• A Medigap policy is available to persons who are seeking extra help (insurance coverage) with paying for services not covered by the Original Medicare Plan. A Medigap policy fills in the "gaps" in the Original Medicare Plan.  Buying a Medigap policy is not mandatory.  Medigap policies are offered by private insurance companies who must follow federal and state laws established to protect persons with Medicare.
• The front of the Medigap policy must clearly identify it as "Medicare Supplemental Insurance".
• A Medigap policy must be one of ten standardized policies (Plans A – J) so comparisons can be made easily. Each policy has a different sent of benefits and different premiums that must be paid monthly.
• Medigap policies have changed due to the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003.  Starting January 1, 2006, new Medigap policies with prescription drugs coverage (i.e., H, I, or J) can no longer be sold. 
• Plans K and L are new polices that were added in 2005 as a result of the MMA of 2003.   
• Two of the standardized policies (Plans F and J) may have a high deductible option.
• Additionally, any of the standardized policy may be sold as a "Medicare SELECT" policy.  Medicare SELECT policies are usually less expensive because certain hospitals and doctors must be used.

The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during the Medigap open enrollment period which lasts for 6 months.  The enrollment period begins on the first day of the month in which the individual is age 65 and enrolled in Part B.