Medicare Supplement
Medigap Letters Explained: A Gulfport Guide to Plans A–N
If you're on Original Medicare and live in Gulfport, you've probably heard about Medicare Supplement insurance — often called Medigap. These policies are sold by private insurance companies, but the benefits inside each lettered plan are set by federal rules. That means a Plan G from one company covers the same core benefits as a Plan G from another.
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Click to call 855-729-3240Key takeaways
- Medigap plans sold to new enrollees are labeled A, B, D, G, K, L, M, and N, and federal rules mean the same letter covers the same core benefits no matter which company sells it.
- Your best chance to buy a Medigap policy without health questions is the six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 or older and enroll in Part B.
- Medigap doesn't include drug coverage, so many people also get a stand-alone Part D plan, and for 2026 Part D has a $2,100 out-of-pocket cap and a maximum deductible of $615.
- You can't pair a Medigap policy with a Medicare Advantage plan, so choosing between Advantage and Original Medicare plus Medigap is a foundational decision worth thinking through carefully.
Making Sense of Medigap in Gulfport
Understanding what Medigap does — and what those letters actually mean — can help you feel more confident about your coverage choices.
What Medigap Actually Does
Medigap works alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). After Medicare pays its share of a covered service, your Medigap policy helps pay some of what's left — things like coinsurance, copayments, and in some cases the Part A deductible.
A few key points to keep in mind:
- Medigap only works with Original Medicare. It does not work with Medicare Advantage.
- Medigap does not include prescription drug coverage. For drugs, you'd need a separate Part D plan.
- You pay a monthly premium for your Medigap policy in addition to your Part B premium.
- Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable, meaning the insurer can't drop you for health reasons as long as you pay your premium.
You can read the basics directly from Medicare at medicare.gov.
Why the Plans Have Letters
In most states, Medigap plans are "standardized." That's the government's way of making shopping easier. Instead of comparing dozens of custom benefit packages, you're comparing the same lettered plan across different insurance companies.
The plans currently sold to new enrollees are labeled: A, B, D, G, K, L, M, and N. (Plans C and F are still held by some people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, but they aren't sold to newly eligible enrollees.)
Each letter offers a different mix of benefits. For example, some plans cover more out-of-pocket costs but come with higher premiums, while others have lower premiums and ask you to share more of the cost when you use care. Mississippi follows the federal standardized model, so Gulfport residents see the same lettered options as most of the country.
How the Letters Differ (In Plain Terms)
Rather than listing every benefit, here's how to think about the lineup:
- Plans A and B cover the basics, like Part A hospital coinsurance and Part B coinsurance.
- Plan G is one of the most comprehensive options available to newly eligible enrollees. It covers most gaps except the Part B deductible.
- Plans K and L use a cost-sharing approach — they pay a percentage of certain costs until you reach a yearly out-of-pocket limit.
- Plan M offers moderate coverage with a split on the Part A deductible.
- Plan N generally has lower premiums in exchange for small copays at doctor and emergency room visits.
The right letter for you depends on how often you use care, your budget for monthly premiums, and how much financial predictability you want. A licensed agent or your local SHIP counselor can walk you through the differences without steering you toward any one product.
When You Can Buy a Medigap Policy
Timing matters a lot with Medigap. Your best window is your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — a six-month stretch that starts the month you're 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this window, insurers can't deny you coverage or charge you more because of health conditions.
Outside that window, in most cases, insurers in Mississippi can use medical underwriting. That means your health history may affect whether you can buy a policy or what you'll pay. There are a few limited "guaranteed issue" situations — for example, if certain coverage ends through no fault of your own.
How Medigap Fits with Part D and Advantage
Because Medigap doesn't include drug coverage, many people who choose Original Medicare plus Medigap also enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan. For 2026, Part D has a $2,100 out-of-pocket cap on covered drugs and a maximum deductible of $615. The old "donut hole" coverage gap was eliminated in 2025, so drug coverage now moves through three phases. There's also an optional Medicare Prescription Payment Plan that lets you spread drug costs across the year.
You cannot use a Medigap policy with a Medicare Advantage plan. If you're weighing Advantage versus Original Medicare + Medigap, that's a foundational choice worth thinking through carefully.
Gulfport is in Harrison County, where a range of Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are offered each year. Availability changes annually, and you can compare current options for your ZIP code using the Plan Finder at medicare.gov.
Key Dates to Remember
- October 15 – December 7: Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (for Part D and Medicare Advantage changes).
- January 1 – March 31: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
- Your Medigap Open Enrollment: The six months starting when you're 65+ and enrolled in Part B.
Also worth noting: IRMAA income-related surcharges on Part B and Part D premiums start above $109,000 for single filers in 2026.
By the numbers
Medicare Part B premium, 2006–2026
The standard monthly Part B premium has climbed from $88.50 in 2006 to $202.90 in 2026. Hover any point for that year’s premium.
Source: CMS. Standard premium shown; in some hold-harmless years many existing enrollees paid less. Confirm at Medicare.gov.
By the numbers
How people get Medicare in Harrison County
(MA penetration in Harrison County)
MA penetration from CMS enrollment data; Medigap share is an estimate. U.S. average is about 54% Medicare Advantage. These are area-level figures, not plan-specific.
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The parts of Medicare
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When can you enroll? An interactive year
Enrollment windows are federal and the same nationwide. Confirm your personal dates at Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to buy Medigap when I first get Medicare?
Are Plan G policies from different companies really the same?
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare and add Medigap?
- CMS — Medicare basics (medicare.gov)
For personalized answers, contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local SHIP.