What Supplemental Plans Actually Do

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers about 80% of your medical expenses, but that still leaves you responsible for 20%—and there’s no cap on what that 20% could be. That’s where Medicare Supplemental plans (also called Medigap) come in. They’re designed to plug those gaps, helping pay for things like deductibles, co-insurance, and excess charges. Compared to Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap plans give you more freedom—you can see any doctor in the country who accepts Medicare.

The Rise and Fall of Plan F

For years, Plan F was the most comprehensive Medigap option out there. It offered “first-dollar coverage,” meaning that once you paid your monthly premium, you paid nothing out-of-pocket for Medicare-approved services. But in 2015, Congress passed MACRA (the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act), which phased out Plan F for anyone who became Medicare-eligible after January 1, 2020.

Why? Lawmakers were concerned that people with first-dollar coverage were going to the doctor more often than necessary, putting extra strain on the Medicare system. If you were already eligible before 2020, you can still buy Plan F—but for everyone else, it’s off the table.

Comparing Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N

Now, Plan G is the closest you’ll get to Plan F today. The only thing it doesn’t cover is the Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025. Aside from that, it provides nearly identical benefits.

Plan N is a more budget-friendly option, with a few trade-offs. You’ll pay small copays—up to $20 for doctor visits and $50 for ER visits—and it doesn’t cover what’s called “Part B excess charges.” These are pretty rare and only happen if your doctor charges more than Medicare’s approved amount.

If you’re relatively healthy and don’t mind some small copays, Plan N can be a smart, cost-saving alternative to Plan G.

Let’s Talk Numbers

Here’s what I’m seeing in the field: Plan F premiums have skyrocketed, partly because no new members are joining, leaving an aging pool of policyholders. Some folks are paying over $400 a month.

By contrast, Plan G averages between $150 and $180 per month, and Plan N comes in even lower—around $122, depending on your age, gender, and where you live.

I recently worked with a client who switched from Plan F to Plan G and saved over $850 a year—even after accounting for the Part B deductible.

Can You Switch? Yes—With a Catch

Good news: You can switch between Medigap plans at any time during the year. There’s no official “enrollment season” like there is with Medicare Advantage. But—and this is important—you’ll likely need to go through medical underwriting. That means answering 20 to 25 health-related questions (no physical exam), and depending on your answers, the insurer can deny your application.

If that happens, don’t worry—you can keep your current plan. There’s no risk in applying to switch.

Flexibility Is Why I Still Recommend Medigap

One of the biggest perks of Medigap plans is freedom. You don’t need referrals. You can see any doctor who accepts Medicare, anywhere in the U.S. That’s a huge deal for people who travel or spend half the year in a different state. These plans are also guaranteed renewable—they can’t drop you as long as you pay your premiums.

Do You Travel Abroad? Plan G and N Have You Covered

Here’s something most people don’t realize: Certain Medigap plans, including G and N, include up to $50,000 in foreign travel emergency coverage. Medicare itself doesn’t work overseas, so that benefit can come in handy. That said, I still recommend separate travel insurance if you’re heading abroad for an extended trip.

Bottom Line

Plan F had its moment, but for most people today, Plan G offers the best comprehensive coverage, and Plan N offers strong benefits at a lower price. If you’re still on Plan F and you’re eligible to switch, it’s worth exploring whether Plan G or N could save you money—just be sure to work with someone who understands the underwriting process.

As always, the right Medicare plan depends on your unique health, travel habits, and financial goals. I help people navigate this maze every day, and I’d be happy to help you too.

The post Medicare Plan F Is Gone. Here’s What You Need to Know About Plans G and N appeared first on ROI TV.

1. What Is the Medigap Open Enrollment Period?

The Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins the first month your Medicare Part B coverage starts and lasts for six months.

Why This Matters

• During this window, insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you higher premiums based on health conditions.
• After this period, you must medically qualify to enroll in a Medigap plan, which means answering health questions and risk being denied.

Once this window closes, your options become more limited—so timing is everything.

2. Benefits of Choosing a Medigap Policy

Medigap policies help cover out-of-pocket costs that Medicare doesn’t pay, such as deductibles and co-pays. Here’s why they’re a preferred option:

Low out-of-pocket costs – The only out-of-pocket cost with a Plan G Medigap policy is the $257 Part B deductible (2025).

No provider networks – Medigap works with any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare, offering flexibility and portability.

No referrals needed – Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, you don’t need a primary care doctor’s approval to see a specialist.

No pre-authorizations – You and your doctor decide on treatments, not the insurance company.

Lifetime coverage – As long as you keep paying your premium, your policy won’t be canceled.

3. When Should You Enroll in Medicare Part B?

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period depends on when you sign up for Medicare Part B. Here are the key enrollment periods:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

• Begins three months before your 65th birthday and lasts until three months after.
• Your Part B coverage starts on the first day of your birth month (unless you delay enrollment).

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

• For those covered by active employer health insurance, delaying Part B is penalty-free.
• Once employer coverage ends, you have 8 months to enroll in Part B and 6 months to enroll in Medigap without medical questions.

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

• Runs January 1 – March 31 each year.
• Coverage begins the following month, but late enrollment penalties may apply.

4. What Happens If You Miss the Medigap Open Enrollment Period?

After the six-month window, insurance companies can deny your application or charge higher premiums based on your health. Here’s what to expect:

Medical Underwriting – You must answer 30+ health questions and disclose current medications.

