Explore Medigap Plans A Through J for Maximum Medicare Gaps
Navigating Medicare on its own can be overwhelming. Add the various Medigap supplemental plans—especially Medigap plans A through J — and things get even more confusing. But don’t worry. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we break down each plan, discuss the differences, explain discontinued plans, and help you choose the coverage that’s right for you.
Understanding Medigap in 2025
Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, is a type of private insurance that helps fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare coverage. These gaps include deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government and are labeled with letters—A through J, though not all of them are still available in 2025.
In 2025, the landscape of Medigap continues to evolve. While Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M, and N are still actively sold, others like Plans E, H, I, and J have been discontinued. However, if you were enrolled in one of those discontinued plans before they were phased out, you might still have coverage under them.
Why Are Medigap Plans Important?
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers many health-related expenses, but not all. For example, it doesn’t cover:
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Foreign travel emergencies
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Part A and B deductibles
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Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
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Excess charges
This is where Medigap steps in. These plans are essential for seniors who want to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs and enjoy peace of mind as they age. In fact, over 14 million people currently have Medigap coverage in the U.S., and that number is expected to grow through 2025.
Medigap Plans A Through J: Quick Overview
Let’s break down each Medigap plan from A through J. Note: Not all plans are available for new enrollees in 2025.
Medigap Plan A
Plan A is the most basic Medigap option. It covers:
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Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used)
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Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment
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First 3 pints of blood
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Part A hospice care coinsurance
This plan is ideal for those looking for minimal coverage at a lower premium.
Medigap Plan B
Plan B adds coverage for the Medicare Part A deductible, which Plan A does not cover. It includes all of Plan A’s benefits plus:
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Medicare Part A deductible
It’s a step up from Plan A, but still on the simpler side.
Medigap Plan C
Plan C offers more robust coverage, including:
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Part A and Part B deductibles
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Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
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Foreign travel emergency care (80%)
However, it is not available to those who became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020, due to legislation eliminating coverage for the Part B deductible.
Medigap Plan D
Plan D covers nearly all gaps except the Medicare Part B deductible and excess charges. It’s available in 2025 and covers:
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Part A coinsurance and deductible
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Part B coinsurance
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Skilled nursing coinsurance
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Foreign travel emergency
Medigap Plan E (Discontinued)
Plan E included preventive care and some home recovery benefits. It was phased out due to overlapping benefits with other plans and low enrollment numbers.
Medigap Plan F
This plan is among the most comprehensive. It covers:
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Part A and Part B deductibles
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Part B excess charges
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Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
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Foreign travel emergency
As of 2025, it’s only available to those who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Medigap Plan G
Plan G is the go-to comprehensive plan for new enrollees. It covers everything Plan F does—except the Part B deductible.
Due to legislative changes, Plan G has become the most popular plan in the country.
Medigap Plan H (Discontinued)
Plan H included coverage for foreign travel and skilled nursing coinsurance. Like other discontinued plans, it was removed due to redundancy and regulatory updates.
Medigap Plan I (Discontinued)
Plan I offered preventive services, skilled nursing, and more, but has been discontinued. It was seen as too similar to Plan G and F.
Medigap Plan J (Discontinued)
Plan J was once the most comprehensive plan available, covering home recovery and preventive care in addition to standard benefits. It was discontinued in 2010.
If you still hold a Plan J policy, your benefits are still valid, but you cannot re-enroll.
Why Were Plans E, H, I, and J Discontinued?
These plans were phased out due to the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) and changes in federal policy that removed duplicative or outdated benefits. For example:
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Preventive care benefits were added to Original Medicare, making those features in Medigap unnecessary.
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Home recovery benefits were considered outdated and rarely used.
Current enrollees may keep these plans, but no new enrollments are allowed.
Call the official Medicare helpline at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to ask your questions or get more information.
Comparing Active Medigap Plans in 2025
Here’s a quick guide to what’s still available and worth considering:
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Best Basic Coverage: Plan A
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Best for Budget-Conscious: Plan K or L (with out-of-pocket limits)
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Best Comprehensive Coverage: Plan G (for new enrollees), Plan F (if eligible)
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Best for Travel Coverage: Plans G, D, M, and N
Who Should Consider Medigap Coverage?
Medigap is ideal for:
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Seniors with frequent doctor visits
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Those who travel abroad
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People who want predictable out-of-pocket expenses
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Retirees not on employer-sponsored plans
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Those managing chronic conditions
It offers freedom to choose any provider accepting Medicare, with no network restrictions.
What’s Not Covered by Medigap?
Despite their benefits, Medigap plans don’t cover:
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Long-term care
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Dental, vision, or hearing aids
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Private-duty nursing
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Prescription drugs (use Medicare Part D)
These exclusions are important to consider when building a comprehensive healthcare strategy.
Common Myths About Medigap Plans
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“I don’t need Medigap if I have Medicare.” False. Medicare doesn’t cover all your costs.
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“Medigap and Medicare Advantage are the same.” No. They’re two different paths.
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“I can switch Medigap plans anytime.” Only true with underwriting or during guaranteed issue periods.
How to Choose the Best Medigap Plan for You
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Assess your health needs. Chronic conditions? Frequent travel?
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Set a budget. How much can you afford monthly?
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Check your eligibility. Were you eligible before January 1, 2020? Plan F might be an option.
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Use official resources. Visit Medicare.gov for plan comparisons.
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Speak to a licensed agent. Personalized advice can make a big difference.
Enrollment Periods and Eligibility in 2025
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Open Enrollment Period: 6 months after you turn 65 and enroll in Part B.
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Guaranteed Issue Rights: Protect you from denial due to pre-existing conditions in certain scenarios (e.g., losing employer coverage).
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Underwriting: Outside open periods, insurers may deny or charge more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Medigap Plan J discontinued?
Plan J was discontinued due to overlapping benefits and Medicare policy updates. Many of its benefits were absorbed into Medicare itself or into other plans.
What is Medigap Plan J?
It was a comprehensive plan that included preventive care and home recovery benefits, discontinued in 2010 but still valid for existing policyholders.
What is a Medigap plan A?
Plan A is the most basic Medigap plan, covering core benefits like coinsurance and hospital stays.
What is the downside to Medigap plans?
Downsides include higher premiums than Medicare Advantage, no prescription coverage, and limited enrollment periods.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Medigap Plans A through J is essential for making the best decision about your healthcare coverage in retirement. While some plans have been discontinued, others continue to provide excellent supplemental benefits in 2025. Choosing the right plan depends on your budget, health, and future needs. Make sure to compare your options carefully, stay informed about policy updates, and consult with experts when needed.
Don’t leave your Medicare coverage to chance—visit NewMedicare.com or call 📞 (833) 203-6742.
