Medicare Supplement

Getting the best Medicare Supplement Rates for ages 70 to 75 can save you 100’s or 1,000’s of dollars a year.  Finding out that you are overpaying for Medigap insurance is frustrating. 

Medicare regulates all Medicare Supplement Plans  regardless of the company you purchase your Medigap Insurance from, the coverage is the same.  

I will explain how you can save money simply by speaking with a Medicare Supplement expert who will look for a plan that can cost much less than what you are presently paying but still give you the exact same coverage. 

Best Medicare Supplement Rates For Age 70

By age 70, you are probably already enrolled in a Medigap plan.  

The question is, what plan are you enrolled in? 

Are you enrolled in Plan F, Plan G or Plan N?  

And, are you getting the best Medigap Insurance rate for age 70?  

It will cost you nothing to speak with one of our Medicare Supplement experts who will review your present health status and be able to find the best available rates.  

Medicare gap insurance rates are less expensive for females than males but there are a few other factors that can save you money or increase your premiums.  

Are you healthy, do you smoke or are you a non-tobacco user?  

Pre-existing health conditions can increase your rates but some past health problems that you had a few years ago, may not affect your rates at all.  

By age 70, you should be discussing your Medigap insurance with a Senior Benefits expert on an annual basis to ensure you don’t over pay another MedSup carrier for the exact same coverage you could get somewhere else.  

Best Medicare Supplement Rates For Age 71

By age 71, you may be dealing with some minor health issues.  

One of our top Senior Insurance Advisors had this advice for deciding on Medicare Supplement Plans Cost. 

​Anything can happen to anyone at any time so get the best plan you can afford (at age 71). Just because you are healthy now, doesn’t mean you won’t have an accident or become ill in the near future. This includes plans with 100% excess charge coverage and 100-day skilled nursing care coverage. A Plan G is the best for cost and coverage.

Best Medicare Supplement Rates For Age 72

Keep in mind that just because you were healthy when you signed up for your existing Medicare Supplement plan, doesn’t mean that you are getting the best rates for age 72.  

All Medigap premiums increase each year but different carriers offer different rates and increase in different increments.  

Even if you are a Male smoker with some health issues, regularly checking with a Medigap expert can result in much lower supplement insurance rates at age 72. 

Sample Quote: Male – Non-Tobacco – Living in Hagerstown, Maryland

Sample rates for Washington County Maryland as of 10/30/2024 and does NOT include any applicable discounts.

Best Medicare Supplement Rates For Age 73

When changing your Medigap policy there are a few things to consider.  

First, what plan are you presently using? 

If it is Plan F and you qualify to move to Plan G, this will save you a ton of money usually.  

Because Plan F will not be available after 2020 to people new to Medicare Supplement Plans, the

premiums will increase due to the inability to keep adding younger and healthier Medigap users.  

Taking advantage of this knowledge and investigating the move to Plan G can be one of the best financial decisions you make at age 73.

Best Medicare Supplement Rates For Age 74

What are truly the best Medigap policy rates for age 74? 

“If you are looking at a true Medicare Supplement, the F, G and N are the main three plans. Plan L, K, M, only cover ½ the hospital deductible and have out of pocket maximums. So, in those cases, it is better to go Medicare Advantage. Very few of our customers opt for a high deductible supplement plan. “

Karen Simundson

Senior Insurance Advisor

Senior Benefit Services, Inc.

It is important to take advantage of changing Medigap policies as soon as possible.  

Whether you are a male or female, smoker or non-tobacco user can all factor into your Medicare Supplement Ins Plans rates.  

For instance, some medications you may take for a health issue may not affect your premiums.  

However, if you have diabetes and have to take insulin, most companies will decline your coverage.  

At age 74, a male or female looking to change Medigap insurance plans can save a tremendous amount of money if they are healthy.  

Sample Quote: Female – Non-Tobacco – Living in Hagerstown, Maryland

Sample rates for Washington County Maryland as of 10/30/2024 and does NOT include any applicable discounts.

Best Medicare Supplement Rates For Age 75 

Statistically, the majority of people by age 75 will have some sort of health condition.  

Some of these health conditions can result in you being declined coverage outside of the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period.  

