Medigap is a common, though unofficial, name for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan. The term Medigap derives from the insurance’s coverage of “gaps” (i.e. health care costs not paid for by insurance) within Medicare Parts A and B. These gaps in coverage include deductibles and out-of-pocket costs for services delivered under Medicare Part A and Part B.
A Medigap plan is not primary medical coverage and must be used in conjunction with Original Medicare coverage. Since Medigap plans lack prescription drug coverage, they can also be used alongside a stand-alone Part D Prescription Drug Plan. However, use of Original Medicare Parts A and B is necessary in this context as well. In contrast, a Medigap plan may not be used alongside a Medicare Advantage plan.
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