ORIGINAL MEDICARE. A CLOSER LOOK AT YOUR COSTS.
Compare Medicare Supplement coverage with Bill Brann
Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, helps pay certain costs left by Original Medicare. Independent Health Plans helps Texans compare available policies, premiums and enrollment considerations with personal guidance from Bill Brann.
How Medicare Supplement insurance works
Medigap works with Original Medicare, rather than replacing it. You generally need Part A and Part B and pay a separate Medigap premium. The policy helps with the Medicare cost sharing specified by its standardized plan letter.
In Texas, policies with the same plan letter provide the same standardized basic benefits, even when sold by different insurers. Premiums can differ. Compare the plan letter first, then the insurer’s quote and policy details. Medicare SELECT policies can have network requirements.
Medigap Plan G and Plan N: what to compare
Plan G
Standard Plan G covers a broad set of Medicare cost-sharing benefits, including the Part A deductible and Part B excess charges. It does not cover the Part B deductible. A high-deductible version, where offered, works differently: you pay qualifying costs up to that deductible before the policy pays.
Plan N
Plan N does not cover the Part B deductible or Part B excess charges. It can also require copayments for certain office and emergency-room visits. Compare these potential costs with the premium difference before choosing.
These are highlights, not a complete benefit comparison. Review Medicare’s official Medigap benefit chart.
Keep prescriptions, dental and vision in the conversation
Modern Medigap policies do not include prescription drug coverage. Consider a separate Part D plan if you need Medicare drug coverage. Routine dental and vision generally are not Medigap benefits. Review any separate coverage on its own terms.
Explore Texas dental insurance and vision options if these are priorities.
When can you buy a Medigap policy?
Your federal Medigap Open Enrollment Period lasts six months, beginning the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During that period, insurers cannot use medical underwriting to deny an available Medigap policy or charge more because of health problems.
Outside this window, underwriting may apply unless you have a guaranteed-issue right or another applicable protection. The annual fall Medicare enrollment period does not create a general right to buy Medigap without underwriting. Check your Medigap buying protections.
What Bill will help you review
- The plan letter and benefits you want to compare.
- Your current coverage and Part B effective date.
- Available premiums and any applicable discounts.
- Your doctors, travel preferences and drug coverage needs.
- Enrollment rights and any underwriting requirements.
For example, a lower monthly premium is only part of the comparison if another policy leaves you with different copays or uncovered excess charges. Bill can help you work through those tradeoffs.
Medigap or Medicare Advantage?
These are different coverage paths. Medigap supplements Original Medicare; it does not pay Medicare Advantage cost sharing. Learn about Medicare Advantage plans in Texas or return to the Medicare coverage overview.
Personal help throughout Texas
Bill Brann brings 30+ years of insurance experience and helps clients across Texas from his Corpus Christi base. There is no charge for his assistance. New to Medicare? Start with the Turning 65 Medicare enrollment checklist.
Please share only general questions through the inquiry form; do not send Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers or medical records by email or text. Independent Health Plans is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or federal Medicare program. Policy availability, premiums and eligibility vary. Review the policy before enrolling. Information reviewed November 2, 2026.