LM Financial and Insurance Services of Rancho Cordova, CA is a privately owned insurance agency specializing in Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, Medicare Supplement plans, annuities and final expense life insurance. We can help you find the best rates and coverage for all your senior health insurance needs.
With Original Medicare, you will face a much lower out-of-pocket obligation for your medical care when compared to going uninsured. However, if you want additional cost assistance with any residual medical bills, then you can turn to a Medicare Supplement plan, also known as a Medigap plan, for assistance.
To get the policy that is perfect for you, contact us today at 916-635-4066or request your free quote now!
Common Medicare Supplements Questions
What are Medicare Supplements?
If you have Original Medicare, then your Part A & Part B coverage will help you pay for the costs of anything from inpatient care to regular checkups.
However, even with coverage in place, you will face certain out-of-pocket obligations that your plan won’t pay. A Medicare Supplement is a private plan, offered by major insurers in your community, which will help you pay these residual costs. Medicare Supplements are commonly called Medigap plans because they help you pay for the gaps left by Original Medicare.
Your plan might offer coverage for Original Medicare’s:
Plus, many plans offer other benefits that wouldn’t be covered by Original Medicare at all. Medigap plans can go a long way toward making your overall cost burden for routine medical care much more affordable.
Who is eligible for Medicare Supplements?
To qualify for a Medigap plan, you must be enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A &B), and you cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plan.
The best time to enroll in a
Medigap plan is during your Medigap open enrollment period. This is a six-month period that starts the first day of the month you are 65 years old (or older) and enrolled in Part B coverage. For example, if you are 65 and your Medicare starts in March, then your Medigap enrollment period starts on March 1 and runs from March 1 – Aug. 31.
How many Medicare Supplements are there?
There are numerous Medicare Supplement plans on the market, each of which offers different benefits.
Medigap Benefits
Medigap Plans |
A |
B |
C |
D |
F* |
G* |
K |
L |
M |
N |
Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
Part B coinsurance or copayment |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
50% |
75% |
100% |
100%*** |
Blood (first 3 pints) |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
50% |
75% |
100% |
100% |
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
50% |
75% |
100% |
100% |
Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance |
N/A |
N/A |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
50% |
75% |
100% |
100% |
Part A deductible |
N/A |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
50% |
75% |
50% |
100% |
Part B deductible |
N/A |
N/A |
100% |
N/A |
100% |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Part Bexcess charge |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
100% |
100% |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Foreign travel exchange (up to plan limits) |
N/A |
N/A |
80% |
80% |
80% |
80% |
N/A |
N/A |
80% |
80% |
Out-of-pocket limit** |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
$5,880 in 2020 ($6,220 in 2021) |
$2,940 in 2020 ($3,110 in 2021) |
N/A |
N/A |
* Plans F and G also offer a high-deductible plan in some states. With this option, you must pay for Medicare-covered costs (coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles) up to the deductible amount of $2,340 in 2020 ($2,370 in 2021) before your policy pays anything. (Plans C and F aren't available to people who were newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.) |
** For Plans K and L, after you meet your out-of-pocket yearly limit and your yearly Part B deductible, the Medigap plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year. |
*** Plan N pays 100% of the Part B coinsurance, except for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to a $50 copayment for emergency room visits that don't result in inpatient admission. |
*Source:
Medicare.gov
You may only buy a plan that is available in your local community.
What Medicare supplements do I need?
The Medicare supplement that is best for you is the one that you feel is best integrated with your medical care needs. All plans will differ, so work with your agent to compare each plan’s benefits.
Can I have more than one Medicare Supplement policy?
You can only have one Medicare supplement plan at one time. If you wish to switch plans, then you must notify your agent. Likewise, spouses are not allowed to buy a joint policy, and they must purchase separate plans.
How much do Medicare Supplements cost?
Medigap plan costs vary based on the type of plan you select and the company that you buy your coverage from. Other factors might also influence your rates.
Your Medigap agent can work with you to determine the appropriate course of action to find an affordable benefits package that offers you optimized coverage.