It doesn’t matter if you are a male or female, whether you smoke or are a non-tobacco user, some health conditions, the Medigap carriers simply will just not insure.  

Sometimes your health is great so long as you stay on your medications but even those medications can result in you being declined coverage.  

It’s important to find the best priced plan for you at age 75, whether it is Plan F, Plan G or Plan N.  

As you get older, it can be more difficult to change plans do to your health. 

Taking Action!

Senior Benefit Services will be able to help guide you through choosing a Medicare Supplement Plan.   

There are many factors that determine the Best Medicare Supplement Rates For Ages 70 to 75.  

The Experts at Senior Benefit Services have been specializing in helping seniors make the best Medigap insurance choices for over 50 years!   

Call now at 1-800-924-4727 or fill out the easy and convenient ‘Start Free Comparison’ form in this article.  

Fill Out The Form Below To Get A Free Quote

​

Are you currently looking for the Best Rates for Medicare Supplement Plans in Virginia? There is good news and there is a bit of bad news. The good news is that monthly premiums in the state of VA are on the lower side. The bad news is that the state of Virginia allows for what is called ‘area factoring’. This means that in certain zip codes the rates for the same Medicare Supplement plan for the same exact age can be higher or lower than other parts of the state.

The Two Most Popular Medigap Plans: Plan G and Plan N

Currently the majority of newly purchased Medicare Supplement plans consist of Plan G and Plan N. Previously it was Plan F, but those folks going onto Medicare after January 1, 2020 are not able to purchase a Plan F, so this has given rise to Plan G’s popularity.

While Plan G is quite popular the Medigap Plan N is gaining quite a bit of ground due to its lower costing premium. The main differences between Plan G and Plan N is that the latter does not cover excess charges and also requires a co-pay when you visit the doctor or go to the emergency room.

Get Your Free Quote By Completing The Form Below:

Best Rates for Medicare Supplement Plans in Virginia (VA)

Comparing cities, Medigap Plan F premiums for male non-tobacco users differ by about $25 between Virginia Beach and Winchester.

Typically your more expensive rates are going to be for cities like Arlington, Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake. In these cities, Plan F sample rates for a 70-year-old male non-tobacco user start at $158.72. For a 70 year old female who is a non-tobacco user, the rate for Plan F is $138.13. If you joined Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you cannot purchase Plan F.

The least expensive cities to get the best Medigap rates are found in Richmond, Roanoke and towns such as Winchester.

Supplement rates for these lower costing areas for a 70 year old male, non-tobacco user, start around $135 per month for Plan F. For a 70 year old female, non-tobacco user, the rates start aound $117 per month for Plan F.

To make comparing plan pricing easier for you, please refer to our Medicare Supp Rate Comparison Chart below. In addition, to learn more about Medicare in Virginia you can visit the Virginia Medicare State Website.

Virginia Sample Medicare Supplement Plans F, Plan G, & Plan N – Quotes for Male/Female age 70, Non-Tobacco User.

Start Saving Money on Your Monthly Medigap Premiums NOW!!

There are many factors that go into determining which Medicare Supplement plan is not only best for you, but will also fit your monthly budget. Senior Benefit Services, Inc has been helping folks just like you keep more money in your own pocket each month. Give us a call at (800)924-4727 or fill out the easy contact request form above.

When you’re considering Medicare Supplement coverage, one question that often comes to mind is: How much does a Medicare Supplement plan cost? It’s an important question, but finding an exact answer can be challenging due to various factors.

Factors such as your age, the plan you chose, tobacco usage, and even location (the state and county you live in) can all impact the cost of Medicare Supplement (also known as Medigap) plans. While it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact price, you’ll find that premiums typically range from $50 (for a High Deductible Plan G) to $500 or more on some of the older plans that have gone up over the years.  As you can see, that is a very broad range of premium costs, but in our article we will drill this down to give you a better average.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the average costs of some highly-rated Medicare Supplement plans, discuss the factors influencing costs, and provide insights on how you can obtain cost-saving benefits while ensuring proper coverage.

