Medicare Supplement plans in San Antonio & the Hill Country.

What is Medicare Supplement (Medigap)?

Medicare Supplement insurance — also called Medigap — is a private insurance policy that works alongside Original Medicare to pay the costs Original Medicare doesn't cover. Things like Part A deductibles, Part B coinsurance, copays, and even some foreign travel emergency care.

Unlike Medicare Advantage (which replaces Original Medicare), Medigap supplements it. You keep your red, white, and blue Medicare card, and the Medigap policy fills in the gaps that Original Medicare leaves you on the hook for.

How Medicare Supplement works

When you visit a doctor or hospital with Original Medicare plus Medigap:

1. Original Medicare pays its share of the approved amount first.
2. Your Medigap policy automatically pays its share next.
3. You pay whatever is left — often $0 with a comprehensive plan like Plan G.

You don't file claims yourself. The carrier handles coordination directly with Medicare. You just show both cards (Medicare and Medigap) at the visit.

The 10 standardized Medigap plans

Federal law standardizes Medigap plans, so a Plan G from Humana covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from Mutual of Omaha or any other carrier. The price varies between carriers, but the benefits are identical. That's why working with an independent agent matters — Mark compares prices across every carrier he represents to find you the same benefits at the lowest premium.

The most popular plans in San Antonio

Plan G — Most comprehensive available to new enrollees

The gold standard for people turning 65 today. Covers everything except the annual Part B deductible (just $257 in 2026). After that, virtually all your Medicare-approved care is $0 out of pocket. Available from most major carriers.

Plan N — Lower premium, small copays

Similar to Plan G but with $20 copays for doctor visits and $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted). Doesn't cover Part B excess charges. Premiums often 20–40% lower than Plan G. Good middle-ground.

High-Deductible Plan G

Same coverage as Plan G, but you pay an annual deductible (~$2,800 in 2026) before benefits kick in. Premiums are dramatically lower — often less than $50/month. Best for healthier people who want catastrophic coverage at low monthly cost.

Plan F — Closed to new enrollees (but grandfathered)

Plan F covered everything, including the Part B deductible. Only available to people who were Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020. If you have Plan F already, you can keep it. If you're turning 65 now, Plan G is your equivalent.

What's covered by each Medigap plan

All Medigap plans cover Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (365 extra lifetime days), plus Part B coinsurance/copayment. Beyond that, coverage varies:

Benefit	Plan G	Plan N	HD Plan G
Part A deductible	✓	✓	After HD met
Part B coinsurance	✓	✓ (with copay)	After HD met
Part B excess charges	✓	—	After HD met
Skilled nursing facility	✓	✓	After HD met
Foreign travel emergency	80%	80%	After HD met
Part B deductible ($257)	—	—	—

Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage

This is the central decision in Medicare. There's no right answer for everyone — but here's the honest trade-off:

Factor	Medicare Supplement	Medicare Advantage
Monthly premium	Higher ($100–$300+)	Often $0
Choice of doctors	Any doctor that takes Medicare	Restricted to plan network
Need a referral?	No	Often yes (HMO)
Predictability	Very predictable	Variable copays
Drug coverage	Separate Part D plan needed	Usually bundled
Extra benefits (dental/vision)	Not included	Often included
Travel coverage	Excellent nationwide; some foreign	Limited

Who Medicare Supplement typically fits best

• People who want predictable costs. Higher fixed premium, very low surprise costs.
• People who travel between states. Snowbirds, people with family across the country, retirees who hit the road. Medigap follows you to any doctor that accepts Medicare.
• People with specific specialists. If you've got an oncologist at MD Anderson, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic, or any specialist you can't lose, Medigap doesn't restrict your network.
• People in worse-than-average health. Higher premium is offset by much lower out-of-pocket costs when you use a lot of care.
• People who want to choose their own Part D drug plan. Some Advantage plans force a specific formulary. With Medigap, you pick the Part D plan that best covers your prescriptions.

The catch: medical underwriting

Here's the most important Medigap rule most people don't know about:

This is why timing matters. If you're turning 65, this is the easiest time in your life to get a Medigap policy at the best rate.

What does Medicare Supplement cost in San Antonio?

Premiums vary by:

• Plan type — Plan G costs more than Plan N, which costs more than High-Deductible Plan G.
• Carrier — same plan, different price. Mark compares across all his carriers.
• Age — most Texas plans use "issue-age" or "attained-age" rating, so younger entry = lower lifetime rates.
• Tobacco use — non-smokers usually get discounts.
• Household discount — some carriers offer 5–12% off if your spouse also enrolls.
• ZIP code — rates vary by Texas county.

For a 65-year-old in San Antonio in 2026, Plan G premiums typically run $110–$180/month depending on carrier. Plan N often runs $85–$130. High-Deductible Plan G can be as low as $40/month. These are ballpark — Mark will get exact quotes for your situation.

Major carriers offering Medicare Supplement in San Antonio

Mark represents multiple Medigap carriers and compares rates across all of them. Common carriers active in Texas:

When can you enroll in Medicare Supplement?

Medigap Open Enrollment (6 months)

Starts the first month you're 65 AND enrolled in Part B. No underwriting, no denials. Use it or lose it.

Guaranteed Issue Rights

Triggered by specific events: losing employer coverage, your Advantage plan terminating, moving out of your plan's service area, etc. These are narrow — call Mark to verify if you qualify.

Anytime else

You can apply anytime, but carriers can underwrite. If you're healthy, you might still get approved. If you have significant health conditions, you might be declined or charged more.

What about prescription drug coverage?

Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. If you choose Medigap, you'll want a separate Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. Mark will pair your Medigap selection with the right Part D plan based on your specific medications.