If you have been diagnosed with a chronic illness like diabetes, heart disease, or COPD, you probably see the doctor a lot. You may need regular treatments or trips to the hospital. All that can get expensive fast — even with Medicare.

This is where a Medicare Supplement (or “Medigap”) plan can help. It can cover some of the costs that Medicare leaves behind.

Below, this Medicare Supplement broker in Portage, Indiana is going to explain how you can coordinate Medigap around a chronic illness diagnosis.

How does Medigap help people with chronic conditions?

Medigap is not a replacement for Medicare, but it covers many of those extra costs that you would otherwise be responsible for. For example, Medicare Part B imposes a 20% coinsurance on most Part B outpatient services. Medigap plans cover that 20% coinsurance, so you are not seeing a big bill after each visit.

It also covers the Part A hospital deductible, which is $1,676 per benefit period in 2025. If your condition sends you to the hospital, having Medigap could keep that cost from turning into a crisis.

When you are managing a chronic condition, it can be helpful to know what your monthly costs will be. Medigap gives you that kind of stability.

Enrollment timing is everything.

You have a six-month window when you first turn 65 and sign up for Medicare Part B. During this “Open Enrollment Period”, insurance companies can’t deny you coverage or charge more because of your health.

If you have had at least six months of prior creditable coverage, the insurance company also has to cover your pre-existing conditions immediately.

But if you don’t have that history of continuous coverage, or if you wait too long to apply for Medigap, your new plan might not cover your condition immediately. You might also have to pay more for your plan or even get denied altogether.

About waiting periods

If you were diagnosed or treated for your chronic illness in the six months before your Medigap coverage starts, your new plan can delay covering it. This delay is called a “pre-existing condition waiting period.”

It can last up to six months. Medicare still pays its share during this time, but Medigap will not cover its part for that condition until the waiting period is over.

If you had six or more months of continuous creditable coverage with no break longer than 63 days, that waiting period can be shortened or skipped altogether.

Best Medigap plans for you

Plan G covers almost everything after you pay the Part B deductible. That includes the Part A hospital deductible and most out-of-pocket costs. It is a good option because it makes costs predictable.

Plan N has a lower monthly cost. But you will pay small copays when you see the doctor or go to the ER. The office visit copay is capped at $20, and the ER copay is capped at $50.

Plan N does not cover extra charges, but Plan G does. So, if you see doctors who charge more, Plan G may be the safer pick.

If you are healthy overall and want to save money each month, you could check out the high-deductible Plan G. You will pay more up front ($2,870 in 2025) before coverage starts. However, the premiums will also be much lower.

Choosing a Medigap plan can be very confusing, but an experienced Medicare Supplement broker in Portage, Indiana can walk you through the options. They will look at what you need, how frequently you go to the doctor, and how much risk you are willing to accept. They will then match you to a plan that is best suited for your budget and health needs.

Prepare your application.

If you are applying outside your open enrollment or don’t have guaranteed issue rights, you might have to go through medical underwriting. You need to be prepared for this.

Collect records that show when you were diagnosed and what treatment you had. This makes it easier for insurers to understand your case and could speed up the process.

A Medicare Supplement broker in Portage, Indiana can help here. They know what paperwork insurance companies want, and they can guide you on the timing to avoid underwriting where possible. They will also make sure your application is complete and accurate.

Looking for a Medicare Supplement Broker in Portage, Indiana?

If you would like to learn more about your Medigap eligibility and options after a chronic illness diagnosis, you can always reach out to a Medicare Supplement broker in Portage, Indiana — like Senior Care Insurance Services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our agents.