The Need for Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare provides vital health coverage to millions of seniors across America, but it’s not perfect. That’s where Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, comes in. These private policies help fill the gaps in traditional Medicare coverage, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. A Medicare Supplement plan protects you from unexpected medical bills that could otherwise deplete your savings, and provides peace of mind. Plus, with a wide variety of plan options available, you can choose the coverage that best fits your individual needs and budget. So if you want to ensure that you’re fully covered for all of life’s curveballs, consider Medicare Supplement Insurance.

What Factors Influence The Average Cost of Medicare Supplement Plans?

When it comes to Medicare, many individuals turn to supplemental insurance to help offset the costs of healthcare. However, the cost of Medicare Supplement premiums can vary based on a variety of factors. Age is one of the biggest contributors, with premiums typically higher for older individuals. Tobacco usage will cause you to pay a higher premium, and in some states a male will typically pay a higher rate than a female who is the same age. Additionally, health status plays a role, as those with pre-existing conditions may see higher premiums due to some of the lower costing insurance carriers having more restrictive underwriting. Consider these factors when selecting a Medicare Supplement plan to meet your health needs and budget effectively. With a little bit of research, you can find a plan that fits your individual needs and circumstances.

What To Look for When Deciding on a Medigap Plan?

Navigating the world of Medicare can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to selecting the right Medicare Supplement policy, or Medigap. It’s important to understand what to look for when shopping for coverage options. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which policy is right for your specific needs. Some key factors to consider may include the amount of hospital and doctor coverage included in the plan, whether prescription drug coverage is included or if it’s a stand-alone option, and if the policy covers any out-of-pocket expenses. Choosing a suitable Medigap plan can give you peace of mind and ensure full coverage for your healthcare needs.

Medicare Supplement Plan Costs in Open Enrollment

Does the Open Enrollment Period affect the cost of your Medicare Supplement plan? The answer is No. When you are first eligible for Medicare and enter your open enrollment period, this is when you have the opportunity to enroll into any Medicare Supplement plan that is available to you in your state with no underwriting.

Now finding the right healthcare plan can be a tricky task, especially when you’re on a budget. During the open enrollment period, it’s important to educate yourself on the available plans, including Medicare Supplement and Medigap policies, and choose which one best suits your needs. Remember, the plan may involve costs beyond just the premiums. Consider the co-pays, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses to get a better understanding of what you’ll be responsible for paying. Comparing plans from different providers helps identify the one offering the most comprehensive coverage at the best price. Staying informed and diligent during enrollment lets you find a plan that fits your budget and healthcare needs.

Medicare Supplement Plan Average Cost

As we stated earlier, there are multiple factors that will determine your Medicare Supplement monthly cost. One of the bigger factors is age. You can see sample Medicare Supplement costs for ages 65-69 here. You will likely notice that the premium difference between ages 65-68 is not significant.

Where we start to really see a bigger price differential is when we enter the age bracket of 70-75. To see sample rates of Medigap plan costs for these ages click here. Premiums at these ages increase by about $6 or more each month, unlike the $1-$3 increase seen at younger ages.

In the 76 and older age bracket, the insurance carrier prices plans considering potential health declines common at that age. This is when we will see typical rates up over $200+ per month. Sample rates of ages 76-80 can be seen here.

If we look at just the top 5 Medicare Supplement carriers in several states, you will see that none of them come close to $500 per month. So why did we mention average premiums being up to more than $500 per month? Believing they won’t qualify for a new plan, many stick with their original one, which may have over 15 years of claims experience.

Current Medicare Supplement Cost Examples

Let’s look at an example below for Omaha, Nebraska (zip code 68007 in Douglas County).

The highest priced Plan G in this zip code will actually shock you. These rates are based upon the same criteria as above. The highest priced Medicare Supplement Plan G in this zip code is over $600 per month!!

Let’s look at another example below for Richmond, VA (zip code 23173)

The highest priced Plan G in this zip is $368.30!

Last but not least, lets look at the average rates for the resident state of Mickey Mouse in Orlando, Florida (zip code 32789)

The highest priced Plan G in this zip is $326.79 which is actually a bit better than the other states we have discussed.

If your coverage is with a carrier that halted new sales, your premiums could surpass those listed in our examples. The reason is that the highest costing plans that we have provided are ones that are still available for sale in that state. If a carrier chooses to discontinue business in a certain state, they can cease accepting new policyholders. However, they must still settle claims and renew current policies as long as the premiums are timely paid. New, younger policyholders are not entering the business, and existing ones age yearly, pushing rates potentially above $500 monthly.

