Complete Guide to Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) in Nevada
What You'll Learn
- What Medigap is and how it works with Original Medicare
- All 8 standardized Medigap plans available in Nevada
- Current costs and pricing factors for Nevada residents
- When and how to enroll without medical underwriting
- How to choose the right plan for your situation
Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, helps Nevada seniors pay for healthcare costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover. These standardized plans can save you thousands of dollars annually by covering deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
What is Medigap?
Medigap is private health insurance designed specifically to supplement Original Medicare (Parts A and B). It helps pay for "gaps" in coverage like:
Covered by Medigap:
- Medicare Part A & B deductibles
- Coinsurance and copayments
- Excess charges (Plan G & F only)
- Foreign travel emergencies (80%)
NOT Covered by Medigap:
- Prescription drugs (need Part D)
- Vision, dental, hearing care
- Long-term care
- Private-duty nursing
Important Nevada Note
Nevada follows federal Medigap rules. Unlike some states, Nevada doesn't offer special enrollment periods or "birthday rule" protections. This makes your initial enrollment period especially important!
All Medigap Plans Available in Nevada (2024)
Note: Plans C and F are only available if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Plan A
Popularity: Low
Average Monthly Cost
$100-150
✓ Covered
- • Part A coinsurance & hospital costs
- • Part B coinsurance/copayment
- • Blood (first 3 pints)
- • Part A hospice care coinsurance
✗ Not Covered
- • Part B deductible
- • Part B excess charges
- • Foreign travel emergency
- • Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- • Part A deductible
Plan B
Popularity: Low
Average Monthly Cost
$150-200
✓ Covered
- • Everything in Plan A
- • Part A deductible
✗ Not Covered
- • Part B deductible
- • Part B excess charges
- • Foreign travel emergency
- • Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
Plan D
Popularity: Low
Average Monthly Cost
$200-250
✓ Covered
- • Everything in Plan A
- • Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- • Part A deductible
- • Foreign travel emergency (80%)
✗ Not Covered
- • Part B deductible
- • Part B excess charges
Plan G
Popularity: Very High
Average Monthly Cost
$250-350
✓ Covered
- • Part A coinsurance & hospital costs
- • Part B coinsurance/copayment
- • Blood (first 3 pints)
- • Part A hospice care coinsurance
- • Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- • Part A deductible
- • Part B excess charges
- • Foreign travel emergency (80%)
✗ Not Covered
- • Part B deductible ($240 in 2024)
Plan K
Popularity: Low
Average Monthly Cost
$75-125
Max Out-of-Pocket: $7,060
✓ Covered
- • 50% of covered services
- • 100% Part A coinsurance & hospital costs
✗ Not Covered
- • Part B deductible
- • Part B excess charges
- • Foreign travel emergency
Plan L
Popularity: Low
Average Monthly Cost
$150-200
Max Out-of-Pocket: $3,530
✓ Covered
- • 75% of covered services
- • 100% Part A coinsurance & hospital costs
✗ Not Covered
- • Part B deductible
- • Part B excess charges
- • Foreign travel emergency
Plan M
Popularity: Low
Average Monthly Cost
$175-225
✓ Covered
- • Everything in Plan D
- • 50% Part A deductible
✗ Not Covered
- • Part B deductible
- • Part B excess charges
Plan N
Popularity: High
Average Monthly Cost
$175-250
✓ Covered
- • Everything in Plan D except:
- • Part B copays up to $20 for office visits
- • Part B copays up to $50 for ER visits
✗ Not Covered
- • Part B deductible
- • Part B excess charges
- • Part B copayments
When Can You Enroll in Medigap?
Medigap Open Enrollment
Duration:
6 months
When it starts:
First day of the month you turn 65 AND are enrolled in Medicare Part B
Your rights:
Guaranteed issue rights - insurers cannot deny coverage or charge more for pre-existing conditions
Guaranteed Issue Rights
Duration:
63 days typically
When it starts:
When you lose other health coverage, employer plan ends, or Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area
Your rights:
Right to buy certain Medigap policies without medical underwriting
Outside Open Enrollment
Duration:
Anytime
When it starts:
After your initial 6-month window
Your rights:
May require medical underwriting - can be denied or charged more
💡 Nevada Tip: Don't Miss Your Window!
Nevada doesn't have special Medigap enrollment protections like some states. Once your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment period ends, you may have to go through medical underwriting. This could result in higher premiums or denial of coverage. Mark your calendar and enroll during your guaranteed issue period!
