Trying to decide what Medigap plan is right for you can be challenging to say the least. Each one offers different benefits, and they all cost different prices. That’s why we’ve created a handy Medicare supplement plans comparison chart for you to use. With this chart, you can more easily understand what each plan provides so you can choose the right one for you. The information used in this chart is from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), updated for 2019.
A Brief Look at Each Medigap Plan
Of course, charts don’t offer all the information you need to make such an important decision. That’s why we’ve created pages for every plan so you can do a thorough comparison and decide what plan if any is right for you. You also have the option to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, which offers different benefits but cannot be combined with a Medigap plan.
Click on each plan below to learn more about them:
Medigap Plan A
Medigap Plan A offers the fewest benefits out of all of the plans. However, it still covers many of the basic expenses you may incur over the course of your medical treatment. Because this plan offers so few benefits, it is usually the least expensive. However, it is one of the least popular plans.
Medigap Plan B
Medigap Plan B builds upon Plan A. It contains all of the same benefits, but also includes the Medicare Part A deductible. This plan is often confused with Medicare Part B, which covers your outpatient treatment and a few other expenses.
Medigap Plan C
Medigap Plan C is a rather comprehensive plan, covering everything except Medicare Part B excess charges. Along with Plan F (and Plan F high deductible), Plan C will be phased out in 2020.
Medigap Plan D
Medigap Plan D is another unpopular Medicare supplement insurance option. It can be expensive but doesn’t cover the Part B deductible or excess charges. This plan is often confused with Medicare Part D, which covers the costs of retail drugs.
Medigap Plan F
Medigap Plan F is the most popular plan. It covers all Medicare-related expenses, leaving you with no out-of-pocket costs except for foreign travel emergencies of which it will pay 80%. Many people enjoy the peace of mind this plan provides, but it will, unfortunately, be phased out for people who enroll in Medigap in 2020. This plan also has a high-deductible option, which offers the same benefits after you first meet your deductible.
Medigap Plan G
Medigap Plan G is one of the most popular plans, and once Plans F and C are phased out, it will likely become the most popular. It offers every benefit that Plan F does except that Part B deductibles aren’t covered.
Medigap Plan K
Medigap Plan K is a sort of middle ground in terms of benefits versus premiums. It covers 50% of Part B copayments, blood, Part A hospice care, skilled nursing facilities, and your Part A deductible. The out-of-pocket maximum for Plan K is $5,560 as of 2019. Once you meet that maximum, the rest of the applicable expenses are covered by your plan.
Medigap Plan L
Medigap Plan L is nearly identical to Plan K. However, it covers 75% of your expenses instead of 50%. There is an out-of-pocket maximum of $2,780 as of 2019. Just like with Plan K, once you meet this maximum, any other covered expenses are paid for by your insurance provider.
Medigap Plan M
Medigap Plan M is one of the new plans introduced by the Medicare Modernization Act. It covers all of your Medicare-related expenses except your Part B deductible and Part B excess charges. In addition, it only covers 50% of your Part A deductible. Because it’s new and not as popular, this plan can be more difficult to find.
Medigap Plan N
Medigap Plan N is the second new Medicare supplement insurance option. It is sold at lower premiums, but you are required to pay a small copay for some doctor and hospital visits. While the lower premiums are attractive, paying out-of-pocket every time for the doctor and hospital visits can add up if you are going to the doctor often.
Find the Policy That’s Right for You
After you’ve looked through the Medicare supplement plans comparison chart and compared the plans side by side, the most important factor left to consider is: What plan best fits your needs? You may not find a plan that meets your needs 100%, so look for a plan that covers the most important points.
For example, if you plan to travel internationally during your retirement, you’ll probably want a plan like G or M that covers foreign travel emergencies. Or if you’re a healthy person who wants to save money and likely won’t be in the hospital too much, Plan A or B may be most attractive.
Remember, any plans that cover the Part B deductible (Plans C, F and F high deductible) will be phased out in 2020. If you already have one of these plans, it won’t be taken away from you.
If you aren’t sure what plan is right for you, or you don’t want the hassle of shopping around for the best prices, we can help. Our insurance experts will do all the legwork for you to help you find the Medigap plan that best fits your budget, lifestyle, and needs. Call us at (678) 807-8414 or contact us online to learn more about Protecting What’s Ahead.