Medicare can be confusing, especially when you are trying to understand Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage, and prescription drug coverage at the same time.

I have worked with Medicare clients since 2009. As an independent insurance broker, I can compare Medicare Supplement plans and rates from multiple insurance companies rather than representing only one carrier.

Because Medigap benefits are standardized by plan letter, choosing a policy is often less about finding a different version of Plan G or Plan N and more about comparing premiums, company characteristics, underwriting requirements, discounts, and your individual situation.

My goal is to make the process easier to understand. Whether you’re approaching Medicare for the first time, helping a family member, or already have coverage and want to review your options, I’m happy to help you understand what choices are available.

How Medicare Coverage Fits Together

There are several different types of Medicare coverage, and the terminology is easy to mix up:

• Original Medicare – Medicare Part A and Part B
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) – private insurance that helps pay certain out of pocket costs left by Original Medicare
• Medicare Advantage (Part C) – another way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private Medicare approved plan
• Medicare Part D – prescription drug coverage

Medigap works with Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage. If you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you generally can’t purchase a Medigap policy unless you’re switching back to Original Medicare.

Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies and must follow federal and state laws. In most states, including Oklahoma, standardized plans with the same letter provide the same basic medical benefits regardless of which insurance company sells the policy.

Oklahoma also provides certain Medigap enrollment rights for Medicare beneficiaries under age 65 who qualify for Medicare because of disability.

What Costs Does Original Medicare Leave you to Pay?

Original Medicare covers a substantial portion of Medicare approved health care costs, but it doesn’t pay everything. Without supplemental coverage, you are responsible for certain deductibles and coinsurance amounts.

The 2026 Medicare deductibles

Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A, often called premium free Part A. Medicare Part B generally does have a monthly premium, which is separate from any premium you may pay for a Medicare Supplement policy. The base Medicare Part B premium is  $202.90 in 2026.

Part A – Inpatient Hospital Care

In 2026, the part A hospital deductible is $1,736 for each benefit period. There is no limit to the number of benefit periods you can have in a year.

• Days 1-60: $0 per day after the $1,736 deductible
• Days 61-90: $434 per day
• Days 91-150: $868 per day while using your 60 lifetime reserve days
• After lifetime reserve days are exhausted: You pay all costs

Skilled Nursing Facility Care

For a Medicare-covered skilled nursing facility stay in 2026:

• Days 1-20: $0
• Days 21-100: $217 per day
• Days 101 and beyond: You pay all costs

Part B – Outpatient Medical Care

The 2026 Part B annual deductible is $283.

After the Part B deductible, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for Medicare-covered Part B services.

Unlike many private health plans, Original Medicare does not have an annual out-of-pocket maximum. This is one reason people may choose supplemental coverage such as a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy.

Compare the 10 Standardized Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, is standardized by plan letter. This means that the basic medical benefits of a Plan G are the same regardless of which insurance company offers the policy. Premiums, underwriting requirements, household discounts, customer service, and other company features can differ.

Many people compare Plan G and Plan N, but there are 10 standardized Medigap plan designs. The table below shows the benefits included with each plan.

* Plans C and F: These plans generally aren’t available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. People who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020 may still be able to purchase these plans, depending on eligibility and availability.

High-deductible Plans F and G: These options are available in some states. In 2026, the high-deductible amount is $2,950 before the policy begins paying covered benefits. Eligibility rules for Plan F still apply.

Plans K and L: After you meet the plan’s annual out-of-pocket limit and the annual Medicare Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), the Medigap policy pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year.

** Plan N: Plan N pays the Part B coinsurance, except for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for certain emergency room visits that don’t result in an inpatient admission.

Source: Medicare.gov — Compare Medigap Plan Benefits. Benefit information shown is for 2026.

Part B excess charges: Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges. These charges may occur when a Medicare provider does not accept assignment. In many cases, Medicare limits the provider to charging no more than 15% above the Medicare approved amount. Providers who accept Medicare assignment do not charge Part B excess charges.