Original Medicare pays for many, but not all, health care services and supplies. A Medicare Supplement Insurance policy, sold by private companies, can help pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Medicare Supplement Insurance policies are also called Medigap policies.

Every Medigap policy must follow Federal and State laws designed to protect you, and it must be clearly identified as “Medicare Supplement Insurance.” Insurance companies can sell you only a “standardized” policy identified in most states by letters A–N. All policies offer the same basic benefits but some offer additional benefits, so you can choose which one meets your needs.

Different insurance companies may charge different premiums for the same exact policy. As you shop for a policy, be sure you’re comparing the same policy (for example, compare Plan F from one company with Plan F from another company).