Medicare Supplement (Medigap) guidance
Medicare Supplement (Medigap), planned with confidence.
Understand Original Medicare with Medigap, Medicare Advantage and Part D. Start with SSGI guidance, then request a verified secure application link when you're ready.
Need an enrollment link for Medicare?
Request the right secure enrollment link for your coverage. We'll confirm the appropriate destination and send it to you; the application is completed there. Advisor help is optional.
General inquiries only by email or phone. Do not send private benefits records. For benefits service, use SSGI One. Access help · Privacy
Medicare paths
Compare the paths before you enroll
- Original + Medigap
- Advantage
- Part D
Three paths shape most Medicare coverage decisions.
Original Medicare + Medigap, Medicare Advantage, or Part D
Most people choose how to receive Medicare benefits between two main paths — Original Medicare with a Medigap policy, or Medicare Advantage — and add Part D for prescriptions. Each balances cost, flexibility, and coverage differently.
Original Medicare + Medigap
Keep Original Medicare and add a Medigap policy to help with out-of-pocket costs, plus a standalone Part D plan for prescriptions.
- See any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.
- Add Medigap to help with copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.
- Add Part D for prescription drug coverage.
- Generally no network restrictions for covered services.
Medicare Advantage
Receive Medicare benefits through a private plan that bundles Parts A and B, usually with Part D included.
- Bundles hospital, medical, and often drug coverage in one plan.
- Often includes extras like dental, vision, or wellness.
- Typically uses networks, referrals, and prior authorization.
- Cannot be combined with a Medigap policy.
Part D (Prescription drugs)
Standalone prescription drug coverage you can add to Original Medicare when you don't get drug coverage another way.
- Covers prescription drugs not included in Original Medicare.
- Add it to Original Medicare or get it through many Advantage plans.
- Formularies, tiers, and costs vary by plan.
- Timing matters to avoid late-enrollment penalties.
Understanding the parts
Medicare is made up of several parts. Knowing what each covers helps you compare Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Supplement options.
Medicare Part A (Hospital)
Helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and limited home health care. Most people get premium-free Part A based on work history.
Medicare Part B (Medical)
Helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and some medical equipment. Part B requires a monthly premium for most people.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Private plans that bundle Part A and Part B — and usually Part D — often with extra benefits like dental, vision, or wellness programs. Rules and networks vary by plan.
Medicare Part D (Prescription drugs)
Standalone prescription drug coverage you can add to Original Medicare, or included in many Medicare Advantage plans. Formularies and costs differ by plan.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Private policies that help pay some of the costs Original Medicare doesn't cover — like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap works with Original Medicare, not Advantage.
Key enrollment periods
Timing affects your options and can affect costs. These are the periods that matter most.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Usually a 7-month window around your 65th birthday. People eligible because of disability or certain conditions can have different timing. Confirm when your own eligibility begins.
General Enrollment Period
January 1–March 31 each year for Part B or premium-Part A if you missed your initial enrollment and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Coverage generally starts the following month; late penalties may apply.
Open Enrollment (Annual Election)
October 15–December 7 each year for Medicare Advantage and Part D plan changes for the following year. This is not the Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
January 1–March 31, only if you already have a Medicare Advantage plan. You can switch Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare and add a separate Part D plan. This is not a general window to join Advantage from Original Medicare.
A qualifying life or coverage change may give you a Special Enrollment Period. Before delaying Part B or changing an employer plan, check which rules apply to your coverage and circumstances.
Medigap has its own enrollment window
Under federal law, your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts the first month you have Part B and are 65 or older. It does not repeat each year. During this period, insurers cannot use medical underwriting to deny a policy they offer or charge more because of health conditions.
Outside that period, underwriting may apply unless you have guaranteed issue rights or other protections. State rules, including rights for people under 65, can differ. Confirm your rights before replacing existing coverage.
Check official Medigap enrollment guidance (opens in a new tab)Enrollment dates can change. Always confirm current deadlines with the official Medicare program before making decisions.
What you should know
- The page covers Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Supplement plan options.
- SSGI advisors help with timing, enrollment, and coverage decisions.
Frequently asked questions
A note on Medicare
SSGI Benefits is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE are official federal sources. This page provides general education only; personal eligibility, underwriting, enrollment rights, plan availability, and recommendations require current facts and approved secure processes.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Supplement InsuranceOfficial federal information about Medicare Supplement insurance.
- Medicare.gov — Compare coverage optionsOfficial federal tool for reviewing current plan availability by location.
- Medicare.gov — Joining a planOfficial Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollment periods and coverage start dates.
- Medicare.gov — When can I sign up for Medicare?Official Part A and Part B enrollment guidance, including Special Enrollment Periods.
- Medicare.gov — Medigap: Get ready to buyOfficial guidance on the separate, generally one-time Medigap Open Enrollment Period and other protections.
Enrollment and Medigap timing guidance checked against the linked Medicare.gov sources on .
About this guidance
Published and maintained by SSGI Benefits, the employee-benefits division of Strategic Sequoia Group Inc. Last reviewed August 24, 2026 using the official sources linked on this page. Carrier availability, eligibility, rates, and recommendations vary by employer and market. This page provides general information and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Meet SSGI leadership · View licensing information.
Medicare doesn't have to be confusing
Our team can walk you through your options and help you understand what fits — with a real person. Talking with us is optional.
This requests guidance; it is not an insurance application or enrollment. Provide basic contact details only. Do not include medical history, prescriptions, member IDs, Social Security numbers or private benefits documents. A licensed advisor can identify the appropriate next step.