Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers a lot — but it leaves you responsible for significant out-of-pocket costs. There is no cap on what you could pay under Original Medicare. A Medicare Supplement plan, also called Medigap, works alongside Original Medicare to cover these gaps.

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With a Supplement plan you can see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare — no networks, no referrals, and few prior authorization surprises. Your benefits are stable year over year and your plan is guaranteed renewable for life as long as you pay your premium.

 

By law, the benefits within each Medigap plan are standardized — every carrier that offers the Basic Plan must provide identical benefits. What varies between carriers is the monthly premium, the rate of annual increases, and any added extras. This means your decision comes down to price, rate stability, and carrier reputation — not benefit differences.

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Minnesota's Four Standard Plans

Minnesota structures Medigap differently than most other states. Rather than the lettered plans used elsewhere, Minnesota offers four standard options:

 

A note on the Part B deductible: None of Minnesota's standard plans cover the Medicare Part B deductible (currently $283 in 2026). If you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you may be able to purchase a rider on the Basic Plan that covers it. If you became eligible after that date, federal law prevents any Medigap plan from covering it.

 

• The Basic Plan Covers Medicare's major cost-sharing gaps with flexibility to add optional riders — including the Part A hospital deductible, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, foreign travel emergency, and Part B excess charges. Premium range: approximately $225 – $275/month, plus riders

• The Extended Basic Plan Includes all Basic benefits plus comprehensive coverage built in — Part A deductible, skilled nursing coinsurance, foreign travel emergency, and Part B excess charges. The simplest option for people who want broad coverage without managing riders. Premium range: approximately $275 – $350/month

• Plan N (Co-Pay Plan) Lower monthly premiums with modest cost-sharing — up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted). Does not cover Part B excess charges or the Part B deductible. A strong balance of protection and affordability for people in good health. Premium range: approximately $175 – $225/month

• Plan F (High Deductible Plan) The lowest monthly premiums of any Supplement plan. You pay your Medicare cost-sharing out of pocket until you reach the Plan F deductible ($2,950 in 2026), after which the plan covers all additional Medicare-approved expenses. Best for people who are generally healthy and want a financial backstop for significant medical events. Premium range: approximately $60 – $90/month

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What Medigap Does Not Cover

Medigap fills Medicare's cost gaps — it does not expand Medicare's benefits. The following are not covered by any Medigap plan:

• Prescription drugs (Part D) — you will need a standalone Part D plan. Learn more here →

• Dental and vision coverage. Learn more here →

• Routine physicals (Medicare covers a Welcome to Medicare visit and Annual Wellness Visit, which are not the same as a full physical)

• Services Medicare itself does not cover

• Sufficient coverage if you are traveling internationally. Learn more here →

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Carrier Extras Some carriers add perks such as gym memberships, fitness discounts, or eyewear allowances. These are not part of standardized Medigap coverage. When comparing plans, focus first on premium cost, rate stability over time, and plan design — then consider extras as a secondary factor.

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A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Premiums generally increase 3–5% annually. Consider not only today's cost but how your plan may fit your budget in the years ahead.

If a Supplement plan ever becomes less desirable — because of cost or personal preference — you can move to a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7). Learn more about Medicare Advantage →

 

Is a Supplement Plan Right for You?

Choosing between Medigap and Medicare Advantage involves weighing your health needs, budget, providers, and lifestyle. We'll compare your options, explain the long-term implications, and help you find the plan that fits — our enrollment services are available at no cost to you.

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Ready to talk through your options? Call us at 763-878-5994 or submit a contact request.