Medicare Supplement plans in Idaho are a way to help Medicare beneficiaries cover the gaps left in their Medicare coverage. Private insurance companies sell these plans, which are also known as Medigap policies.
To get Medicare benefits, you have to sign up for Social Security through the federal Medicare program. Medicare has four parts:
- Part A (inpatient costs)
- Part B (outpatient/medical)
- Part C (Advantage Plans)
- Part D (prescription drug coverage)
Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B are known as Original Medicare. Medicare Supplement plans in Idaho only work with Original Medicare.
What are the Top 5 Medicare Supplement Plans in Idaho?
The best Medicare Supplement plan in Idaho is different for each individual. Here’s how the top five compare.
1. Best extensive coverage: Plan F
- Plan F covers Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and Part B excess charges
- Higher premiums for extensive coverage
- Only available to beneficiaries whose Medicare eligibility date is before Jan. 1, 2020
2. Best broad coverage: Plan G
- Plan G covers everything except Part B deductible
- Less expensive than Plan F
- Offers the most coverage for seniors eligible for Medicare after Jan. 1, 2020
3. Best value: Plan N
- Plan N offers lower premiums in exchange for more cost-sharing
- $20 office copayment
- $50 ER copayment (copay waived if you’re admitted)
- Covers Part B coinsurance after copay is met
- Covers Part A deductible
- Does not cover Part B excess charges
4. Best deductible plan: High Deductible Plan F
- Same extensive coverage as Plan F
- Has an annual deductible
- Only available to beneficiaries whose Medicare eligibility date is before Jan. 1, 2020
- In 2021, the deductible is $2,370. The plan will cover 100% of the costs after the deductible is met.
5. Best for lowest premiums: High Deductible Plan G
- Same coverage as Plan G
- Has an annual deductible
- In 2021, the deductible is $2,370. The plan will cover 100% of the costs after the deductible is met.
What is the Best Supplemental Insurance to go with Medicare?
The best Medicare Supplement plan in Idaho is one that is affordable and provides the health care coverage that you need. The following will guide you as you compare each insurance policy.
What Is The Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plan in Idaho for 2021?
Historically, Medicare Plan F has been the most popular, but it’s not available to Medicare beneficiaries after Jan. 1, 2020. Plan G is becoming the favorite for new enrollees.
Which Plan Has the Best Benefits in Idaho?
Plan G has replaced Plan F as the most comprehensive plan available to those eligible after Jan. 1, 2020.
How Do I Choose The Best Plan?
The key to getting the right Medigap insurance for your needs is to balance coverage with cost. Here are some questions to think about when choosing a Medigap plan:
- What will your budget allow for monthly premiums?
- How often do you go to the doctor?
- Do you travel a lot?
- Do you have pre-existing health conditions?
Our licensed insurance agents are happy to help you compare plan limits and plan options.
Which Medigap company offers the best rates in Idaho?
Nearly 40 private health insurance companies offer Medigap insurance in Idaho. Each one sets its rates using one of two pricing methods:
- Issue-age rating: Your age when you take out the policy determines your premium.
- Community rating: Everyone pays the same premium.
Some states use the attained-age method. With attained-age Medigap policies, premiums increase each year as you age. In Idaho, insurers aren’t allowed to use the attained-age method. Most use issue-age.
What is the Average Cost for a Medicare Supplement Plan in Idaho for 2021?
The cost of a Medigap insurance plan in Idaho varies based on age, where you live, and the amount of coverage needed. Here’s a comparison for a 65-year-old, nonsmoking female living in Boise zip code 83701.
- Plan F: $193.17 average (range $156.31-$220.23)
- Plan G: $157.49 average (range $121.31-$170.50)
- Plan N: $127.79 average (range $101.46-$153.75)
Average: $159.48
Common Idaho Medicare Supplement Plan Questions
What Companies Sell Medigap Plans in Idaho?
Many carriers sell Medigap insurance in Idaho, but these three rank at the top for quality and excellence:
- Aetna: A rating, 168 years experience, 12-month rate lock
- Cigna: A rating, 229 years experience, household discounts
- Mutual of Omaha: A+ rating, 112 years experience, offers Medicare Part D plans
When Can I Apply for a Idaho Medicare Supplement Plan?
Unlike with a Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plan, a Medicare Supplement insurance plan in Idaho doesn’t have an annual enrollment period. The optimal time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
The OEP is a six-month time period when you:
- Have turned 65 and
- Are enrolled in Medicare Part B
During open enrollment, you have guaranteed issue rights. This means the Medicare insurance company can’t do the following:
- Deny you coverage
- Charge you more based on health history or pre-existing conditions
- Require medical underwriting
There are a few other times when you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement insurance plan in Idaho and have guaranteed issue rights. Our agents can provide more information on these situations.
The effective date of your policy is 30 days after you enroll.
Which is better, Medigap Plan G or Plan N?
Which plan is better depends on your health condition and financial situation. Here’s a comparison.
Medicare Plan G
- Pays Part A deductible, Part A and B coinsurance, and copayments.
- Pays Part B excess charges
- Average monthly premium for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker is $158.76
Medicare Plan N
- Pays Part A deductible, Part A coinsurance
- Pays Part B coinsurance after copayments are met
- Copays: $20 office visit, $50 emergency room
- Does not cover excess charges
- Average monthly premium for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker is $137.18
What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Medicare doesn’t pay 100% of your medical expenses, which means that you’ll have to pay some out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Supplement insurance plans help you handle these expenses.
There are 10 Medigap insurance plans in Idaho. All offer the same basic benefits:
- Medicare Part A coinsurance
- Medicare Part B coinsurance
- Part A hospice care coinsurance
- First 3 pints of blood
Some Medigap policies offer additional benefits:
- Skilled nursing facility
- Medicare Part A deductible
- Part B excess charges
- Foreign travel emergency
What a Medigap plan in Idaho doesn’t include:
- Dental
- Hearing
- Vision
- Prescription drug coverage
To get help covering your prescription medication, you need a separate Prescription Drug Plan.
Is Plan G the Best Medigap Plan in Idaho?
How Much Does Plan G Cost?
The average cost for Plan G for a 65-year-old female who does not smoke is $157.49.
What is the Plan G Deductible in 2021?
There is no deductible for Plan G. You do have to pay your Medicare Part B deductible, which is $203 for 2021.
What does Medigap Plan G Cover in Idaho?
Related Topics
Ready to learn more?
My Medigap Plans is a rapidly growing resource for Medicare beneficiaries. We specialize in educating consumers on their options and guiding them through the process of plan selection. We work closely with some of the nations top rated carriers such as Aetna, Cigna and Mutual of Omaha. Compare our list of the 10 Best Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies or take a deeper look at the plans by reviewing our Medicare Supplement Plans Comparison Chart. Learn more or about Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans, or request a Medicare Supplement Plan Quote.
Idaho Medicare Resources
Idaho Enrollment Statistics
- The five largest counties in Idaho are Ada County, Canyon County, Kootenai County, Bonneville County and Bannock County.
- In 2018, more than 200,000 Idaho residents signed up for Original Medicare insurance. Approximately half of those beneficiaries also enrolled in Medicare Supplement plans or Medicare Advantage.
- In 2018, just over 74,000 beneficiaries signed up for Medicare Supplement insurance plans in Idaho. That reflects an increase from under 68,000 Idaho Medigap beneficiaries in 2015.
- There are 10 Medicare Supplement Plans in Idaho to choose from.
- In Idaho, Medicare Supplement Plan G is the most popular plan.
- Medigap Plans do not use a network, go wherever Original Medicare is excepted.