Medicare Supplement Insurance Costs

Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, covers some of Original Medicare's out-of-pocket costs. In most states, there are up to 10 standardized Medigap policies to choose from, and each plan provides a unique mix of basic benefits. However, the costs vary widely from insurer to insurer. Here's what you should know before you select a policy.  

Comparing Medigap Plans

The cost of Medigap policies can vary widely because each insurer sets its own premiums. However, each Medigap plan of the same type offers the same basic benefits no matter where you live. For example, Medigap Plan A sold by a company in one state will offer the same basic benefits as Medigap Plan A sold by a different company in another state. 

Refer to the chart below to see how each of the 10 standardized Medigap plans compare. 

When You Buy Your Medigap Policy Can Determine How Much You Pay.

The ideal time to purchase a Medigap plan is during your six-month Medigap open enrollment period. During this period, insurers can’t deny you coverage or charge you more due to health issues. If you fail to enroll during your open enrollment period, insurers can use medical underwriting to increase your premium or deny you coverage altogether.

Covering Medicare's Out-of-Pocket Costs

In 2023, some of the out-of-pocket costs you can expect to pay for your Original Medicare coverage include:

• Medicare Part A deductible: $1,632 per benefit period
• Medicare Part B deductible: $240 per year
• Hospital inpatient coinsurance: Days 61-90 = $408 coinsurance per day of each benefit period. Days 91 and beyond = $816 coinsurance per each "lifetime reserve day" after day 90 for each benefit period (up to 60 days over your lifetime). Beyond lifetime reserve = all costs.

It's important to remember that Medicare Supplement Insurance does not replace your Original Medicare benefits. Rather, Medicare Supplement Insurance works alongside Original Medicare to help fill in some of the above coverage gaps. 

Insurance companies that sell Medigap policies aren’t required to offer every option. However, every insurer that sells Medigap is required to offer Medigap Plan A and either Plan C or Plan F.

All Medigap plans must offer coverage for: 

• Medicare Part A coinsurance for hospital care
• Medicare Part A coinsurance or copay for hospice care
• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copay
• First three pints of blood

Each policy must be clearly identified as "Medicare Supplement Insurance," and it must follow federal and state laws designed to protect you. 

To learn more about the Medigap options that fit your unique circumstances, connect with a licensed insurance agent at 1-800-995-4219.