Are Medicare Supplement plans the same thing as "Medicare Secondary Insurance"?

Question

Larry Dalton · Accepted Answer

Yes. Medicare supplement plans are often referred to as Medigap plans. These plans work in conjunction with your traditional Medicare, but do not take the place of traditional Medicare, as Medicare Advantage plans do.

Answered by Larry Dalton on April 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Church · Answer

The question is, are Medicare supplement plans the same as Medicare secondary insurance? I think it's really determined by how you're looking at what a supplement is. A Medicare supplement is one that covers 20% of your costs that you would acquire if you were on just regular Medicare Part B. A Medicare supplement 80/20 plan means Medicare for approved services picks up 80%. You're responsible for 20%.

So when you buy a Medicare supplement plan that's designed to pick up that 20%, there is now a Part B deductible, which is set by Medicare each and every year. But the freedom of having a Medicare supplement allows you the freedom to control your own health care. What I mean by that is you're able to see any doctor that accepts Medicare anywhere you go.

And there are pros and cons to any health plan, but the best thing to do is to sit down with a licensed agent and have that agent help guide you through determining what your needs are and what the costs are. Hopefully, that answers your question.

Mike Alexander · Answer

No meficare secondary insurance is an employer plan that pays second to Medicare, depending on how many employees in your company

Daniel Brechin · Answer

Yes, Medicare Supplements will cover out pockets after your Medicare has paid.   Let's say have a Medicare procedure.  Medicare will pay their part and the supplement will pay the remaining amount.

Vincent Murray · Answer

No, if you choose a medicare supplement it becomes your primary insurance and Medicare is your secondary.  Same goes for a Medicare advantage part C and D plan.

Paul Potter · Answer

AS the saying goes "A rose by any other name would smell the same".  In short, the answer is yes.  It probably depends on what someone was originally told and they held onto that nomenclature.  

This is as opposed to Medicare Advantage, which sometimes is incorrectly referred to as "Medicare Replacement".   Agreed, it looks like replacement to doctors and hospitals, but you MUST have Medicare Parts A and B in order to get a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Carly Cusack · Answer

Medicare supplement plans act as a secondary insurance. When you're on Original Medicare and you also have a Medicare Supplement plan, Medicare is your primary and your Supplement plan is your secondary insurance. While it is the secondary insurance, I've never heard it referred as that.

Answered by Carly Cusack on September 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in OR & WA

Answered by Carly Cusack Medicare Insurance Agent

Sherry Rose · Answer

Medicare Supplements coordinate with Medicare coverage and pick up where Medicare leaves off; whereas a Medicare Secondary Insurance would be like an employer plan or other coverage that pays after Medicare. It is different in that Medicare Secondary is second to Medicare and does not coordinate with Medicare.

Answered by Sherry Rose on June 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ga, AL, AR & 5 other states

Answered by Sherry Rose Medicare Insurance Agent

Stella Hattox · Answer

YES, they pick up deductibles and co insurance.  However, if Medicare does not cover it, the Supplement ( also known as Medigap) will not cover it either.

Tyler Haskell · Answer

Yes, medicare supplements are secondary insurance to Medicare. They piggyback off of original Medicare. Original Medicare is your primary insurance and the supplement is your secondary insurance. Original Medicare runs the show, what they say goes. If they pay for it, the secondary has to pay it's part. If original medicare doesn't pay, the supplement will not pay either in most situations.

Answered by Tyler Haskell on March 4, 2026

Broker Licensed in UT

Answered by Tyler Haskell Medicare Insurance Agent

Colleen Williams · Answer

Great question! While Medicare Supplement plans and Medicare Secondary Insurance are related, they are not exactly the same thing — but in many cases, they do overlap. 

"Medicare Supplement" is a specific type of Medicare Secondary Insurance.

"Medicare Secondary Insurance" is a general category that includes Medigap and other types of insurance that work with Medicare.

Dustin Haffner · Answer

All Medigap plans are secondary to Medicare -
but not all secondary insurance is Medigap.

“secondary insurance” describes how a plan pays, not what kind of plan it is.

Here are some examples of secondary insurance:
Employer or retiree health coverage
Union plans
VA benefits
Tricare
Medicaid

Andrew Sandlin · Answer

Yes. The reason a Medicare Supplement would be referred to as "Medicare Secondary Insurance" is because Medicare would be your primary insurance coverage and the Medicare Supplement would be your secondary insurance. Medicare pays first and then the supplement pays second. Important to note... the supplement will pay the balance after Medicare pays according to the "Plan Letter" of supplement you chose (i.e. Plan G, Plan N, etc.).

