What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Medicare is a health insurance program operated by the federal government. Benefits are available to qualifying individuals age 65 or older, certain disabled individuals under age 65, and those suffering from end-stage renal disease.

Medicare Part A Hospital coverage Provided by government at no charge Qualify at age 65	Medicare Part B Medical coverage Voluntary program You do have to pay monthly premiums
Medicare Part C Known as Medicare Advantage Provide for "managed care" You may have to pay premiums	Medicare Part D Prescription coverage Offered by private companies You do have to pay monthly premiums

Since 1992, the federal government has standardized Medicare Supplement Insurance coverage. Medicare Supplement Insurance — also known as Medigap Insurance — helps pay expenses not covered by traditional Medicare, such as deductibles and coinsurance.

To understand the value of Medicare Supplement Insurance, it may be helpful to review what Medicare covers and what it does not cover.

What does the government Medicare program cover?

The traditional Medicare program now consists of four main parts.

Click here for more detailed descriptions of Medicare Part A, B, C and D.