Specialized Medicare supplemental insurance policy whose predefined minimum benefits are regulated by the federal government and devised for the Medicare beneficiary. It typically covers the deductible and copayment amounts not covered under the Medicare policy. This coverage is available only to individuals who are covered by Medicare and is purchased by individuals or by employers to cover retired employees. Except in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, there are 12 standardized plans labeled Plan A through Plan L. Medigap policies only work with the Original Medicare Plan. Also known as complementary program, gap fill, Medifill, Medicare supplement policy, Medsupp, Medicare wrap, supplemental health insurance , or wraparound plan .

Several websites have been created that help Medicare beneficiaries to find insurance companies that sell Medigap insurance plans and to compare coverage costs (e.g., http://www.medicare.gov/medigap/default.asp ). A Google search using key words “Medigap Compare” can also be used to do this research.

State and county directory that contains names, addresses, and specialties of Medicare-participating physicians who have agreed to accept assignment on all Medicare claims and covered services.

Acronym for Medicare supplement (Medsupp) policy. See Medigap (MG) policy .

Situation in which both parties agree and understand their responsibilities and rights under an insurance contract.

1. Person covered under the Blue Cross/Blue Shield subscriber’s contract including the subscriber or contract holder who is the person named on the membership identification card and in the case of (1) two-person coverage, (2) one adult–one child coverage, or (3) family coverage, eligible family dependents enrolled under the subscriber’s contract. 2. Individual who purchases health insurance coverage. Also called certificate holder, enrollee, insured, policyholder , and subscriber .

Continuation of insurance coverage without lapse when making a change from one group to another or one health plan to another.