Answered by Andrew Sandlin on January 26, 2026

Agent Licensed in IN, AL, FL & GA, IL, MI & OH

Answered by Andrew Sandlin Medicare Insurance Agent

Patricia Lewis · Answer

Yes, also known as Medigap plans. They all work with Original Medicare to help pick up the big gaps, like the $1736 dedutcible for being hospitalized, as well as the 20% on Part B that has no max out-of-pocket. They are separate plans that aren't required, and they have a separate premium. Plans G, N, and a high deductible G are the most common ones in 2026.

Answered by Patricia Lewis on February 3, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, GA, IL & 8 other states

Answered by Patricia Lewis Medicare Insurance Agent

Paul Barrett · Answer

Yes, that is exactly what a Medicare supplement is. It is also know as Medigap coverage as well. Medicare Supplement, secondary insurance, Medigap all three are essentially the same thing in the Medicare world.

Answered by Paul Barrett on May 11, 2026

Agent Licensed in NY, AL, AZ & 33 other states

Answered by Paul Barrett Medicare Insurance Agent

Mackenzie Anderson · Answer

Not exactly, but they are related. Medicare Supplement/Medigap plans are a type of Medicare Secondary Insurance, but not the only type. A Medicare Secondary Insurance simply means any coverage that pays after Medicare. It could be a Medicare Supplement/Medigap plan, or it could be an employer plan.

Answered by Mackenzie Anderson on July 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Mackenzie Anderson Medicare Insurance Agent

Doug Dent · Answer

Medicare supplements also known as Medigap plans work together with Original Medicare Part A and B.  

Medicare will cover a medically necessary service and the Medicare supplement will pay based upon what Medicare approves.  A person must have original Medicare Part A & B in order for a Medicare supplement to pay a claim.

Medicare supplements are referred to as Medicare Secondary Insurance.

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

Medicare Supplement Insurance plans means that same as Medigap Insurance plans. They are both Medicare Secondary Insurance, however the term Medicare Secondary Insurance is not referred to often. To get further information on Medicare Insurance please see locate medicare insurance website.
Thank you.

Jim Tretola · Answer

They are. Medicare  Supplement Plans act as someone’s secondary insurance when they have Original Medicare with both Parts A &B as their primary insurance coverage.

Walt Smith · Answer

You could use that term not very popular. Medicare Supplements are also called Medigap plans.  they supplement Medicare part A & B

DeeDee Whitlock · Answer

Medicare Supplements, Medigap, Medicare secondary are exactly the same they imply they pay AFTER Medicare not instead of Medicare like Medicare Advantage plans do

Chad Watkins · Answer

What is the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage Plans? Many people think these things are the same, but they're actually quite different. A Medicare Advantage Plan is typically either an HMO or PPO type of plan where you have to worry about doctors and hospitals being in network. They are usually lower premium than a Medicare Supplement, and depending on where you are, certain service areas have a zero premium plan which does not cost you anything above and beyond what you would normally pay for just the Part B premium.

Medicare Advantage Plans typically do include prescription drugs. They do have a maximum out-of-pocket amount, referred to as MOOP, of a maximum of $9,350. So that is your worst-case scenario, even if something catastrophic were to happen. They will give you some coverage, usually for dental, vision, and hearing, but it's usually not comprehensive, more preventative. For dental, things like checkups and cleanings are covered, and sometimes they will offer a wider range to give you more comprehensive dental.

The Medicare Advantage plans are locked in for one year, and you can only get the plans that are in your service area. With a Medicare Supplement, you will pay a higher premium, but you do get better coverage. You don't have to worry about networks; you can go to any doctor or hospital that you want. Medicare Supplements do not include prescription drugs, so you'd probably also want to get a standalone prescription drug plan. Medicare Supplement will also not give you anything towards dental, vision, and hearing, but again, you can get a standalone dental, vision, and hearing plan.

So if you have any other questions, please feel welcome to give me a call. I am licensed in every state and DC.

Hannah Skinner · Answer

Medicare supplements or "Medigap" plans are secondary to Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are considered an "alternative" to Medicare.

Michael Yost · Answer

No. A supplement plan is not health insurance. A supplement plan "supplements" Medicare health insurance. A secondary insurance would be having 2 insurance plans, one would be primary, one would be secondary.