What Affects Medigap Costs in Nevada?
Pricing Methods
- Community-Rated:
Everyone pays the same regardless of age
- Issue-Age-Rated:
Premium based on age when you buy the policy
- Attained-Age-Rated:
Premium increases as you get older (most common in Nevada)
Other Cost Factors
- Your ZIP code (Las Vegas vs. rural Nevada)
- Tobacco use (up to 20% higher)
- Gender (males typically pay more)
- Insurance company
Average Monthly Costs in Nevada (2024)
$125-175
Plan N
Age 65, non-smoker
$150-225
Plan G
Age 65, non-smoker
$175-275
Plan F
Age 65, non-smoker
How to Choose the Right Medigap Plan
Step 1: Assess Your Healthcare Needs
- •Frequent doctor visits? Consider Plan G or N for predictable costs
- •Travel internationally? Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N cover foreign travel emergencies
- •Budget-conscious? Plan N offers good coverage at lower premiums
Step 2: Compare Total Costs
Don't just look at premiums. Calculate your total annual costs:
Annual Premium + Deductibles + Copays/Coinsurance = Total Cost
Example: Plan G might have higher premiums but could save money if you have frequent medical needs.
Step 3: Research Insurance Companies
- Check financial stability ratings (AM Best, S&P)
- Read customer reviews and complaints
- Compare rate increase history
- Verify Nevada Division of Insurance licensing
For Most Nevada Seniors, We Recommend:
Plan G
Best overall coverage. Only doesn't cover Part B deductible ($240/year). Great for those who want comprehensive protection.
Plan N
Lower premiums with small copays. Perfect for healthy seniors who want good coverage at a more affordable price.
Nevada-Specific Medigap Information
Top Medigap Insurers in Nevada
- United Healthcare/AARP~35% market share
- Mutual of Omaha~15% market share
- Cigna~10% market share
- Humana~8% market share
- Others~32% market share
Nevada Resources
- Nevada SHIP (ADSD)
Free Medicare counseling: 1-800-307-4444
- Nevada Division of Insurance
File complaints: (775) 687-0700
- Medicare.gov Plan Finder
Compare plans online
Regional Cost Differences
Las Vegas Area
Highest premiums
Most carrier options
Reno/Carson City
Moderate premiums
Good carrier selection
Rural Nevada
Lower premiums
Fewer carrier options
Common Medigap Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Enroll
Missing your 6-month open enrollment period can result in medical underwriting, higher premiums, or denial of coverage.
Mistake #2: Choosing Based on Premium Alone
The cheapest plan isn't always the best value. Consider deductibles, copays, and coverage gaps.
Mistake #3: Not Shopping Around
Prices vary significantly between insurance companies for the exact same coverage. Always compare at least 3-5 quotes.
Mistake #4: Confusing Medigap with Medicare Advantage
These are completely different. You cannot have both. Make sure you understand the differences before choosing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
Medigap works WITH Original Medicare to cover gaps like deductibles and coinsurance. You keep Original Medicare and see any doctor who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage REPLACES Original Medicare with a private insurance plan that has networks and different rules.
Can I have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
No, it's illegal for anyone to sell you a Medigap policy if you have Medicare Advantage. You must have Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to use Medigap.
Do Medigap plans cover prescription drugs?
No, Medigap plans sold after 2006 don't include prescription drug coverage. You'll need a separate Part D plan for medications.
Can I switch Medigap plans anytime?
In most states including Nevada, you can apply to switch anytime, but after your initial enrollment period, insurers can use medical underwriting to deny coverage or charge more.
Are Medigap benefits the same from every insurance company?
Yes! Each lettered plan (A, G, N, etc.) must offer the same basic benefits regardless of which insurance company sells it. The only differences are price and customer service.
Your Next Steps
- 1
Determine Your Enrollment Period
Check if you're in your 6-month open enrollment or have guaranteed issue rights.
- 2
Decide on Coverage Level
Choose between comprehensive (Plan G) or value-focused (Plan N) coverage.
- 3
Compare Insurance Companies
Get quotes from multiple insurers and check their ratings.
- 4
Apply During Your Window
Submit your application during your guaranteed issue period to avoid underwriting.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Medigap Plan?
Our licensed Nevada agents can help you compare plans and enroll with confidence.