Medicare Supplement Insurance

Medicare Pays a Lot. Just Not Everything

Medicare Part A covers hospital care and Part B covers outpatient services, but neither covers everything. Part B pays only 80 percent of approved charges with no annual cap on what you owe, and the Part A deductible exceeds $1,700 per stay in 2026. Medigap plans fill those gaps. They are sold by private insurers but standardized by the federal government, so the same plan letter offers the same coverage from any carrier.

Already have coverage and considering a fall change? The annual Medicare enrollment season does not by itself guarantee acceptance into a new supplement. Review the switching checklist before ending your current policy.

On Medicare before 65 because of a disability or ESRD? Eligibility for Medicare is not the same as a right to buy a supplement, and Arizona's official guidance describes under-65 options as limited. Our under-65 guide separates the legal right, actual insurer availability and the window that still opens at 65.

How the Plans Differ

Plans are labeled A through N. Plan G is the most popular choice because it covers nearly all gaps except the small Part B deductible. Plan N trades a slightly lower premium for modest copays at office visits. Other letters cover narrower slices, and some are no longer sold to new enrollees. We walk you through every plan available in Arizona, compare premiums across the strongest carriers, and lock in coverage during the window when carriers must accept you regardless of health.

Why It Matters

A single hospital stay can produce thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs without a Medigap policy. The right plan caps that exposure for a predictable monthly premium. Timing matters more than almost anything else in this decision, and the right choice today is much cheaper than fixing it later.

Is a Medigap Plan Right for You?

If you are on Medicare or approaching 65, these are the situations where a supplement pays for itself.

• People Turning 65. Your initial enrollment period is the best time to lock in coverage at the lowest rates with no health questions.
• Retirees on Fixed Income. Unexpected medical costs can disrupt a retirement budget. Medigap caps your out-of-pocket exposure.
• People with Chronic Conditions. Frequent doctor visits, specialist care, and ongoing treatment make the 20 percent Part B gap expensive fast.
• Snowbirds and Travelers. Ordinary non-SELECT Medigap generally follows Original Medicare nationwide for its covered share of costs. Confirm provider acceptance and any Medicare SELECT network requirements before planning routine care in two states.

Your Next Step

Start with a free consultation. If you would rather hear the whole estate and retirement picture first, our free in-person seminars in Phoenix and Tucson cover how this fits with the rest of a plan.