Answered by Michael Yost on May 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, AL, AZ & 27 other states

Answered by Michael Yost Medicare Insurance Agent

Anna Davis CIC-RSSA · Answer

Yes, and sometimes they are called Medigaps. They usually have a monthly premium and they allow you to go to any doctor that accepts Medicare.

Brianna Douros · Answer

Yes, a Supplemental Plan can be referred to as Secondary Insurance. It can also be referred to as a Medigap plan. When you have both Medicare and a Secondary Insurance, it will act as a secondary payer, covering expenses that Medicare does not. This coordination helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries.

Answered by Brianna Douros on April 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA, CO, NC & TX

Answered by Brianna Douros Medicare Insurance Agent

Daintee Hurst Dietz · Answer

Medicare supplement do operate secondary to traditional Medicare. Assuming the supplement is out side of a company sponsored plan. Those operate differently.

Leslie Santos · Answer

• “Medicare Secondary Insurance” is just a general term that means any insurance paying after Medicare — this could include a Medigap plan, employer group coverage, retiree coverage, or even Medicaid

Answered by Leslie Santos on October 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL & TX

Answered by Leslie Santos Medicare Insurance Agent

Carolyn Duncan · Answer

I do not answer questions like this with flat yes or no answers, I answers questions with full answers and make sure to clarify in depth what a person thinks Medicare Secondary Insurance is as it could be a few different things including group coverage. It is important to confirm insurance terms with the client understanding of those plans.

Answered by Carolyn Duncan on July 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, CA, CO & 12 other states

Answered by Carolyn Duncan Medicare Insurance Agent

Lee Hampton · Answer

Not exactly—but they are related.

A Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) is a type of secondary insurance. It works alongside Original Medicare to help pay for things like deductibles and coinsurance. This can make your healthcare costs more predictable and lets you see any doctor who accepts Medicare.

But “secondary insurance” is a broader term. It can also include:
• Employer or retiree coverage
• Medicaid (AHCCCS in AZ)
• TRICARE

💡 Simple way to remember:
✔ All Medicare Supplement plans are secondary insurance
❗ But not all secondary insurance is a Medicare Supplement

Have questions? I’m always happy to help make Medicare simple 😊

Marisa Mitchell · Answer

Medicare Supplement are also known as as Medigap plans. There are standardized plans that cover deductibles and the 20% co insurance for Part A and Part B. 

They do pay secondary to Medicare because Medicare pays first. 

Supplements are not Medicare Advantage or Part C plans. You typically hove one or the other and they do not coordinate with each other.

Rebecca Jackson · Answer

Medicare Supplements are one choice a person can make when looking for Medicare secondary insurance. They are not the only choice.

Randy Bremer · Answer

Medicare supplements could be called Medigap policies because Medicare pays first and the supplement will pay secondary so it’s easier to understand if you call it a medic gap policy not all secondary insurance is a Medicare supplement. It could be a group policy from a job.

Answered by Randy Bremer on November 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in NE & IA

Answered by Randy Bremer Medicare Insurance Agent

Terry Nacion · Answer

Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, are a type of secondary insurance, but not all secondary insurance is a Medicare Supplement plan. Medicare Supplement plans are standardized policies regulated by the federal government and designed specifically to work alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). They help pay out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

“Medicare Secondary Insurance” is a broader term that refers to any coverage that pays after Medicare. This could include employer group coverage, retiree benefits, Medicaid, or other private insurance. Medigap is one specific form of secondary coverage, while other types of secondary insurance may follow different rules and coordination of benefits guidelines.

Fred Manas · Answer

No, Medicare Supplement plans are not the same as "Medicare Secondary Insurance", although they are related. Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, are extra insurance purchased to cover gaps in Original Medicare.
"Medicare Secondary Insurance" refers to a situation where Medicare is the second insurance payer after another primary insurance. While a Medigap plan can function as secondary insurance to Original Medicare, it's not the only type of secondary insurance that can exist.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

No, Medicare Supplement plans and "Medicare Secondary Insurance" are not exactly the same, though they are related. Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, are specific types of secondary insurance designed to cover the costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on April 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Brown · Answer

No, Medigap plans are private plans that fill gaps in Original Medicare, while “Medicare Secondary Insurance” generally refers to any insurance that pays after Medicare, such as employer coverage or Medicaid, they are related but not the same.

