Who offers Medigap coverage to Medicare beneficiaries?

Medigap coverage, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, is specifically offered by private insurance companies. These companies are licensed to sell supplemental insurance policies that help fill the gaps in coverage that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not fully cover. Medigap policies can help pay for out-of-pocket costs such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

This is why the correct choice indicates that private third-party payers are the entities that provide Medigap coverage. Each private company can offer different Medigap plans which include varying benefits, and prices can differ widely between providers, even for the same plan.

Other entities, such as state government agencies, Medicare itself, or non-profit organizations, do not directly offer Medigap policies. Instead, their roles might involve regulation, oversight, or assistance with understanding Medicare-related benefits, but the actual coverage comes from private insurers. Understanding this distinction is crucial for Medicare beneficiaries seeking additional coverage options.