Medigap M Plans Made Simple: Your Guide to Savings

Medigap M Plans are one of the standardized Medicare Supplement Insurance plans designed to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn’t pay. Introduced as part of the 2010 Medigap modernization, Plan M provides a balance between coverage and affordability by offering lower monthly premiums in exchange for cost-sharing—specifically, it covers 50% of the Medicare Part A deductible.

In 2025, with rising healthcare costs and more people seeking efficient coverage, Medigap M Plans have become increasingly relevant. While not the most comprehensive plan available, it offers a strategic solution for individuals who are generally healthy but still want to minimize surprise medical expenses.

Understanding the Medicare Plan That Starts with M

If you’re asking, “What is the Medicare plan that starts with M?”, you’re likely referring to Medigap Plan M. It’s not to be confused with Medicare Part M, which doesn’t exist. Medicare uses letters (A, B, C, D) to designate its various parts, but Medigap uses lettered plans like A through N.

Plan M stands out in 2025 for its unique cost-sharing arrangement. It’s often seen as a middle-ground option: not as robust as Plan G, but more generous than high-deductible plans.

Key Benefits of Medigap Plan M

Here are the main benefits that Medigap Plan M provides:

• 100% Coverage of Part B Coinsurance and Copayment

• 100% Coverage of Part A Coinsurance and Hospital Costs (up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up)

• 50% Coverage of Part A Deductible

• Covers First 3 Pints of Blood for Medical Procedures

• Covers Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance or Copayment

• Covers Skilled Nursing Facility Care Coinsurance

• Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage (up to plan limits)

These benefits make Plan M ideal for Medicare beneficiaries who want moderate coverage without paying top-dollar premiums.

Who Should Consider Medigap Plan M in 2025?

Not everyone needs the fullest possible coverage. Medigap Plan M is an excellent choice for:

• Seniors in relatively good health who don’t expect frequent hospital stays

• Budget-conscious retirees looking for lower monthly premiums

• Those who travel abroad and want foreign travel emergency care

• Individuals who want predictable copayments and coverage without overpaying

Plan M provides a solid value proposition for people who are healthy enough to manage some of the costs themselves.

Medigap Plan M vs Other Popular Medigap Plans

Plan M vs Plan G

• Plan G covers 100% of Part A deductible and Part B excess charges, but its premium is significantly higher.

• Plan M only covers 50% of the Part A deductible and doesn’t cover Part B excess charges.

• Plan M is better for healthy individuals, whereas Plan G is ideal for those who anticipate higher healthcare usage.

Plan M vs Plan N

• Plan N and Plan M have similar premiums.

• Plan N requires copayments for doctor visits and ER visits, whereas Plan M does not.

• Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges, just like Plan M.

• Plan M is better for those who visit doctors frequently and want to avoid copays.

Plan M vs Plan F (for those eligible before 2020)

• Plan F offers full coverage, including the Part B deductible and excess charges.

• Plan F is no longer available to new Medicare enrollees as of 2020.

• Plan M remains an option for everyone, and it offers a cost-effective alternative to Plan F for those who missed the deadline.

What Does Medigap M Cover in 2025?

In 2025, Medigap M Plans will continue to offer the following coverage benefits:

• Hospital Costs After Medicare Coverage Ends

• Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance

• Emergency Foreign Travel Medical Coverage (80% of cost, up to plan limits)

• Blood (First Three Pints)

• Part B Coinsurance

The 50% coverage of the Part A deductible means you’ll only be responsible for half of the inpatient deductible, which is projected to be around $1,800 in 2025—so your out-of-pocket would be $900.

What Medigap M Does Not Cover

Despite its solid coverage, Medigap Plan M does not cover:

• Part B Deductible

• Part B Excess Charges

• Long-term care

• Vision or dental care

• Hearing aids or eyeglasses

• Private-duty nursing

Understanding these exclusions is vital when comparing Medigap M to other plans.

