Original Medicare Part A and Part B has a variety of deductibles, co-payments, and other out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Supplement insurance plans, also known as Medigap plans, can pay for those out-of-pocket costs which can simplify your healthcare expenses. These insurance plans work alongside Medicare Part A and Part B.
You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B in order to purchase a Medigap plan. In 47 states, there are 10 standard designs of Medicare Supplement Insurance. They cover different levels of out-of-pocket costs within Original Medicare Parts A & B. Using the links below, you can see what is covered by each of the 10 Medicare Supplement plan types.
The 6-month period from the time you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B is the best time to enroll in Medigap. This is because insurers cannot turn down your application during this 6-month open enrollment period.
Typically Medigap policies do not cover hearing aids, long-term care, dental care, or vision care.
Three states do not require the 10 standard Medigap plans. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have state-specific Medigap plan designs.
Benefits Covered | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part A hospital coinsurance and 365 extra hospital days | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Part A Deductible | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50%* | 75%* | 50%* | 100% | |
Part B coinsurance or copays | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50%* | 75%* | 100% | 100% except certain copays* |
Part B annual deductibles | 100% | 100% | ||||||||
Part B excess charges | 100% | 100% | ||||||||
Cost of blood transfusion (first 3 pints) | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50%* | 75%* | 100% | 100% |
Cost of foreign travel emergency (up to the plan limits) | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | ||||
Hospice care coinsurance cost | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50%* | 75%* | 100% | 100% |
Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50%* | 75%* | 100% | 100% | ||
Yearly out-of-pocket limit | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit | $4,940 | $2,470 | No Limit | No Limit |
*100% after you reach your yearly out-of-pocket limit
*$20 copay for doctor visit and $50 copay for ER visit
Available Medicare Supplement Insurance plans will vary from state to state.
Find your state to compare plans online and find the right Medigap plan.
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