Popular Medigap Plan Overview
By Nancy DellaVecchia
eMedicareSupplements Contributor
As of 2011, there are currently 10 Medicare-approved supplemental insurance plans being offered: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N. For details on the coverages afforded under each of these supplements, seniors may browse our articles on Medicare suppplement plans. The most popular Medigap plans are F, G, C and the new supplement plan, N.
Plan F Is the Most Popular
Medicare Supplement Plan F is chosen by the greatest number of seniors because it covers all of the expenses not covered by Medicare. The coverage includes payment of Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles, the 20 percent Medicare co-payment and any excess charges under Part B. While Plan F is the most comprehensive of all the supplements, it also has the highest premium rates, which may mean some seniors are unable to afford this Medicare supplement.
Plan G Is a Common Choice
The second most popular plan is Medicare Supplement Plan G, which covers the Medicare Part A deductible and co-payments and excess charges from Medicare Part B. Part B has a $155-per-year deductible that is not covered under this plan. The premium rates on Plan G are somewhat lower than those of Plan F, but still may be too high for some seniors.
Plan N Has Much Lower Premiums
Medicare Supplement Plan N is a new addition to Medigap and offers many of the same benefits as Plan G, but requires that members pay a $20 fee for doctor visits and a $50 fee for emergency room services. It covers the Medicare Part A deductible, but not the Part B deductible. Premiums for Plan N are much lower than those for either Plan F or Plan G, allowing more seniors the opportunity to get good Medigap coverage at a price they can afford.
The Plan C Option
Medicare Supplement Plan C offers the same benefits as Plan F, but does not cover Part B excess charges. Excess charges are those fees that are more than the Medicare-approved fee for a service. In some states, medical providers are not permitted to charge more than the Medicare-approved fee and cannot collect excess charges. Seniors should check their state laws before deciding which Medigap policy to buy, since in states where excess charges are prohibited, Plan C offers the same coverage as Plan F at a considerably lower cost.
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