Insurancy

Medicare Supplements

Finding the best Medicare Supplement plan to meet your needs is key to ensuring your future health care. Compare plans and determine which is right for you.

Medicare Supplements
Brian Greenberg

Written by Brian Greenberg

CEO / Founder & Licensed Insurance Agent

Grant Desselle

Reviewed by Grant Desselle

Licensed Insurance Agent

Last updated: July 2022 | 3 min read

Medicare Supplements at a glance

  • Choose affordable Medicare Supplement plans for lower monthly costs but higher out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Select high-deductible Plan F for low monthly payments and a $2,240 deductible.
  • Opt for comprehensive coverage to save significantly on out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Plan C, F, or G offers essential coverage for international travel emergencies.
  • Understand that premiums vary based on location and age at purchase.
  • Take advantage of the six-month open enrollment window for the best rates.
  • Post open enrollment, medical underwriting may affect your ability to get coverage.

What Type of Medicare Supplement Are You Looking for?

Most affordable

Medicare Supplement plans with a low monthly cost will have less coverage or higher out-of-pocket costs.

These are a popular option for individuals who have no concerns about paying out of pocket for some usual health care costs but want something in place to help cover more expensive costs if an emergency crops up.

Our recommendation:
To save the most money, a high-deductible Plan F policy provides a low monthly payment with a plan deductible of $2,240.

Best coverage

Medicare Supplements With the Best Benefits
Finding the best Medicare Supplement plan to meet your needs is key to ensuring your future health care.

Paying a little more for comprehensive coverage can save you hundreds, if not thousands, in out-of-pocket expenses with Medicare.

Our recommendation:
If you’re shopping for a Medicare Supplement plan that offers the best coverage, Plan F provides the optimal benefits that many Medicare beneficiaries seek.

Foreign travel

Be Covered While You Travel
Enjoy your traveling years without worry, with a Medicare Supplement plan that provides coverage for emergency treatment overseas.

Not every Medicare Supplement plan provides the protection needed for international travel, making the proper choice crucial for your future plans.

Our recommendation:
If international travel is on your list of things to do, we recommend Plan C, F, or G to provide the coverage you’re looking for.

Medicare Plan Comparison

Understanding What the Best Medicare Supplement Plan Is

The best Medicare Supplement (or Medigap) plan is the one that best suits your needs.

Some people find that having the most coverage possible is optimal for their long-term situation, whereas others opt for more affordable options to supplement their Original Medicare coverage.

Based on industry reports, over 65% of Medicare beneficiaries find Medicare Supplement Plan F to be the best option for the additional health care coverage they need.

Understanding the Cost of Medicare Supplement Plans

The monthly cost (known as premiums) is determined by different factors, including your location and the age at which you purchase the policy.

During open enrollment, your previous health history has no bearing on the price you pay. But, if you miss your open enrollment window, the price you pay for Medigap coverage can go up based on your pre-existing health issues, if the company requires the policy to be fully underwritten.

To keep your premiums low, it’s important that you take full advantage of your open enrollment window and lock in the lowest rates possible.

Understanding How Medigap Open Enrollment Works

Ideally, you’ll want to purchase Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap insurance) when your open enrollment period starts. Medigap Open Enrollment lasts six months, beginning on the first day of the month of your 65th birthday and Medicare Part B enrollment.

After the open enrollment window is over, applying for a Medigap policy may require medical underwriting, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll be accepted if you don’t meet the health requirements. If you are approved, you may be placed in a lower health class and be required to pay slightly higher premiums for your Medicare Supplement coverage.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of choosing a high-deductible Plan F?+

A high-deductible Plan F offers low monthly payments with a deductible of $2,240. This plan is ideal for those who can manage some out-of-pocket costs.

Why is comprehensive coverage important?+

Comprehensive coverage can save you hundreds or thousands in out-of-pocket expenses. Paying a little more now can provide significant financial protection later.

Which plans are recommended for international travel?+

For international travel, Plan C, F, or G are recommended. These plans provide coverage for emergency treatment overseas.

How do premiums for Medicare Supplement plans vary?+

Premiums are influenced by factors such as your location and the age at which you purchase the policy. Rates can vary significantly based on these factors.

What is the open enrollment period for Medigap insurance?+

The open enrollment period lasts six months, starting on the first day of the month of your 65th birthday and Medicare Part B enrollment.

What happens if I miss the open enrollment window?+

If you miss the open enrollment window, applying for a Medigap policy may require medical underwriting. This could lead to higher premiums or denial of coverage.

What percentage of beneficiaries prefer Plan F?+

Over 65% of Medicare beneficiaries find Medicare Supplement Plan F to be the best option for additional health care coverage.

About the authors

Brian Greenberg

Written by

Brian GreenbergCEO / Founder & Licensed Insurance Agent

Brian is the founder and CEO of Insurancy and carries Life, Health, and Property & Casualty licenses in all 50 U.S. states. Since 2013, Brian has been a member of Million Dollar Round Table, a designation for the top 1% of financial advisors worldwide. Brian has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, Money.com, Entrepreneur.com, Life Happens, Forbes, MSN, and Good Financial Cents. Brian’s goal is to show customers the best products, the quickest answers to their questions, and provide expert advice.

Grant Desselle

Reviewed by

Grant DesselleLicensed Insurance Agent

Grant's past experience includes work as a licensed sales agent for Hagerty Insurance. He has reviewed thousands of existing auto policies across the nation and issued hundreds of new ones on everything ranging from classic cars undergoing restoration to modern exotics and motorcycles.

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