Medicare Supplement Options

Navigating your Medicare coverage options can be confusing. With the variety of options available, it can be daunting to try to understand every option you have for coverage. That’s why we are here to help. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at one of the most popular coverage types by exploring different Medicare Supplement options.

What is Medicare Supplement insurance?

Medicare Supplement insurance covers gaps in in Original Medicare coverage, which is why they are sometimes called Medigap plans. Medicare Supplement insurance is sold by private insurance companies and offer standardized plan coverage options despite what provider you choose.

What do Medicare Supplement plans cover?

Although exact amount of coverage may vary depending on your chosen plan, there are some standardized rules for coverage. All plans must cover at least a portion of the following basic benefits:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted
• Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments
• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments
• First three pints of blood used in a medical procedure

Private insurance companies who sell Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans often don’t offer every letter plan option. This means that research is required to find what carriers offer which plans in your area.

Why do Medicare Supplement plans have letters?

Medicare Supplement plans are named using an alphabetical list. This is to help make it easier to understand which plans offer what, since all plans are standardized. This makes it easier for you to find the plan you choose with the provider you want. Each of the same-lettered plan must offer the same basic benefits regardless of insurance company and location, meaning Plan N at one insurance company will include the same coverage as Plan N at another insurance company.

Do Medicare Supplement plans have dental/vision/hearing options?

Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not required to cover vision, dental, long-term care, or hearing aids – but some plans offer ancillary benefits which may include some coverage in those areas.

What plans are available where?

Medicare Supplement plans are available throughout the nation. In 47 out of 50 states, there are up to 10 standardized Medicare Supplement insurance plans that are distinguished by letters A through N (plans E, H, I and J have been discontinued and are no longer available and plans C and F are no longer available for those born after 1955).

Are there any states that have different Medicare restrictions?

Three states — Minnesota, Massachusetts and Wisconsin — have different Medicare rules. If you live in one of those states, your coverage options may not be the same as in the rest of the nation. In either case, the best way to know what kinds of coverage are available in your area is by reaching out and speaking with one of our licensed agents. We will help you find the right plan for you.

How do I know which Medicare Supplement plan works best for me?

The first way is to look up plans and do a comparison of their coverage options. If you want to know more about a particular plan differences, you can find a comparative chart here.

However, the quickest way to know more about your options and find your perfect plan is by talking to a licensed insurance agent. Agents know the complexities of Medicare and can help you navigate through your options and determine if a Medicare Supplement option works best for your needs.

PlanEnroll is a brand operated by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC and used by its affiliated licensed insurance agencies that are certified to sell Medicare products. PlanEnroll is not endorsed by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), or any other government agency.