The chart gives a quick look at the 2018 Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap) benefits to help pay costs Original Medicare does not cover.

Note:

• * Medicare supplement policies available include the plans A, B, C, D, F, High Deductible F, G, K, L, M and N.
   
• * All plan benefits are standardized and offered by private insurers which are required to comply with federal and state regulations. No company can offer more or less benefits. The only difference is the premium you pay.
   
• * Insurance companies that sell Medigap policies are required to offer Plan A. If they offer any other plans, they must also offer either Plan C or Plan F. Not all types of Medigap policies may be available in your state.
   
• * If you live in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, or Minnesota, Medigap policies are standardized in a different way. Visit Medicare.gov for more details.
   
• * In order to be eligible for a Medigap Plan, please see below for details.

* Plan F also offers a high-deductible plan. If you choose this option, this means you must pay for Medicare-covered costs up to the deductible amount of $2,200 in 2018 before your Medigap plan pays anything.

** After you meet your out-of-pocket yearly limit and your yearly Part B deductible, the Medigap plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year.

*** Plan N pays 100% of the Part B coinsurance, except for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to a $50 copayment for emergency room visits that don’t result in inpatient admission.

Eligibility For A Medigap Plan:

This is the six-month period that starts on the first day of the month that you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. Throughout this period, you can enroll in any Medigap plan offered in your area with guaranteed issue. This means that insurance companies aren't allowed to use your medical history or pre-existing conditions as the basis for charging you more for coverage or denying you altogether. If you have medical issues or disabilities, it's especially important to take advantage of this period.

Although there are advantages to enrolling in a Medicare Supplement (aka Medigap) plan during Open Enrollment, you may change or enroll in a Medigap plan any time throughout the year. Depending on your age and situation your application may go through underwriting and you will be subject to the insurance company's underwriting guidelines.

We hope this helps you to navigate the various enrollment periods to ensure you get the right coverage at the right time.

Visit ManhattanLife's Medicare Supplement for plan information.