Takeaway

To make sure you are getting the best coverage at the most competitive price, don’t try going at it alone. Contact Senior Benefit Services, Inc today at (800)924-4727. Remember, ‘We Make Medicare Easy’!

Are you a senior/retiree living in Maryland searching for the best Medicare Supplement plan? Medicare Supplement Plans are great for extra coverage of costs not covered by original Medicare. You can customize the plan that best suites you, but it’s important to have a good understanding of the plans. Here we’ll provide all the information necessary on how to get started with supplement plans in Maryland.  

What is a Medigap Plan and How Can It Help with Medical Expenses in Maryland

A Medicare Supplement Plan, also known as Medigap insurance provides coverage for expenses not covered by Original Medicare. Some of the gaps in Medicare are deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance. Marylanders can select from Medigap plans offered by private insurers, that vary in coverage and costs. Seniors in the state of Maryland can gain financial security with a Medicare Supplement plan. A Medigap policy offers peace of mind with no network worries. Use your own doctors and hospitals!

Many Choices Available in Maryland

Already enrolled in Medicare? Residents of Maryland enrolled in Medicare may know Medigap plans help cover gaps in coverage. There are multiple types of plans available depending on your personal needs. Each plan offers different benefits and varying coverage levels, so it’s important to explore all your options before choosing one. With up to 12 different plans to choose from, it may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry, our advisors make it easy.

Best Medicare Supplement Plans Available in Maryland

First things first!  Just like other states, the Medigap plans in Maryland are all standardized, so the benefits for a Plan N are the same for every insurance company.  Currently the most popular Medicare Supplement plans in Maryland are Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N.

While Plan F is the most comprehensive when it comes to benefits, not all Marylanders are eligible to enroll.  Only those individuals who went onto Medicare prior to January 1, 2020 are eligible.  If you went onto Medicare after this date, then don’t despair.  Medicare Supplement Plan G is almost identical to Plan F when it comes to benefits.  The only difference is that Plan G does not cover the annual Part B deductible.

So how does Plan N fit in?  Medicare Supplement Plan N offers solid benefits with typically a lower premium.  Plan N may be ideal for Marylanders with tight budgets. With Medigap Plan N you get all the same benefits as Plan G, except for excess charge coverage.  For many this is not a big issue since over 96% of the providers in Maryland participate in the Medicare Assignment program and do not balance bill for excess charges.

How Much Does A Medicare Supplement Plan Cost In Maryland

In Maryland? Curious what a Medicare Supplement plan costs? The charts below outline some of the current pricing for both males and females. You may see rates less than these listed on other websites, but many of those rates include discounts such as household or active wear.  We prefer not to list those since not all folks qualify for them.  Our advisors will of course look for each and every discount to help you get the best pricing for your Medigap plan.  Once again it is important to remember that if you went onto Medicare January 1, 2020 or later, you are not eligible to enroll in Plan F.

How to Determine Which MD Medicare Supplement Is Right for You

Are you confused about which MD Medicare supplement plan is suitable for you? Don’t panic! First, evaluate your medical needs and budget. Consider the doctors you visit frequently and ask them if they participate in the Medicare Assignment program.  This is making sure that they do not balance bill for an additional 15% over what Medicare approves.

Then, take a look at the prescriptions you are currently taking and make sure that your stand-alone Part D plan covers those at the lowest possible costs.  When it comes to getting help with your Part D plan premiums, there is a state program that is based off income and not assets.  Many seniors in Maryland qualify for this benefit. 

Lastly, while many folks are turning to Medicare Advantage plans due to the low monthly premiums, it is important to remember that plan networks in Maryland are much smaller in the rural areas than in the larger cities.

Medicare Advantage Plans in Maryland

Are you feeling overwhelmed about choosing a Medicare supplement plan in Maryland?  Depending on your budget, you may feel that a Medicare Supplement plan may simply cost too much.  The commercials on TV touting little to no premium Medicare Advantage plans may seem like a no-brainer.  While a Medicare Advantage plan might seem appealing, it is important to understand that it is not the same as a Medicare Supplement plan. 

