Can Spouses Be Covered Under A Single Medigap Plan?

Unlike more traditional health insurance policies, a person may not be covered under their spouse’s Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) plan. Each person must acquire their own Medigap plan.

Medigap Spousal Discount 

Although spouses cannot share the same Medigap plan, they may qualify for a spousal discount if they each enroll in a Medigap plan from the same company.

• The spousal discount can reduce the premium that each person pays for their Medigap plan
• Spousal discounts are not standard nor required
• The availability and discount amount will vary from one company to the next

Choosing a Medigap Plan

If your spouse is eligible for Medicare and you haven't worked, you are eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, too.

The same applies to a Medigap policy. The best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is during your 6-month Medigap open enrollment period. It begins the month you are both 65 years old and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, you cannot be denied coverage or charged higher premiums due to your medical history.

The silver lining in not being able to share your spouse’s Medigap plan is having the luxury of choosing your own plan. There are 10 Medicare Supplement Insurance plans to choose from and each offers its own unique set of benefits. It’s wise to carefully consider which Medigap plan may be most beneficial to you. Remember, the Medigap plan that is right for you may be different than the one that is right for your spouse.

Learn more about Medicare coverage of common procedures

For more information about Medigap, read through our guide to Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage.