Medicare Supplemental Insurance

Medicare supplement (Medigap) insurance is private health insurance designed to supplement Medicare.  It offers coverage, at varying levels, for the significant out-of-pocket costs that are not covered by Medicare, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.  Medigap coverage allows seniors and younger Medicare enrollees with disabilities – many of whom are on fixed incomes – to budget for medical costs and avoid the confusion and inconvenience of handling complex medical bills. 

Medigap plans are used by nearly 10 million seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries, offering them a sense of security about both the predictable and unexpected costs associated with medical care.Analyses of federal data show that Medigap is a particularly important coverage option for low-income and rural seniors. Surveys consistently find that Medigap beneficiaries are highly satisfied with their Medigap coverage. To get involved in advocating for Medigap, please visit: www.partnershiptoprotectmedigap.org.

Latest Documents

Nine out of Ten Seniors Satisfied with their Medigap Coverage

Nine out of ten seniors enrolled in Medigap are satisfied with their coverage, according to a new American Viewpoint survey released by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).  According to the survey, seventy-nine percent of beneficiaries say their policy provides excellent or good value for the money, and the vast majority (91 percent) would recommend Medigap to a friend or relative. 

 

Press Releases | Strategic Communications | 06/15/2012

AHIP National Medigap Satisfaction Survey - [PDF]

AHIP commissioned American Viewpoint, Inc., to conduct a national survey of Medicare supplement (Medigap) policyholders. As in past years, the survey asked enrollees about their satisfaction and experience with their coverage. In addition, the interview included questions about potential changes to Medicare and Medigap.

Research | Product Policy | 06/14/2012

Medigap Satisfaction Survey Presentation - [PDF]

This presentation examines the results of the AHIP-commissioned American Viewpoint Medigap satisfaction survey.

Research | Product Policy | 06/14/2012

Trends in Medigap Coverage and Enrollment, 2010-2011 - [PDF]

This fact sheet details recent trends in Medigap coverage and enrollment from 2010 to 2011.

Research | Center for Policy and Research, Product Policy | 05/31/2012

Demographics of Medigap Enrollees - [PDF]

This fact sheet details the demographics of Medigap enrollees highlighting the income range and likelihood of having one or more chronic conditions of Medigap policyholders compared to Medicare beneficiaries as a whole.

Infographics | Strategic Communications | 05/10/2012

Medigap is Valuable to Subpopulations - [PDF]

This fact sheet demonstrates the value that Medigap provides to lower income and rural Medicare beneficiaries, as well as less healthy beneficiaries. 

Reports/Fact Sheets/Briefs/Talking Points | Clinical Affairs | 05/10/2012

Low-Income & Rural Beneficiaries with Medigap Coverage, 2010 - [PDF]

Medigap supplemental coverage has long helped Medicare beneficiaries fill gaps in their benefits.  Recently released data from the 2010 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) serve as a reminder of the critical role played by Medigap coverage.  The MCBS data show that Medigap is particularly important to low- and moderate-income beneficiaries, especially those living in rural areas.

Research | Center for Policy and Research | 05/03/2012

Medigap Myths and Facts - [PDF]

Medicare supplement (Medigap) insurance is a vitally important product for beneficiaries who choose Medicare’s original fee-for-service (FFS) program (Parts A and B). The Medicare program does not have a limit on beneficiaries’ potential out-of-pocket exposure. Working in tandem with Medicare, it allows seniors and other beneficiaries – many of whom are on fixed incomes – to budget for medical costs and to avoid the confusion and inconvenience of handling complex medical bills from providers.

Research | Clinical Affairs | 04/24/2012

HHS ASPE Report on Variation in Medigap - [PDF]

This fact sheet summarizes key findings from the HHS Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) Report on Variation and Trends in Medigap Premiums.  Most notably, the report found that overall, Medigap premiums have risen moderately over the past decade, and significantly more slowly than the growth in Medicare spending per beneficiary.

Research | Clinical Affairs | 01/19/2012

Low-Income & Rural Beneficiaries with Medigap Coverage, 2009 - [PDF]

Medigap supplemental coverage has long helped Medicare beneficiaries fill gaps in their benefits. Recently released data from the 2009 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) serve as a reminder of the critical role played by Medigap coverage. The MCBS data show that Medigap is particularly important to low- and moderate-income beneficiaries, especially those living in rural areas.

Research | Center for Policy and Research | 09/26/2011

Medigap: What You Need To Know - [PDF]

An informative report on how private Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance works, who purchases it, and what it covers. Describes recent product design changes to conform with the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA).

Research | Center for Policy and Research | 07/28/2011

AHIP: Low-Income and Rural Seniors Depend on Medigap Supplemental Coverage

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Press Releases | Strategic Communications | 09/22/2008

The Partnership to Protect Medigap

The Partnership to Protect Medigap is a non-partisan, educational and grassroots initiative of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP). The coalition is composed of seniors, their families and health care providers advocating for the preservation of Medicare Supplement insurance options.

AHIP Web Resources