Many of our clients do opt to get a Medicare Advantage plan from us, but our advisors make sure that you completely understand that these plans use a cost-sharing approach.  This means that you will have co-pays and even co-insurance payments that you will need to pay when receiving care.  Some examples of these co-pays include small ones when visiting your primary care physician, but large ones when there is a hospital stay. 

How to Sign Up or Make Changes to Your Existing MD Medicare Supplement Plan

Signing up or making changes to your existing MD Medicare Supplement Plan may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. At Senior Benefit Services we make it EASY! Fortunately, we make the process simple and straightforward. We will help you understand what Medicare Supplement plans available and which ones you should consider.  If you already have a Medicare Supplement plan it is always in your best interest to get a comparison quote.  To review your current Medigap policy and pricing, you can either call us at (800)924-4727 or complete our online quote request.

Medicare Plan K

So what exactly is Medicare Plan K?  Plan K is one of the current standardized Medicare Supplement plans that may be available in your state.  Why do we say ‘may be available’?  Most carriers previously chose not to include this plan in their Medicare Supplement offerings in the past since it was not widely sold nor understood by most consumers and even many agents.  This trend is slowly starting to change simply because more Medicare beneficiaries are looking for lowering cost alternatives to higher costing Medigap plans, but still do not want to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan due to network restrictions.

Medicare Supplement Cost Sharing

Plan K offers many of the same benefits as other Medicare Supplement plans, but as the consumer you are taking on a ‘cost sharing approach’ instead of having most medical care covered at 100% between the Medigap plan and Original Medicare.  So how does the cost sharing actually work?  As an example let’s take the Medicare Part A deductible which is $1,600 in 2023.

Under Medicare Plan K the Part A deductible will be covered at 50% rather than 100% like you would find under the popular Medigap Plan N and Plan G.  This means that in 2023 if you were to be admitted into the hospital you would be covering $800 of the Part A deductible while your insurance carrier would be covering the other $800.  Unfortunately under Plan K the insured is responsible for the Part B annual deductible, any Medicare Part B excess charges, and any emergency medical charges outside of the United States.

The good news is that this plan does provide the insured with a annual maximum out of pocket limit of $6,940 for 2023.  While many would be taken back by this amount, you might not be aware that most Medicare Advantage plans for 2023 have a out of pocket maximum of $7,500 (and that is even using in-network doctors).  If a policyholder were to reach that out of pocket maximum then the Medicare Supplement Plan K would pick up 100% of the charges of areas originally covered by this plan’s benefits.

Pricing: Is it Worth It?

If we look at comparing the premiums for a 65 year old female (non-tobacco user) in the state of Maryland for a Plan K vs Plan N then here is how it breaks down.

Plan K Monthly Premium = $65.51 (average between 2 top priced carriers)

Plan N Monthly Premium = $95.77 (average between 2 top priced carriers)

On monthly premium alone the clear winner is Plan K with an annual savings of $363.12.  So if the policyholder does not have any claims for the year then they would have saved over $300 by going with the Plan K.  As we all know, the older we get, the more likely we are to experience health conditions that would require us to see a medical professional.

An individual falls and breaks a hip.  She is admitted into the hospital as an inpatient.  How does play out financially?

Just with the cost of the Part A deductible, their responsibility would be $800.   With only one hospital stay, the $300+ in premium savings with Plan K is erased. This ends up costing the insured an extra $436.88 above their annual premiums.  If the insured had a Plan N, then the Part A deductible would have been covered at 100%.

Takeaway

In certain states and at certain ages, the Medicare Supplement Plan K could very well be a solid alternative to a Plan N.  At Senior Benefit Services we can compare rates across all our carriers and find the plan that will work best for you and your budget.  Call us today at (800)924-4727 to get your FREE…No Obligation quote comparison.

​I’m sure you can agree that turning 65 was really exciting… that’s until you had to learn about Medicare, the different plan options available, like Medicare Supplement Plans, and how they all work together.

But here’s the thing:

​You can get educated on Medicare Supplement plans, (often called Medigap plans or Medsup plans​) get covered, and move on with your retirement in less than an hour or two.

