Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers a lot, but it leaves you responsible for deductibles, coinsurance, and copays — with no annual cap on what you could owe. Medicare Supplement insurance, or Medigap, is private coverage that pays many of those out-of-pocket costs, turning unpredictable medical bills into predictable premiums. Because Medigap plans are federally standardized by letter, the benefits of a given plan are identical between carriers — so price and company stability are what differ. Maru helps Washington and Florida beneficiaries compare Medigap the right way.
How Medigap fits with Medicare
| Part / plan | What it does |
|---|---|
| Part A | Hospital/inpatient coverage |
| Part B | Doctor visits and outpatient care |
| Part D | Prescription drug coverage (separate) |
| Medigap (Supplement) | Pays Original Medicare's deductibles, copays, coinsurance |
| Medicare Advantage (Part C) | An alternative that bundles A, B, often D — different model |
Note: you generally cannot use a Medigap policy with a Medicare Advantage plan — they're two different paths. We'll explain the trade-offs so you choose the one that fits.
Timing is everything
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the six months starting when you're 65 and enrolled in Part B — is the golden window: during it, you have a guaranteed right to buy any Medigap plan regardless of health, with no medical underwriting. Miss it, and in most cases insurers can screen your health and decline or surcharge you. We make sure you understand this window so you don't accidentally forfeit guaranteed access to the plan you want.
Washington and Florida notes
Washington is unusually consumer-friendly: it allows Medigap enrollees to change plans with guaranteed acceptance during a birthday-month window each year — a valuable right to re-shop as prices change. Florida's large Medicare population means abundant plan choices but also aggressive marketing; independent, pressure-free guidance matters. In both states we compare standardized plans across carriers on price and stability, and coordinate a Part D drug plan so your whole Medicare picture works together.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
Are Medigap plans the same between insurers?
When should I enroll in a Medigap plan?
Can I switch Medigap plans later?
Licensed independent insurance agent · WA & FL
Written and reviewed by a licensed Maru advisor. Maru Insurance is an independent agency (License #22261820) representing multiple A-rated carriers across Washington and Florida.
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