A Medicare Supplement insurance policy (also known as Medigap) is something you can purchase if you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and want to supplement your coverage with Original Medicare. If you're interested in purchasing a Medicare Supplement or if you already have one, you may be wondering: Can my spouse be on the same Medicare Supplement insurance policy?
In short, the answer is no. While many spouses have the option to have the same (non-Medicare/non-Medigap) health insurance policy, a joint policy is not available with Medicare Supplement insurance policies. CMS.gov leaves no questions by telling us that "you and your spouse must buy separate Medigap policies."1 That's because "a Medigap policy covers only one person," according to Investopedia.2
In addition to the fact that a married couple cannot be on the same Medicare Supplement insurance policy, they should also purchase a Medicare Supplement insurance policy that suits each one individually. According to medicareresources.org, "depending on health conditions, it may make sense for spouses to select two different Medigap plans."3
If you and your spouse are considering purchasing a Medicare Supplement insurance policy and are wondering which one is right for you, according to Medicare.gov, there are up to ten Medigap plans: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N (Plan F also has a high deductible version) available.4 Medicare.gov notes that "every Medigap policy must follow federal and state laws designed to protect you," and "insurance companies can sell you only a ‘standardized' policy."4
It's important to note that effective January 1, 2020, Plans C, F, and HDF/F+ will not be available to newly-eligible Medicare beneficiaries, and for newly-eligible Medicare beneficiaries, Medicare Supplement Plans D, G and HDG/G+ will replace Plans C, F, and HDF/F+.4
If you're considering purchasing a Medicare Supplement insurance policy and you're wondering which policies could be right for you and your spouse, contact a licensed insurance agent.
Your style is your choice. Shouldn't your doctor and your coverage be, too?
Learn more about Medicare Supplement insurance options.
Sources:
1 CMS.gov, Medigap (Medicare Supplement Health Insurance, 2019
2 Investopedia, Who Needs Medigap Insurance?, 2019
3 Medicareresources.org, What Should Couples Consider When Choosing Medicare Plans?, 2018
4 Medicare.gov, How to Compare Medigap Policies