Today, this definitive guide will explain to you what Medigap plans are, what they cover, their costs, the best Medicare Supplement plans, how they work, and how to apply for coverage.

We recommend you get started with a free Medicare Supplement quote by state.

What Is Medicare

This guide wouldn’t be complete without going over at the least the basics of what Medicare is and how it works.

Medicare is health insurance offered by the federal government when:

• • ​You reach 65 or older

• ​You are younger and have a disability
• ​You Have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• ​You are a U.S. citizen, or a permanent resident lawfully residing in the U.S for at least five continuous years.
• ​You have End-Stage Renal Disease, sometimes called ESRD (which is permanent kidney failure requiring a transplant.)

​There are a few different parts of Medicare, you can learn about them in the video below ​or check out our outline ​beneath the video:

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Part A of Medicare covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

Basically, any hospital expenses that are critical to your care like a semi-private room, your meals, medications that are part of your inpatient care and nurse services.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

Part B of Medicare covers outpatient care, ambulance services, preventative services, medical supplies and certain doctors’ services.

For instance, you get a one-time “Welcome To Medicare” preventive visit for free where your doctor will do things like check your blood pressure, vision weight and height and make sure you are up to date with your preventative screenings like cancer screenings.

Medicare Part C  (Medicare Advantage Plans)

Medicare Advantage plans are also known as Medicare Part C.

These plans are offered by private health insurance companies and are approved by Medicare for people who are enrolled in Part A and B of Medicare.  We Discuss the differences between these plans and Medicare supplemental insurance plans below – Link To Med-Sup vs Med Adv

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)

Part D of Medicare covers your prescription drug coverage.

These prescription drug plans are offered through private insurance companies that have been approved by Medicare.

Before you make any changes to your Medicare Plans, be sure to know how or if it will affect your Part D coverage if you​ are enrolled.

So, there you have it:

Medicare is health insurance provided by the federal government, and it is broken into 4 parts.

These parts are Medicare’s attempt at helping manage the costs of health care.

However, there are some gaps in coverage that can happen in the stand-alone Medicare coverage that will leave you open to expenses you didn’t expect, and that is where Medicare Supplement Plans or Medigap Plans come into play.

What Are Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)

Medicare Supplement plans are products that help supplement original Medicare and are offered through private insurance companies.

They help pay some of the hospital and medical costs for things that original Medicare doesn’t cover like:

• ​Emergency Overseas Travel
• ​Co-payments
• ​Co-Insurance
• ​Yearly Deductibles
• ​Part B Excess Charges, etc…

​This is where the nickname Medigap comes from, this policy fills the “gaps” that can be found in original Medicare coverage.

Below we discuss how Medicare Supplements work and what they cover.

What Does Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap) Cover?

Before you can even attempt to enroll in Medigap plans, you must be enrolled in original Medicare, both Parts A & B.

You will need to stay enrolled in original Medicare to remain eligible for your Medsup or Medigap plan.

As of today, there are 10 standardized Medsup plans that you can choose from when you are deciding what to purchase. To answer the question of, ‘What are Medicare Supplement Plans?’ you have to take a much closer look at all of the details in each plan.

These plans are A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N; you can also get Plan F in a “high-deductible” version.

Outside of Massachusetts, Minnesota & Wisconsin, who have their own set of standard Medsup plans; most states have these 10 plans.

eHealthmedicare.com actually has a great map that shows Medsup plans by their state if you want more state specific information..

Now here’s the thing:

While the pricing can be different, all the benefits of each plan letter are the same no matter what insurance company you go through or where you live.

This means that a Plan G in Georgia with Company A will have the same benefits as a Plan G in Texas with Company B.

I am bringing this up because sometimes the companies that have the best pricing are probably ones you have never heard of before like Heartland or Lumico and you don’t want to lose out on savings just because of a name.

If Aetna or Blue Cross is more expensive, it isn’t because they are going to be offering more benefits so be sure to go with the company that has the best rate for your situation when you are looking at these plans.

