Medicare Supplement Plans Comparison Chart
Ten standardized Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans are available in most states. These plans – Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N – can be helpful when you’re shopping for the best Medigap plan that fits your needs
This Medicare Supplement plans comparison chart for 2023 below highlights the additional benefits and certain plan limitations in a side-by-side view.
Compare Medigap Benefits | Plan A | Plan B | Plan C | Plan D | Plan F | HD-F* | Plan G | HD-G* | Plan K** | Plan L*** | Plan M | Plan N*** |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part A plans cover coinsurance and hospital costs for an extra 365 days after Medicare benefits have been used up. | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Part B coinsurance or copayment | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
Blood (first 3 pints) | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance | No | No | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
Part A deductible | No | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 50% | 100% |
Part B deductible | No | No | 100% | No | 100% | 100% | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Part B excess charges | No | No | No | No | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | No | No | No | No |
Foreign travel exchange (up to plan limits) | No | No | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | No | No | 80% | 80% |
Out-of-pocket limit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $2,490 | N/A | $2,490 | $6,620 | $3,310 | N/A | N/A |
The high-deductible plan is being offered as an option in some states; this means that you would have to pay for Medicare-covered costs (coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles) up to the deductible amount of $2,700 set for the year 2023. It’s important to know that starting from January 1st, 2020, people who are newly eligible won’t be able select plans C or F.
** For Plans L and K, you must 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. You will be responsible for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits, but there is no charge if you are admitted as an inpatient to the hospital through an emergency room visit.
Medigap insurance companies can choose which Medicare Supplement policies to sell, but state laws might affect the plans they offer.
Medigap Policy Benefits
By carefully comparing costs and benefits, you should be able to find a Medicare Supplement plan that is just right for you.
This list summarizes the benefits covered by each Medicare Supplement plan:
All plans cover Medicare Part A coinsurance and up to 365 days of hospital costs after benefits covered under Medicare Part A are exhausted.
Plans B, C, D, F, G, and N pay all of Medicare Part A deductibles. Plans K, L, and M pay a portion. Plan A does not cover any deductibles.
All plans pay all or a portion of Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments.
- Plan K pays 50%, and Plan L pays 75%
- Plans C and F pay Medicare Part B deductibles. (Not available to beneficiaries enrolling in Medicare for the first time after 1-1-2020)
- All plans pay all or a portion of the first 3 pints of blood
- All plans pay all or a portion of Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments
- All plans except Plans A and B pay all or a portion of skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Plans F and G pay Medicare Part B excess charges
- Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N pay foreign travel emergency expenses up to the limit allowed for each plan.
- Plans K and L pay out-of-pocket expenses after meeting Medicare Part B deductibles and annual limits.
- All plans pay Medicare preventive care Part B coinsurance
How to Enroll in a Medigap Plan
The best time to enroll in a Medigap policy is during your one-time, 6-month Medigap open enrollment period. Enrollment begins the first month after you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, an insurance company cannot deny you enrollment or charge more because of preexisting conditions or the state of your health.
You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement insurance plan at any time. However, purchasing a policy after your open enrollment window ends or when you do not have guaranteed protection rights may affect the price or limit the number of plans for which you are eligible. For example, private insurance carriers can ask for your medical history or deny coverage. Some states offer more protections. To find out the requirements in your state, call your state insurance department.
Medigap Cost
The benefits of each plan are standardized and cannot be changed by an insurance company. However, insurance companies can charge whatever they like for a plan. For this reason, it is worthwhile to compare the amount a company charges for monthly premiums for each policy and find out how they set the price.
Medigap Plan | Premium | Gender/Age | State |
---|---|---|---|
Plan F | $195.09 | Male age 70 | TX |
Plan G | $105.62 | Female age 65 | OH |
Plan N | $91.46 | Female age 65 | PA |
High G | n/a | n/a | FL |
Plan A | $185.93 | Male age 65 | CA |
Insurance companies usually use one of three ways to set the price:
- Community-rated pricing charges the same amount to everyone enrolled in a particular supplement plan, regardless of age.
- Attained-age-rated pricing is based on your age. So as you get older, the price will increase.
- Entry-age-rated pricing is based on your age when you buy the policy. Therefore, the price does not increase as you age.
Insurance companies sometimes use other criteria to determine the price. For example, they may offer discounts to non-smokers, and women, paying ahead for a full calendar year or paying premiums by automatic withdrawal. Prices also vary depending on where you live. Someone with the same plan who lives in another state or county may be charged a different rate. Remember that the Medicare coverage benefits for a Medigap plan must remain the same regardless of the price an insurance carrier charges.
Ready to Learn More?
Choosing the right Medicare Plan is not a decision that should be taken lightly. With Policy Guide’s assistance, you will have access to the knowledge and expertise of professional agents who can help you compare different health plans, prices, and policies to ensure that you make an informed decision. Let us guide you through this process, so that your chosen plan best suits your needs.
Article Resources
- Medicare Supplement Plans Comparison Chart
- Medigap Policy Benefits
- How to Enroll in a Medigap Plan
- Medigap Costs