Answered by Mary Brown on March 30, 2026

Broker Licensed in NJ, DE, FL & NC, OH, PA & TX

Answered by Mary Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Kramer · Answer

Yes, that is correct. Supplements are "secondary" to Medicare and cover part or all of the 20% that Medicare does not cover. Advantage plans are not considered as secondary to Medicare because they take over your Medicare coverage and become primary insurance. They are Part C of Medicare, which combine Parts A, B and usually D, into one, comprehensive plan, that is equal to Medicare, but has a Dr network. Only use a local agent to help you with this!

Answered by Andrew Kramer on November 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent

Dean Chiapetto · Answer

In escense they are the same thing. Insurance companies call their policies Medicare Supplement and Medicare refers to them as Medigap plans. Two names for the same thing. Medicare Supplements work Secondary to Medicare, so if Medicare approve a procedure then the Medicare supplement will pay what it is contracted to pay. If Medicare does not approve a procedure then neither Medicare nor the supplement will pay. 
Have your broker explain this to you.
Contact a Local Broker.
Brokers Make a Difference.

Karen Ansell · Answer

Medicare Supplements are sometimes called secondary insurance or medi-gap insurance.
Medicare A & B primary with "secondary insurance" or Medicare Supplement.

Rich Baker · Answer

There are generally two types of supplemental coverage for Medicare: Medigap plans (also called Medicare Supplements) and Medicare Advantage plans. There are pluses and minuses to both types of coverage and depending on your situation one may make more sense than the other.

In this agent’s opinion, you definitely need one or the other because medicare by itself has no limit on your out of pocket costs, and while they handle them differently, each type of supplemental coverage gives you some protection on how much you can be charged in a given year.

Your agent can walk through your specific situation with you and help you decide what is right for you.

Toni Cormier · Answer

Medicare Supplement plans are one type of Medicare secondary insurance, there are other plans; such as, group plans which would identify which is primary and which is secondary.

Toni Chavez · Answer

Yes, Medicare supplements are known as gap coverage or secondary coverage. It basically fills the 20% gap that original Medicare does not cover..

Robert Remin · Answer

Medicare secondary insurance means there is another plan in place most likel an employer plan that is the primary payor and Medicare is the secondary payor. It has nothing to do with private carrier Medigap/Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans.

Answered by Robert Remin on July 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, FL & NJ

Answered by Robert Remin Medicare Insurance Agent

Glenn Alterman · Answer

Hello,  yes. Med supps are called gap coverage as well as secondary coverage 

Medicare pays 80% and if a referral is needed for a balance, Medicare sends this part to your supplement carrier, which they have on file. Your doctor doesn’t bill the med supp carrier.

If you would like me to help you with a Medicare supplement plan F, if you're old enough, and G or N too. I’d be glad to assist 

Please contact me. I will need your zip code, DOB, gender, and Y or N to tobacco to get a quote 

Glenn

Dominic Javier · Answer

Yes, they are terminologies referring to same nature.  In the Medicare industry, it is know as Medicare Supplement Plan or Medigap sold by private insurance companies to augment your Medicare plan.

William Scott · Answer

Medicare Supplements are known as Medigap plans. They are also sometimes referred to as Secondary Insurance.

Tony Hardwick · Answer

No. A Medicare Supplement plan is a private health insurance policy that helps cover out of pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare. A Medicare Secondary Payer refers to situations where Medicare pays after another insurance plan has already paid.

Answered by Tony Hardwick on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, AL, AR & 32 other states

Answered by Tony Hardwick Medicare Insurance Agent

Silvana Peacock · Answer

Yes, Medicare Supplement plans are often called
"Medicare Secondary
Insurance" because they help pay costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. They don't replace Medicare; instead, they work alongside it to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Albert Smith · Answer

It can be considered secondary to Medicare, as it covers what original Medicare does NOT cover. Medicare covers 80 percent of your Part B costs, and Part A has copays.

Sean Macbean · Answer

This refers to Medicare being the primary insurance biller 80% and your supplements being the balance or 20%. 

Yes, your supplement is sometimes referred to as secondary coverage.

Tonya Mowan · Answer

All Medicare Supplements are secondary insurance, however not all secondary insurance is a Medicare Supplement. Medicare supplements assist in cost that Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not fully cover. 

Medicare Secondary Insurance is a broad term which means that it will pay after Medicare does. Beside Medicare Supplements there are other coverages that individuals may have, such as: Employer or retiree group coverage, TRICARE For Life, Medicaid, Union Benefits, or COBRA. 

It is best to talk with a licensed agent in your area to help you understand and explore the best options for your unique situation.

Humara Riaz · Answer

Officially standardized by Medicare and sold by private insurance companies.