Overall, all Medicare Supplement plans cover the below benefits:

• ​Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used)
• ​Medicare Part B coinsurance or co-payment*
• ​Blood (first 3 pints)*Part A hospice care coinsurance or co-payment*

​*Coverage may be partial for some plans. Some Medicare Supplement plans will also cover:

• ​Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
• ​Medicare Part A deductible
• ​Medicare Part B deductible
• ​Medicare Part B excess charges (the amount that a non-participating provider may charge above the Medicare-approved cost for a service)
• ​Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits)

​Plan K and Plan L include an out-of-pocket limit.

Once your spending for Medicare-covered services reaches a certain amount, the Medigap plan will cover 100% of Medicare-covered costs for the rest of the year.

Now that you know what Medicare Supplement plans cover, how about we discuss the things they won’t cover.

Did You Know:You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to get a Medicare Supplement plan.

What Does Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medsup) NOT Cover?

Medigap policies usually do not cover the following health services and supplies:

• ​Long-term care (care in a nursing home)
• ​Routine vision or dental care
• ​Hearing aids
• ​Eyeglasses
• ​Private-duty nursing
• ​Prescription drugs – You will need to enroll in a stand-alone Plan D Prescription drug plan
• Routine Chiropractic Care and Acupuncture

If you need assistance in enrolling in a Prescription Drug Plan as part of our services we will help you through the process free of charge.

Medicare Supplement Vs Medicare Advantage (Often Called Plan C)

When you start doing your research on original Medicare you are going to get confused with all of the “M” words.

One of the most commonly asked questions is what is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements.

While they are both products offered through private insurance companies they work and do two entirely different things.

Both of these plans cost money in addition to the plan premiums for your original Medicare.

You also can’t have both of these plans at the same time and below is a simple chart of the differences:

Did You Know: All Medsup policies must be clearly identified as “Medicare Supplement Insurance.”

How Much Does Medicare Supplement Cost

The one thing you will run into is that even though the Medigap plans are required to offer the same standard benefits for each lettered plan, the insurance companies can change the premiums and the Medicare Supplement cost.

We recommend allowing us to shop around for you to find the best plan and best pricing since insurance companies can price their plan premiums based on the following things:

Community no-Age-Rated

These Medicare Supplement insurance plans charge premiums that are the same across the board, regardless of age and are usually more affordable than attained-age-rated products over time.

Issue-Age-Rated

These plans base their premiums on your age when you first enrolled in the program.

So, the younger you are when you enroll in this type of policy, the lower your monthly premium will be.

Attained-Age-Rated

Like issue-age-rated, these plans base their premiums on the age you were when you first bought a policy, but unlike issue-age-rated, premiums with this type of policy will increase as you get older.

Finding the most affordable option can be time-consuming and a bit confusing, but we make the process very simple for you and help save you both time and money.

Check out some of our sample rates below:

​Monthly premiums are based on a Non-Tobacco Female in Frederick County, VA​. We averaged 3 of our top carriers ​together. Rates effective as of 12/15/2022.

Read our article on Best Medicare Supplement Rates for Ages 70 to 75

Did You Know: Premium costs may vary by the company, the plan, and your location, even for the same benefits.

Which Medicare Supplement Plan Is Best

There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans, or Medigap plans to choose from, and they all have their pros and cons.

You will find that the best plan is usually the one that works best for your situation and not merely a plan that is “The Best.”

Some plans are more popular than most which are the Plan F, Plan N, and Plan G because of all the benefits these plans offer.

However, we usually suggest that you go with the plan that works best for your situation, you can check out a brief description of each plan and their benefits below:

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The most popular plans at the moment are Plan G, Plan F, and Plan N.

The Difference between Plan G & Plan F is that Plan G doesn’t cover your Part B Medicare Deductible.

Depending on the company and price, you actually can save more money with Plan G than you can in Plan F.

Another thing to mention is that Plan F is going away in 2020, while this won’t immediately affect you, it’s usually best, from my experience to go with a policy that will have the least amount of changes.

Plan N is usually purchased by people who are just entering into Medicare and don’t have much health history.

Again, we can’t stress this enough…

The plan that is best for you is going to be one that covers all of your health concerns as well as budget.

We can help you through this process over the phone, you can call us at (800) 924-4727

Did You Know: A Medicare Supplement plan can only cover one person, there isn’t a joint policy option.