Risk of Denial – Carriers can reject your application based on pre-existing conditions.

Higher Premiums – If accepted, you may face higher monthly costs due to medical history.

If you don’t qualify for Medigap after missing your open enrollment period, your only alternative may be a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan—which comes with network restrictions, pre-authorizations, and higher out-of-pocket costs.

5. How to Avoid Medigap Enrollment Mistakes

Don’t Delay Signing Up for Part B – Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period depends on when your Part B coverage begins.

Work With an Independent Medicare Broker – Some agents may push Medicare Advantage plans for higher commissions. A trusted, independent broker will explain all options.

Verify Medigap Plan Options – Compare Plan G, Plan N, and high-deductible options to find the best fit for your health needs and budget.

Plan Ahead – If you’re delaying Medicare due to employer coverage, mark your calendar to enroll in Medigap as soon as you retire.

Final Thoughts: Secure Your Medigap Coverage While You Can

Missing your Medigap Open Enrollment Period could cost you thousands in out-of-pocket expenses or even leave you without coverage. If you’re approaching Medicare eligibility or leaving employer coverage, act fast to lock in affordable, comprehensive Medigap benefits without medical underwriting.

Have questions about your Medigap options? Comment below! I’d love to hear about your experience and help you navigate your Medicare choices.

The post Medigap Open Enrollment: Avoid These Costly Mistakes When Signing Up appeared first on ROI TV.

To simplify this process, here are five essential questions you should ask before enrolling in a Medicare plan.

1. Do You Have a Tight Monthly Budget?

For many, healthcare costs are a major concern in retirement. Understanding your budget will help you decide which Medicare plan best aligns with your financial situation.

• Medicare Part B: The 2025 Part B premium is $185 per month for single filers earning $106,000 or less and married couples earning $212,000 or less. Higher-income individuals pay additional surcharges.
• Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap): These plans have additional premiums but provide predictable costs.
  • Plan G: $150/month
  • Plan N: $120/month
  • Drug Plan (Part D): $25/month
  • Total estimated cost for Plan G: $360/month
  • Total estimated cost for Plan N: $330/month
• Medicare Advantage Plans: Many have low or $0 monthly premiums but require co-pays and out-of-pocket costs when services are used.

If predictability and budgeting are a priority, a Medigap plan might be better, whereas lower monthly costs favor Medicare Advantage.

2. How Much Financial Risk Can You Tolerate?

Understanding your comfort level with out-of-pocket medical expenses is essential when choosing a plan.

• Medicare Part B only: Unlimited out-of-pocket expenses, making it risky for those with frequent healthcare needs.
• Medigap Plans: Offer stable, predictable costs, with a Medicare Part B deductible of $257 in 2025.
• Medicare Advantage Plans: Have out-of-pocket maximums, but they vary:
  • HMO plans: $3,000 – $5,000 per year
  • PPO plans: $4,000 – $10,000 per year

If you prefer fixed costs over financial uncertainty, Medigap provides better protection. If you can manage higher out-of-pocket risk to save on premiums, Medicare Advantage may work for you.

3. Do You Want Permanent or Temporary Insurance?

Medicare plans differ in terms of contract duration and portability:

• Medigap (Medicare Supplement):
  Lifetime contract—your coverage cannot be canceled as long as you pay your premiums.
  Portable across the U.S., meaning you can receive care anywhere that accepts Medicare.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C):
  Annual contract—plans change yearly, and benefits are not guaranteed long-term.
  Service area restrictions—coverage is limited to specific geographic areas, and moving to another state may require enrolling in a new plan.

If you want long-term stability, Medigap is the better choice. If you’re comfortable reassessing your plan annually, Medicare Advantage may work.

4. Do You Want to Choose Your Own Doctors?

Doctor choice is a major factor in Medicare plan selection:

• Medigap (Medicare Supplement):
  Allows open access to any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare—no referrals required.
• Medicare Advantage:
  HMO Plans require you to stay in-network and get referrals for specialists.
  PPO Plans allow out-of-network care but at higher costs.

If you want the freedom to choose your doctor, Medigap is the better option. If you’re okay with network restrictions in exchange for lower costs, Medicare Advantage works.

5. Who Do You Want Making Your Healthcare Decisions?

Medicare plans differ in pre-authorization requirements:

• Medigap:
  No pre-authorization needed—as long as Medicare covers the service, you can receive care without additional approvals.
• Medicare Advantage:
  Requires pre-authorization for costly services (surgeries, specialist visits, MRIs, etc.), potentially causing delays or denials.

If you prefer direct access to healthcare decisions, Medigap is the way to go. If you’re comfortable having an insurance company approve certain treatments, Medicare Advantage could be suitable.

Making the Right Medicare Choice for You

Choosing between Medicare plans depends on your budget, risk tolerance, long-term goals, doctor preferences, and control over healthcare decisions. Here’s a quick summary to guide you:

Final Tip: If you prioritize flexibility, stability, and broad access to doctors, Medigap is the better choice. If you prefer lower monthly costs and can manage network limitations, Medicare Advantage may work.

Do you need help selecting the best Medicare plan for 2025? Share your questions below, and let’s navigate your options together!

The post How to Choose the Best Medicare Plan: 5 Key Questions for Smart Decision-Making appeared first on ROI TV.