Designed to help cover "gaps" in Original Medicare (Parts A & B), such as:

Copayments

Coinsurance

Deductibles

Only available to people enrolled in Original Medicare.

There are 10 standardized plans (Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N).

Medigap does not include drug coverage (you’d need a separate Part D plan).

Shahnaz Razvi · Answer

With a Medicare Supplement plan Medicare is the primary payor and pays the 80% of the cost covered by Medicare if you have Part A and Part B.

If someone has two different forms of coverage, the primary payer covers most costs, and the secondary payer then steps in to cover some or all remaining expenses.

Babs Atwell · Answer

In the Medicare billing realm, these terms are interchangeable. However, typically having secondary coverage to Medicare, you will coverage for items and services not normally covered by Medicare. Whereas a true Medicare Supplement will only cover the percentage left over after Medicare has paid their portion, only covering the items and services already covered by traditional Medicare.

Answered by Babs Atwell on May 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, IN, KY, MI & TX

Answered by Babs Atwell Medicare Insurance Agent

Holt Rushing · Answer

Yes, a medicare supplement is secondary to medicare. If you had a Medicare Advantage then it would combine everything into one play and would then be the primary insurance.

David Fiveash · Answer

Yes, secondary insurance are also known as Medicare supplements and Medi-gap plans 
Original Medicare would primary and Medicare supplements or Medi-gap will be secondary.

George Francis · Answer

Medicare Supplement plans and Medicare Secondary Insurance does have a number of overlapping benefits (copays, coinsurance and some deductibles). 
A Medicare Secondary Insurance plan also covers additional benefits (vision and dental) not covered by Medigap.

Tami Baker · Answer

Certain terminology can mean something different to everyone. 

To clarify a Medicare Supplement is sometimes referred to as Medigap Insurance.,too  I believe these terms came about because Medicare is billed first then the Meicare Supplement for the remaining portion not covered by Medicare.

If these plans fit into your budget they can be a great option. You know all your healthcare costs up front. No surprises. Also, most dont have Networks so you can get your services anywhere that accepts Medicate.

Of course, make sure to get a Prescription Drug Plan to go along with it so you are compliant.

Kyra Baldwin · Answer

Yes, also known as a Medigap plan. These types of plans come secondary to your Original Medicare (Parts A & B) in order to help cover the gaps Original Medicare leaves you with.

Dionisio Guillermo · Answer

NO, Medicare Supplement plans are complementary to Medicare, while Medicare Secondary Insurance refer to any insurance that pays after Medicare!

Michael Pane · Answer

No. Medicare Supplements are known as Medigap plans as they fill the 20% responsibility you may have to come out of pocket for with Original Medicare.

Look at additional coverages such as Hospital, Critical Illness, or Cancer coverage to help fill in the holes or loss of income.

Amine Amraoui · Answer

Sometimes calling it that can cause confusion, because if let's say you have employer coverage, sometimes your employer coverage is primary, and Medicare would be secondary. Usually Medicare supplement is referred to as Medigap, or Medicare supplement.

Answered by Amine Amraoui on November 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Amine Amraoui Medicare Insurance Agent

Brandon Brown · Answer

Yes, “Medicare Supplement” and “Medicare Secondary Insurance” usually mean the same thing.

Both refer to insurance that pays after Medicare — helping cover costs like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that Medicare doesn’t fully pay. The official name is Medicare Supplement Insurance (or Medigap), but a lot of people casually call it “secondary insurance” because it acts after Medicare pays first.

Quick tip: Not all “secondary insurance” is a Medigap plan — some people might have secondary coverage through a retiree plan, Medicaid, or an employer too. But if you’re buying it yourself specifically to fill Medicare’s gaps, it’s a Medicare Supplement.

Arlene Arkin · Answer

No they are two different plans and the wording can be confusing.
Medicare Supplement plans or Medigap are private insurance plans that is secondary to Medicare, it is the second payor .wheras  Medicare Secondary insurance is usually affiliated with Medicare and an Employers group or workman's compensation for example. It pays first then Medicare kicks in.

Jelly Marco · Answer

Medicare supplement is considered as Medicare secondary insurance because it covers the 20% of the original Medicare that does not cover, but not all medicare secondary insurance is through Medicare supplement it can be Employer retiree coverage, Medicaid or other types of Health plans.

Answered by Jelly Marco on February 23, 2026

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Jelly Marco Medicare Insurance Agent

Are Medicare Supplement plans the same thing as "Medicare Secondary Insurance"?

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