How ​Do You Qualify & Enroll In Medi​gap Plans

Your eligibility for enrollment into a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan (Medigap or Meetup) is dependent on you already being enrolled in both Medicare Parts A & B.

We think the best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is going to be during the Medigap Open Enrollment period.

This period begins on the first day of the month that you are both age 65 or older and enrolled in Part B.

This period lasts for six months and during this time you have a guaranteed-issue right to join any Medicare Supplement plan available to you where you live.

During this initial enrollment period, you can’t be denied primary coverage based on your medical history or pre-existing conditions.

In some states, you can enroll in a Medsup plan before the age of 65.

Did You Know: ​You can use your Medicare Supplement plan with any provider that accepts Medicare.

​Medicare Supplement For Disabled Under 65

The answer to this question largely depends on the state that you live in.

While the Federal government doesn’t require insurance companies to sell Medicare Supplement policies to you if you are under 65, some states do have this requirement.

If you don’t know if your state offers Medigap policies for people under 65, please contact us at ​ 1.800.924.4727, and we can help you check.

If you’re under the age of 65 and have Original Medicare due to being disabled, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or End-stage renal disease (ESRD), your state might let you apply for a Medicare supplement insurance plan.

However, you might not be able to get the policy option that you want, and the rates as well as your guaranteed issue rights won’t be valid until you actually turn 65 years old.

​You will probably end up paying much more for your monthly premium or getting coverage that won’t cover pre-existing conditions.

It’s best to speak with one of our agents who can help you understand your state guidelines.

Did You Know: ​Not all Medicare Supplement plan types may be available in your state.

Is Medicare Supplement Guaranteed Issue?

To best answer this question we must first address your Guaranteed Issue Rights which ​are also known as your “Medigap Protections.”

According to Medicare.gov, Guaranteed issue rights are merely rights that you have in specific situations when an insurance company is required by law to sell or offer you a Medigap policy.

In these situations, an insurance company:

• ​Must sell you a Medigap policy and can’t deny you coverage
• ​Must cover all your pre-existing health conditions
• ​Can’t charge you more for a Medigap policy because of past or present health problems

​​​In most cases, you get your Medigap Protections when you have other health coverage that changes in some way, like when you lose the additional health care coverage.

In other cases, you have a “trial right” to try a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) and still buy a Medigap policy if you change your mind later on.

You have a guaranteed issue right in these situations:

• When You’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan, and your plan is leaving Medicare or stops giving the care in your area, or you move out of the plan’s service area.
• If You have Original Medicare, and an employer group health plan (including retiree or COBRA coverage) or union coverage that pays after Medicare pays and that plan is ending.
• ​You have Original Medicare and a Medicare SELECT policy. You move out of the Medicare SELECT policy’s service area.
• ​You joined a Medicare Advantage Plan or Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) when you were first eligible for Medicare Part A at 65, and within the first year of joining, you decide you want to switch to Original Medicare (Trial Right).
• You dropped a Medigap policy to join a Medicare Advantage Plan (or to switch to a Medicare SELECT policy) for the first time, you’ve been in the plan less than a year, and you want to switch back. (Trial Right)
• ​Your Medigap insurance company goes bankrupt, and you lose your coverage, or your Medigap policy coverage otherwise ends through no fault of your own.
• ​You leave a Medicare Advantage Plan or drop a Medigap policy because the company hasn’t followed the rules, or it misled you.

​​​​​​​​It’s also good to note that there may be times when more than one of the situations above applies to you.

When this happens, you can choose the guaranteed issue right that gives you the best choice and if you are still unsure, feel free to fill out our form or give us a call at 1.800.924.4727.

Did You Know: ​Usually Medicare Supplement plans are guaranteed renewable as long as you continue to pay your premium.

Taking Action

When it comes to purchasing Medicare Supplement plans things can become a bit confusing, and it is easy to procrastinate just to avoid the pain you may associate with learning everything you need to know before purchasing coverage.

However, it is best that you take action as soon as you become eligible for such coverage.

But here’s the best thing:

We are here to assist 100% of the way, from educating you on the product, quoting you and walking you through a simple 10-minute application.

You can fill out one of our quote forms below​, or call us today to get covered at 1.800.924.4727