There are 12 standard Medigap plans A-L. Every Medigap plan from A-J includes "core" benefits that help pay for:

• Medicare Part A co-payment for days 61-150 of a hospital stay
• Up to 365 days in the hospital once you use all of your Medicare hospital benefits
• Medicare Part B co-payments after the $124 deductible
• The first three pints of blood if you need a transfusion

*Starting in January 2006, you will not be able to purchase a new Medigap policy with prescription drug coverage.

Medigap plans K and L were created by the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) and introduced in 2005. They are cheaper than plans A-J, but require higher out-of-pockets costs. Both include:

• Payment of $228 per day for days 61-90 of a hospital stay
• Payment of $456 per day for days 91-150 of a hospital stay
• Up to 365 days in the hospital once you deplete your Medicare hospital benefits

Plan K pays:

• 50% of co-payments for Medicare Part B services after the $110 deductible
• 100% of coinsurance for preventative services
• 50% of the first three pints of blood if you need a transfusion
• 50% of hospice cost-sharing for all Medicare Part A covered expenses and respite care
• $4,000 out-of-pocket annual limit; then the plan pays for all of your Part A and Part B co-payments for the rest of the year
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance (50%)
• Medicare Part A Deductible (50%)

Plan L pays:

• 75% of co-payments for Medicare Part B services after the $110 deductible
• 100% of coinsurance for preventative services
• 75% of the first three pints of blood if you need a transfusion.
• 75% of hospice cost-sharing for all Medicare Part A covered expenses and respite care.
• $2,000 out-of-pocket annual limit; then the plan pays for all of your Part A and Part B co-payments for the rest of the year
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance (75%)
• Medicare Part A Deductible (75%)

Note: Standard Medigap benefits are different for people in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

For more information on what Medigap plans cover, read the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services publication, "Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People With Medicare."