcare costs. That’s why choosing a stable company is just as important as choosing your plan type.

If you pick a company with unstable rates and later face a serious health diagnosis, you may not qualify to switch plans due to underwriting. We carefully evaluate companies for long-term rate stability, competitive pricing, and financial strength before recommending them.

What Medigap Does Not Cover

Medicare Supplements only cover what Original Medicare covers. They do not include:

• Long-term care

• Routine dental, vision, or hearing

• Prescription drug coverage (Part D plan needed separately)

Some Medigap policies do offer limited foreign travel emergency coverage, but it’s capped and may not be enough for extended or serious care abroad.

Local Guidance You Can Trust

At Louisville City Insurance, we’ve helped countless seniors in our community choose the right Medicare Supplement plan and company. We review plans regularly to make sure they continue to meet your needs, and we take the time to explain your options in plain language.

Whether you’re turning 65, already on Medicare, or under 65 with a disability, our local team is ready to guide you—by phone, in-person, or even from the comfort of your own home.

Call us today to schedule a no-obligation Medicare Supplement review.