Comparing Medicare Supplement Plans Side by Side

Understanding the Differences Between Medigap Plans and Choosing Coverage That Meets Your Needs

Medicare Supplement Insurance, commonly known as Medigap, is offered by private insurance companies to help pay certain healthcare expenses not fully covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

Medigap policies are standardized in most states, including Florida. This means that policies with the same plan letter provide the same basic insurance benefits, regardless of which insurance company offers them.

However, premiums may differ, and insurance companies may use different pricing methods. Understanding these differences can help you compare policies more effectively.

At My Health Insurance Spot, our goal is to help you understand your Medicare Supplement options so you can make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.

Medicare Supplement Plan A

Medicare Supplement Plan A provides the basic benefits required of standardized Medigap policies. It helps cover certain out-of-pocket expenses associated with Original Medicare.

Plan A generally covers:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used.

• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments.

• The first three pints of blood needed for a medical procedure.

• Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments.

Plan A does not cover the Medicare Part A or Part B deductibles, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, or foreign travel emergency benefits.

Plan A may appeal to individuals who want basic supplemental coverage, but it is important to compare the remaining out-of-pocket expenses before choosing this plan.

Medicare Supplement Plan B

Medicare Supplement Plan B provides the same four basic benefits as Plan A, with one important additional benefit: coverage of the Medicare Part A hospital deductible.

Plan B generally covers:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used.

• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments.

• The first three pints of blood needed for a medical procedure.

• Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments.

• The Medicare Part A deductible.

Plan B does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, Medicare Part B excess charges, or foreign travel emergency benefits.

Plan B may be appropriate for individuals who want the basic benefits of Plan A with additional protection against the Medicare Part A hospital deductible. Premiums and remaining out-of-pocket expenses should be considered when comparing plans.

Medicare Supplement Plan G

Medicare Supplement Plan G is one of the most comprehensive Medigap plans available to individuals who are newly eligible for Medicare.

Plan G generally covers:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used.

• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments.

• The first three pints of blood needed for a medical procedure.

• Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments.

• The Medicare Part A deductible.

• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance.

• Medicare Part B excess charges.

• Foreign travel emergency medical expenses, subject to plan limits.

Plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B annual deductible. After that deductible is met, Plan G generally pays the Medicare-approved cost-sharing amounts covered by the policy.

A high-deductible version of Plan G is also available from some insurance companies. Under that option, the policyholder must meet a separate annual plan deductible before the policy begins paying covered benefits.

Plan G may appeal to individuals who want broad protection against Original Medicare out-of-pocket expenses and prefer more predictable medical costs. Monthly premiums and plan availability vary by insurance company and location.

Medicare Supplement Plan N

Medicare Supplement Plan N offers substantial coverage for Original Medicare out-of-pocket expenses while requiring certain copayments for medical services.

Plan N generally covers:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used.

• Medicare Part B coinsurance, except for certain office visit and emergency room copayments.

• The first three pints of blood needed for a medical procedure.

• Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments.

• The Medicare Part A deductible.

• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance.

• Foreign travel emergency medical expenses, subject to plan limits.

Under Plan N, beneficiaries may pay up to $20 for certain office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in an inpatient admission.

Plan N does not cover the Medicare Part B annual deductible or Medicare Part B excess charges.

Plan N may appeal to individuals who are comfortable paying occasional copayments in exchange for potentially lower monthly premiums compared with more comprehensive Medigap options. Actual premiums and availability vary by insurer and location.

Comparing Medicare Supplement Plans A, B, G, and N

Each Medicare Supplement plan offers a different combination of benefits and out-of-pocket expenses.

Plan A — Provides basic standardized Medigap benefits but does not cover the Medicare Part A deductible.

Plan B — Includes the basic benefits of Plan A and adds coverage for the Medicare Part A deductible.

Plan G — Provides broad coverage, including skilled nursing facility coinsurance and Medicare Part B excess charges, but does not cover the Part B deductible.

Plan N — Provides substantial coverage but requires certain office visit and emergency room copayments. It does not cover the Part B deductible or Part B excess charges.

All four plans require payment of the Medicare Part B premium in addition to the Medigap policy premium. Medigap policies generally do not include outpatient prescription drug coverage, so a separate Medicare Part D plan may be needed.

The best choice depends on your healthcare needs, budget, eligibility, and the premiums available in your area.

Personal Guidance from My Health Insurance Spot

Choosing a Medicare Supplement plan is an important decision. At My Health Insurance Spot, our licensed insurance professionals help Florida Medicare beneficiaries understand their coverage options, compare available plans, and evaluate premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.

We believe that understanding your insurance coverage is essential to making informed decisions about your healthcare and financial protection.

Contact My Health Insurance Spot at 352-696-8001 to request a personal Medicare coverage review.

Personal Service. Professional Guidance. Your Peace of Mind.

My Health Insurance Spot is a brand of The Insurance Spot, Inc., a Florida-licensed insurance agency. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.