What are Medicare Supplements and Why You Need Them

 

With Original Medicare Part A & Part B, many consumers do not understand that Part A and Part B does not cover all medical expenses.  Deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance are not covered by Original Medicare Part A and Part B, therefore leaves the consumer with a "gap" in coverage with out of pocket cost that are not covered.  On average Part A and Part B only covers about 80% of medical costs.  A Medicare supplement plan is meant to help fill in the "gaps" of coverage and are often referred to as Medigap coverage. 

 

There are many options for Medicare Supplements in California.  We will review each one for their benefits and coverage summary.

 

 

Medicare Supplement Comparison Chart

 

The chart below shows basic information about the different benefits Medigap policies cover.

 

Yes = the plan covers 100% of this benefit
No = the policy doesn't cover that benefit
% = the plan covers that percentage of this benefit
N/A = not applicable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Plan F also offers a high-deductible plan. If you choose this option, this means you must pay for Medicare-covered costs up to the deductible amount of $2,240 in 2018 before your Medigap plan pays anything.

** After you meet your out-of-pocket yearly limit and your yearly Part B deductible, the Medigap plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year.

*** Plan N pays 100% of the Part B coinsurance, except for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to a $50 copayment for emergency room visits that don't result in an inpatient admission.

 

*source: medicare.gov