42% of Supplement Policy Holders Are Covered by Plan F*

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans: Listing by Coverage

 

There are twelve standard Medicare supplement insurance plans that help pay some of your costs in the original Medicare plan and for some care it doesn't cover. (If you are in a Medicare HMO or Advantage plan you don't need a Medicare supplement insurance plan.)

Each one of the standard Medicare Supplement insurance plans, labeled A through L, offers a different set of benefits, fills different "gaps" in Medicare coverage, and varies in price. Some insurance companies offer a "high deductible option" on Medicare supplement insurance Plans F, J, K and L. All Medicare supplement insurance Plans must cover certain basic benefits. (Plans K and L are recent additions and very few supplemental Medicare insurers are offering those plans). Our advantage happens to be our medicare leads.

Basic Benefits
Covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans A-J

Medicare Part A Hospital Deductible
• $1,024 in 2010 for each benefit period for hospital services
Covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans B-J

Skilled Nursing Home Costs
• Your cost ($128 in 2010) for days 21-100 in a skilled nursing home
Covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans D-J

Medicare Part B Deductible
• Yearly deductible for doctor services ($135 in 2010)
Covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans C, F, J

Medicare Part B Excess Charges
• The difference between your doctor's charge and the Medicare approved amount, if your doctor does not accept assignment.

Covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
Medicare Supplement F (100%), G (80%), I (100%), J (%100)

 

Foreign Travel Emergency
• 80% of the cost of emergency care outside the U.S.
• Up to $50,000 in your lifetime
• You pay a yearly deductible of $250
Covered by Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans C-J

 

At-Home Recovery
• Help for activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, if you are already receiving skilled home care covered by Medicare.
• Help for up to eight weeks after you no longer need skilled care
• Will pay up to $40 per visit, seven visits per week, to a total of $1,900 per year
Covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans D, G, I, J

 

Preventive Care
• Up to $120 per year for preventive services ordered by your doctor
Covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans E, J

 

Prescription Drugs (Basic)
• 50% of prescription drug costs up to $1,250 each year after a yearly deductible of $250. (for plans sold before 2005).
Covered by Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans H, I

 

Prescription Drugs (Extended Coverage)
• 50% of prescription drug costs up to $3,000 each year after a yearly deductible of $250. (for plans sold before 2005).
Covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan J

* If you choose the "high deductible option" on Medicare supplement plans F and J, you will first have to pay a $1,900 deductible in 2010 before the plan pays anything. This amount can go up every year. High deductible option policies often cost less, but if you get sick, your costs will be higher.

In addition to the A-L standard Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare SELECT is a type of Medicare supplemental plan that can cost less than standard Medicare insurance plans. However, you can only go to certain doctors and hospitals for your care. Check with your state insurance department to find out if Medicare SELECT plans are available in your state.

*Plans K and L provide for different cost-sharing for items and services than Plans A through J. Once you reach the annual limit ($4,440 for Plans K and $2,220 for Plan L), the plans pays 100% of the Medicare co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles for the rest of the calendar year. The out-of-pocket annual limit does NOT include charges from your provider that exceed Medicare-approved amounts, called "Excess Charges." You will be responsible for paying excess charges. the out-of-pocket annual limit will increase each year for inflation.

 

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans: The Chart

 

Read Complete Guide to Medigap Insurance

 

* If you choose the "high deductible option" on Medicare supplement insurance plans F and J, you will first have to pay a $1,860 deductible in 2010 before the plan pays anything. This amount can go up every year. High deductible option policies often cost less, but if you get sick, your costs will be higher.

 

In addition to the A-L standard supplemental Medicare insurance plans, Medicare SELECT is a type of Medicare supplement plan that can cost less than standard Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans. However, you can only go to certain doctors and hospitals for your care. Check with your state insurance department to find out if a Medicare SELECT plan is available in your state.