How to Find Affordable Medicare Supplement Plans: Tips and Resources

Medicare supplements, also known as Medigap policies, help pay for deductibles, coinsurance and other costs. Private insurance companies sell them, and coverage is standardized across plans.

You can buy a Medicare supplement anytime during your open enrollment period. You can apply by phone, online or in person with the insurance company. Check out WI Medigap insurance for more information.

Plan A

If you have credible coverage through a retiree plan, such as an employer’s health insurance, you may not need Medicare supplement insurance. This includes Medicaid and certain Medicare savings programs.

You can change Medicare supplements during your one-time open enrollment period, which begins the month you enroll in Medicare Part B. You also have a guaranteed issue right to buy any company’s policy at any time.

Plan B

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Plan C

Medicare supplement insurance, also known as Medigap, helps pay out-of-pocket costs such as copays and deductibles. It is sold by private insurance companies and has a monthly premium.

You can buy a Medicare supplement policy during your one-time six-month open enrollment period, which begins when you enroll in Medicare Part B. Outside of that window, insurance companies can ask about your health history and deny you coverage.

Plan D

Plan D is one of the few Medicare supplement plans insurers must offer under guaranteed issue rules. That means you can buy it without answering health questions and the company can’t charge more because of your health history.

Medicare Part D covers drugs and vaccinations against serious diseases like shingles, pneumonia and the flu. It also covers preventive services for a copay or no deductible at all.

Plan F

Plan F is one of the standard Medicare Supplement insurance plans available. It offers the most comprehensive coverage of any Medigap plan.

It covers the Part B calendar year deductible, which many other standardized plans don’t. Also, it includes a high deductible option that can lower the monthly premium. You can enroll in this plan if you were already enrolled in Original Medicare before January 1, 2020.

Plan G

Like Plan F, Medicare Supplement Plan G offers comprehensive coverage to help reduce costs. The only difference is that it doesn’t cover the Part B deductible.

It’s also a great option for those who want to lower their out-of-pocket expenses as they get older. It doesn’t require prior authorizations and has no network restrictions. It’s also community-rated or issue-age rated so premiums won’t increase with age.

Plan K

Choosing the right Medicare supplement plan involves finding a balance between the benefits you want and the premiums you can afford. Plan K is unique among Medicare supplements in offering a yearly out-of-pocket limit.

It also covers 50% of the Part A deductible, as well as blood, hospice and skilled nursing facility coinsurance after Medicare pays. This makes Plan K an attractive option for budget-conscious seniors.

Plan L

Plan L is a Medicare supplement that offers lower premiums than most other plans. It also offers a maximum out-of-pocket limit of $3,110 in 2021.

Like all Medicare Supplement plans, Plan L requires that you pay your original Medicare deductibles and coinsurance. It does offer a maximum out-of-pocket yearly limit, which it shares with Plan K. The plan also provides 75% coverage for most of its benefits.

Plan M

Plan M has a lower monthly premium than some other Medicare supplement plans, and is best for people who are comfortable with cost-sharing. However, it does not cover the Part A deductible or Part B excess charges.

Medigap plans are standardized and work alongside your Original Medicare coverage, helping you pay for healthcare costs. They offer a variety of benefits that help with deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

Plan N

Plan N offers a solid amount of coverage for around 25% less than Plan F. It covers 100% of the Medicare Part B deductible, and includes a $20 copay for office visits (excluding telehealth visits) and a $50 copay for emergency room visits that don’t result in inpatient admission.

Medicare Supplement Plan N is available during Open Enrollment and through a Special Enrollment Period. It is not subject to medical underwriting, which means premiums can’t be raised or denied for pre-existing conditions.