Different Types of Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare supplement insurance is most often referred to as Medigap insurance, and is offered by private insurance carriers. Medigap plans are labeled from A to L with each plan offering different coverage to supplement Medicare Part A and Part B. While the coverage for each plan is standardized for all insurance carriers, the costs that they charge can vary to a great degree. Insurance companies are not required to offer all of the supplement plans; however, if they offer any Medigap plans they are required to carry plan A.
Which Plan Should You Choose?
It is very important for you to familiarize yourself with the benefits offered with each of the various Medigap plans and compare them with your health care needs. Below is a comparison of different plans that may help you with specific needs.
- Medicare Part A coinsurance - All Medigap plans A through L, may help you.
- Medicare Part A deductible - All Medigap plans, other then A, may help you.
- Medicare Part B coinsurance - All Meidgap plans from A through L, may help you.
- Medicare Part B deductible - Medigap plans C, F, or J, may help you.
- Medicare Part B excess charges - Medigap plans F, G, I, or J, may help you.
- Hospice Care - Medigap plans K or L may help you.
- Skilled Nursing Facility Care - All Medigap plans except A and B, may help you.
- Emergencies Traveling Abroad - All Medigap plans except A, B, and L, may help you.
- Home Health Care - Medigap plans D, G, I, or J, may help you.
- Medicare Covered Prevention Care - All Medigap plans may help you.
- Prevention Care not covered by Medicare - Medigap plans E or J, may help you.
*You may be able to get extra help to pay for your prescription drug premiums and costs. To see if you qualify for getting extra help, call:
- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY/TDD users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week;
OR
- The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY/TDD users should call, 1-800-325-0778; or Your State Medicaid Office.