Premiums and Costs of Medigap Plan M

The average monthly premium for Medigap Plan M in 2025 ranges from $100 to $180, depending on:

• Your age

• Location

• Gender

• Tobacco use

• How the insurance company prices its policies (community-rated, issue-age-rated, or attained-age-rated)

Out-of-pocket expenses are relatively low if you stay healthy, making Plan M a smart investment.

Enrollment Periods and Eligibility for Plan M

To enroll in Medigap Plan M, you must first have Medicare Part A and Part B. The best time to enroll is during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period—a six-month window that begins the month you turn 65 and enroll in Part B.

During this time, insurers can’t deny you coverage or charge higher premiums due to health conditions.

How to Choose the Right Medigap Plan

When choosing a plan, consider:

1. Current and anticipated health needs

2. Monthly budget and income

3. Travel frequency (especially abroad)

4. Preferred doctors and providers

5. Risk tolerance for unexpected expenses

Consult with a licensed Medicare advisor or use Medicare’s Plan Finder Tool to compare plan options.

Find Medigap Plans in Your Area

Common Misconceptions About Plan M

• “It’s not comprehensive.” False. Plan M covers all essential Medicare gaps—just not everything.

• “It’s the same as Plan N.” No, it has a different cost-sharing structure and doesn’t require copays.

• “Only a few insurers offer it.” As of 2025, many national carriers offer Plan M.

The Downside of Medigap Plans Explained

So, what is the downside to Medigap plans like Plan M?

• Premiums can increase with age (depending on the pricing method).

• They don’t include Part D prescription drug coverage.

• They often cost more than Medicare Advantage Plans.

• You can’t switch easily outside open enrollment without medical underwriting.

Still, for many people, the predictability and peace of mind outweigh the potential drawbacks.

How to Find a Medigap Plan M Provider in Your Area

To find a reliable Plan M provider:

1. Use Medicare.gov’s plan finder

2. Compare prices between insurers

3. Check financial ratings (AM Best, Moody’s, etc.)

4. Read customer reviews and satisfaction scores

Major insurers that typically offer Plan M include:

• Aetna

• Cigna

• Mutual of Omaha

• Blue Cross Blue Shield

Expert Opinions on Plan M in 2025

Health insurance experts say Plan M is gaining traction in 2025 as more seniors seek a hybrid solution between high premiums and high deductibles. Financial advisors often recommend Plan M for those in early retirement or transitioning from employer plans.

Call the official Medicare helpline at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to ask your questions or get more information.

Real-Life Examples: Why Seniors Are Choosing Plan M

• James, 67, in Texas: “Plan M gave me the peace of mind I needed without draining my retirement fund.”

• Maria, 70, in California: “I rarely go to the hospital, so Plan M made more sense than overpaying for Plan G.”

• Howard, 65, in Florida: “I compared four plans, and Plan M was the most balanced for my lifestyle and budget.”

FAQs

What is Medigap Plan M?

Medigap Plan M is a Medicare Supplement plan that covers 100% of most out-of-pocket costs except for 50% of the Part A deductible.

What is the Medicare plan that starts with M?

It refers to Medigap Plan M, a supplemental insurance plan, not a Medicare Part.

What is the most popular Medigap plan?

Plan G is the most popular, but Plan M is gaining popularity due to its cost-effective coverage.

What is the downside to Medigap plans?

Downsides include lack of drug coverage, potential underwriting after open enrollment, and higher premiums compared to Medicare Advantage.

Final Thoughts

Medigap M Plans in 2025 offer a perfect middle-ground solution for Medicare beneficiaries seeking both affordability and comprehensive coverage. While it doesn’t pay for everything, the 50% sharing of the Part A deductible, combined with full coinsurance coverage, makes it an appealing choice for healthy individuals.

If you’re evaluating your options and want a plan that balances protection with premium savings, Medigap Plan M deserves serious consideration. Always review your medical needs and consult a Medicare advisor before making a final choice.

Coverage questions? We have answers. Start at NewMedicare.com or call 📞 (833) 203-6742.