Medicare Supplement, also known as Medigap, is a type of health insurance that is designed to supplement Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). It helps to cover some of the out-of-pocket costs that are not covered by Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medicare Supplement plans are offered by private insurance companies and are standardized by the federal government, which means that Plan F, for example, will have the same benefits no matter which insurance company you buy it from.
There are 10 different Medicare Supplement plans that are available, and each one offers a different level of coverage. The most comprehensive plan is Plan F, which covers all of the out-of-pocket costs that are not covered by Original Medicare. The other plans, such as Plan G and Plan N, cover some of the out-of-pocket costs, but not all of them.
So, what does Medicare Supplement cost? The cost of Medicare Supplement varies depending on a number of factors, including the specific plan you choose, the insurance company you buy it from, and where you live.
Here are a few things to consider when thinking about the cost of Medicare Supplements:
Premiums
The premium is the amount you pay each month for your Medicare Supplement coverage. Premiums can vary widely depending on the insurance company, the plan you choose, and where you live. In general, the more comprehensive the plan, the higher the premium will be.
Deductibles
Some Medicare Supplement plans have deductibles, which is the amount you have to pay out-of-pocket before your coverage begins. For example, if you have a Plan G with a $200 deductible, you will have to pay the first $200 of your medical expenses before your coverage begins.
Copayments and Coinsurance
Some Medicare Supplement plans have copayments and coinsurance, which are out-of-pocket costs that you have to pay when you receive medical care. For example, if you have a Plan N with a $20 copayment for office visits, you will have to pay $20 every time you go to the doctor.
Age
The cost of Medicare Supplements can also vary depending on your age. In general, premiums tend to be higher for older individuals because they are more likely to need medical care.
Tobacco Use
Some insurance companies may charge higher premiums for individuals who use tobacco products.
Location
The cost of Medicare Supplements can also vary depending on where you live. Premiums may be higher in certain parts of the country because the cost of medical care is higher.
It's important to shop around and compare the cost of different Medicare Supplement plans before you make a decision. You can use the Medicare Plan Finder tool on the Medicare website to compare the cost and benefits of different plans in your area. You can also speak with a licensed insurance agent or broker to get more information and assistance with finding the right plan for you.
Summary
The cost of Medicare Supplement varies depending on the specific plan you choose, the insurance company you buy it from, and where you live. It's important to shop around and compare the cost and benefits of different plans before you make a decision.
If you're interested in learning more about Medicare Supplement and the options that are available to you, click on the offers below to get more information and find the right plan for your needs.
Updated January 18, 2023