Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Basic Benefits of Medicare Supplement Insurance plans

 

In most states*, policies are standardized into plans labeled A through N. All policies cover basic benefits, but each has additional benefits that vary by plan.** Medicare Supplement insurance plans A through G provide benefits at higher premiums with limited out-of-pocket costs. Plans K through N are cost-sharing plans offering similar benefits at lower premiums with greater out-of-pocket costs. Some companies may offer additional innovative benefits.

Plans A and B

Plan A provides basic coverage for hospitalization, medical expenses, and hospice care. Plan B includes the same basic benefits, plus coverage for your Part A deductible.

    • Moderate premiums
    • Lower out-of-pocket costs

Plan C

Plan C offers more coverage than plans A or B. In addition to hospitalization, medical expenses, and hospice care, plus coverage for the Part B deductible, plan C covers skilled nursing care and emergency care abroad.

    • Moderate premiums
    • Lower out-of-pocket costs

Plan F

Plan F offers the basic benefits, plus coverage for both the Part A and Part B deductibles, skilled nursing care, emergency care abroad, and 100% of Part B excess charges (the difference between what a doctor or provider charges and the amount Medicare will pay up to Medicare's limiting amount). Plan F also has a high-deductible option that can lower your premiums.

    • Moderate premiums
    • Lower out-of-pocket costs

Plan G

Plan G includes basic benefits, plus coverage for additional costs like Part B excess charges (charges above what Medicare pays) and emergency care abroad.

    • Moderate premiums
    • Lower out-of-pocket costs

Plans K and L

These lower-premium policies cover a range of medical costs, including doctors' services and hospital care. The plan pays a percentage of your costs and you are responsible for a portion. Each plan has an out-of-pocket maximum, which limits the amount you will have to pay each year.

    • Lower premiums
    • Higher out-of-pocket costs, but subject to annual limits

Plan N

Plan N offers the same basic benefits. It includes an office copayment of up to $20 and an emergency room copayment of up to $50. The plan also covers costs for the Part A deductible, skilled nursing care, and emergency care abroad.

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