What is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan?
Medicare Supplement plans (also called Medigap) are designed to help pay for costs that Original Medicare doesn’t fully cover, like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
Since Medicare only covers about 80% of your Part B expenses, a Supplement plan helps cover the remaining 20%, so you’re not caught off guard by medical bills.
Why Add a Medigap Plan to Original Medicare?
Many people are surprised to learn that Medicare only pays 80% of their Part B costs, leaving them responsible for the remaining 20%. Those uncovered expenses can add up quickly, especially with regular doctor visits, outpatient procedures, or unexpected care.
A Medicare Supplement plan gives you peace of mind knowing you’re better protected from surprise bills and can budget more confidently.
What Are the Benefits of a Medicare Supplement Plan?
- Choose your own doctors and hospitals — no network restrictions
- Predictable out-of-pocket costs for covered services
- Nationwide coverage, even when traveling
- No referrals needed to see a specialist
- Guaranteed renewable – even if your health changes
- Automatic claims processing through Medicare
Here are a few things
Medicare Supplement plans don't include
Plans That Aren't Medigap
- Medicare Advantage Plans
- Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
- Medicaid
- Veterans' Benefits
- Long-Term Care Insurance
Services Not Covered
- Long-term care
- Routine dental or vision
- Hearing aids and eyeglasses
- Private-duty nursing
Other Things to Know About Medicare Supplement Plans in Nebraska
- You must have Medicare Parts A and B to enroll in a Medigap plan.
- Plan benefits are standardized — a Plan G from one company covers the same as Plan G from another.
- Premiums may vary, so it pays to shop around.
- Medigap policies only cover one person — each spouse must enroll separately.
- Prescription drug coverage (Part D) is not included, but you can pair it with any Part D plan.
- Enrolling during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period gives you the best chance at lower pricing and full coverage eligibility.