Medigap is supplemental health insurance that can help pay some of the expenses that are not covered by Medicare. For example, it may cover co-payments or some additional costs for a prolonged stay in a skilled nursing facility. As of 2006, new Medigap policies cannot, however, offer prescription drug coverage. Medicare now handles such coverage. (See the Medicare article on this webite)

It is important to carefully consider your particular situation in deciding whether this supplemental insurance is worth the extra expense. Contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Hotline at (800)432-4040. In addition, you can request a copy of Medicare’s publication, Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare or read and download the Guide from Medicare on-line.