What are the Benefits of Different Medicare Supplement Plans?
To understand which Medicare Supplement plan offers the Medicare-covered benefits that you need, you must first understand the benefits of Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Then, you can see what additional coverage you can receive from the standard supplement insurance plans that can be purchased from one one of the best Medicare Supplement insurance companies.
What Are the Benefits of Original Medicare?
Before you can start shopping for a Medigap policy or Medicare Advantage insurance policy, you’ll probably want to know what is covered by Medicare Parts A and B. This is a quick guide to help you understand what you’ll get out of your Medicare coverage.
Medicare Part A (Hospital)
- Hospice care
- Home health care
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Inpatient care within a skilled nursing facility (not covering custodial or long-term care)
- Inpatient care in a hospital
Medicare Part B (Medical)
This Medicare policy covers medically necessary services and preventative services such as:
- Partial hospitalization
- Ambulance services
- Clinical research
- Mental health (inpatient and outpatient)
- Durable medical equipment
- Getting a second opinion before surgery
- Limited outpatient prescription drugs
What Care Is NOT Covered By Part A and Part B?
Generally, Part A and Part B will not cover:
- Long-term care
- Eye exams for prescribing glasses
- Hearing aids and exams for correctly fitting them
- Most dental care, including dentures
- Emergency medical care while traveling abroad
- Routine foot care
- Cosmetic surgery
- Acupuncture
What Are the Benefits of Medicare Supplement Plans?
Medicare Supplement insurance can provide coverage for items that aren’t covered by Original Medicare and can help with out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and copays.
Medicare Supplement Plan A
Medigap Plan A is ideal for someone who wants a little extra coverage but doesn’t expect to use many healthcare services. It covers basic Medicare benefits for hospitalization and medical expenses. It’s the most basic but also usually the most affordable of the Medicare Supplement insurance plans that you can choose.
Medicare Supplement Plan B
Medigap Plan B is very similar to Plan A, but it will also cover the Medicare Part A deductible. This plan gives you a bigger safety net if you have to spend time in the hospital. Overall, though, it does not offer as much coverage as some of the other plan options.
Medicare Supplement Plan C
Medigap Plan C offers all the benefits of Plans A and B. It will also cover your Medicare Part B deductible for medical and outpatient expenses, your Medicare Part A deductible for hospitalization, your skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, and emergency medical care (up to plan limits) when you travel outside of the country. This plan offers additional benefits when compared to many other plans. If you want predictable out-of-pocket expenses for your health care, this plan might be right for you.
Medicare Supplement Plan D
Medigap Plan D is a good mid-point policy. It’s very similar to Plan C, but it tends to have a lower premium because it does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible. This may be a health plan for you want Medigap insurance that offers ample coverage but if you want to keep your monthly premiums affordable.
Medicare Supplement Plan F
Medigap Plan F is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement policy available, which is reflected by its higher monthly premium. With this plan, you may have no out-of-pocket costs for care at a doctor’s office or hospital. Medicare Part B excess charges, foreign travel emergency costs and more are included. There is also a high-deductible option that you may be interested in. This plan does not cover the Medicare Part B premium; in fact, none of the Supplemental policies cover the premiums for the federal Medicare program.
Medicare Supplement Plan G
Medigap Plan G is also quite comprehensive and nearly identical to Plan F. This policy will not cover the Medicare Part B deductible, however. Many private insurance companies offer this plan for significantly less than Medigap Plan F, though.
Medicare Supplement Plan K
Medigap Plan K will provide a percentage of many of the out-of-pocket medical costs you encounter. Once you reach a spending “cap,” the plan will then cover 100% of any remaining Medicare-approved expenses.
Medicare Supplement Plan L
Medigap Plan L is similar to Plan K, but it offers a higher percentage of coverage, a lower annual out-of-pocket amount, and a lower out-of-pocket limit in exchange for a slightly higher monthly premium.
Medicare Supplement Plan M
Medigap Plan M provides the same crucial benefits as other supplement plans, but you will pay half of your Part A deductible and all of your Part B deductible. In exchange for this cost-sharing, you will benefit from reduced premiums.
Medicare Supplement Plan N
Medigap Plan N will cover all of your Medicare Part B coinsurance costs, except for a $50 copay for ER visits and a $20 copay for office visits.
Which Medicare Plan Will You Choose?
Are you not sure which Medicare benefits are the right choice for your lifestyle? We understand. That’s why the My Medigap Plans team is always ready to take your call and help you choose the perfect Medicare Supplement plan. Start your Medicare Supplement quote today.
You can also talk to one of our licensed insurance agents about Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage. These plans sometimes offer extra benefits, such as wellness benefits. They cover prescription costs in many cases through Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage through an included prescription drug plan. Even those with end-stage renal disease and other serious conditions may qualify for a Special Needs Plan. Many plans are health maintenance organization or PPO plans, though, meaning that there are provider networks for health care providers.
We can help you understand the benefits of Medicare Advantage plans versus Medicare Supplement plans so that you’ll know what to sign up for during your the Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
