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April 19, 2011

Medigap in 2011 - Medicare Supplement in 2011

If you've never had Medigap before, you should be aware of the changes for Medicare Supplement in 2011. If you are already enrolled in a Medigap plan, you should understand the Medigap Supplemental changes for this year.

  • Medigap policy G now covers 100 percent of excess Part B charges

    This is an increase from 80%. Excess Part B charges refer to the amount where doctors and hospitals charge you more than the Medicare allowed amount.

  • Several plan options now include a new hospice benefit

    Plans A, B, C, D, F and G, plus the new plans M and N (see below) now cover 100% of out-of-pocket costs for drugs and respite care under the Medicare Part A hospice benefit. Plan K and L will cover a portion of those costs.

  • Medigap changes in 2011 include no coverage for at-home recovery and preventive care services

    These benefits have become outdated. Medicare now covers preventive care services so Medigap changes in 2011 include dropping these benefits. However, some Medigap policies will cover the out-of-pocket (coinsurance) portion of preventive care services.

  • Options E, H, I and J are no longer offered for Medigap Supplement in 2011

    These plans are no longer offered as of June 1, 2010. However, if you enrolled in any of these options before that date, you may keep the plan. Plans E and J included up to $120 of preventive care. This is no longer needed, however, because Medicare generally does cover preventive care. Plans H and I include benefits that some other plan design options continue to offer.

  • Medigap changes have led to the introduction of Plans M and N

    Medigap Plan M includes:

    • Medicare Part A coinsurance for hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted

    • Medicare Part A hospice care and Part B coinsurance or copayments

    • Part A skilled nursing facility coinsurance

    • The first three pints of blood (if charged for it)

    • 50% of Medicare Part A deductible

    • Foreign travel emergency

    • Medicare Part B preventive care coinsurance

    Medigap Plan N includes:

    • Medicare Part A coinsurance for hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted

    • 100% of Medicare Part B coinsurance except up to $20 copayment for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits

    • Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments

    • Part A skilled nursing facility coinsurance

    • The first three pints of blood (if charged for it)

    • 100% of Medicare Part A deductible

    • Foreign travel emergency

    • Medicare Part B preventive care coinsurance

  • Coverage amounts and limits may be adjusted with 2011 Original Medicare changes

    Medigap changes coverage amounts along with Original Medicare. With Medigap plans that cover 100% of your deductible or coinsurance amounts associated with Original Medicare, the amount you're covered for coincides with the changes in those Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B cost-sharing elements. For example, the Medicare Part A inpatient deductible has increased to $1,132 for the first 60 days each benefit period. Medigap policies that cover the deductible have increased with it. Those policies that cover a percentage of the deductible or coinsurance have likewise been adjusted accordingly.

  • Prescription drugs are no longer covered by Medigap Supplemental insurance

    This is not new with Medigap changes in 2011. However, it is important enough to be repeated. Insurance companies can no longer sell Medigap plans that include prescription drug coverage. If you already have prescription drug coverage with your Medigap plan, you may keep that plan. But keep in mind that Medigap prescription drug coverage does not count as "creditable coverage." That means, if you want more comprehensive prescription drug coverage, such as that provided by Medicare Part D, you may have to wait for coverage to begin if you did not already have a prescription drug plan that covers at least as much as Medicare. If you sign up for Medicare Part D plan, your Medigap insurer should remove your prescription drug coverage and adjust your Medigap premium.

* By submitting this form, you agree that a licensed sales rep may contact you to discuss the specific types of products listed above. The sales agent that will be discussing plan options with you is either employed or contracted by a Medicare Health plan or prescription drug plan that is not the Federal government, and they may be compensated based on your enrollment in a plan. Submitting this form does NOT affect your current enrollment, nor will it enroll you in a Medicare Advantage plan, Prescription Drug Plan, or other Medicare plan. A Medicare Advantage plan is a health insurance plan provided through a private insurer and delivers Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. A Part D Drug plan is a prescription drug insurance plan provided through a private insurer and delivering Medicare Part D benefits. A Medicare Supplement plan is a health insurance plan provided by a private company that fills in the "gaps" in original Medicare coverage. By submitting this form, you acknowledge that you have read and understand PlanPrescriber's Terms and Conditions.