There are twelve
standard Medicare supplement insurance plans that help pay some
of your costs in the original Medicare plan and for some care
it doesn't cover. (If you are in a Medicare
HMO or Advantage plan you don't need a Medicare supplement insurance plan.)
Each one of the standard Medicare Supplement insurance plans, labeled A through
L, offers a different set of benefits, fills different "gaps"
in Medicare coverage, and varies in price. Some insurance companies
offer a "high deductible option" on Medicare supplement
insurance Plans F, J, K and L. All Medicare supplement insurance
Plans must cover certain basic benefits. (Plans K and L are
recent additions and very few supplemental Medicare insurers are
offering those plans). Our advantage happens to be our medicare leads.
Basic
Benefits
Covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans A-J
Medicare
Part A Hospital Deductible
• $1,024 in 2008 for each benefit period for hospital services
Covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans B-J
Skilled
Nursing Home Costs
• Your cost ($128 in 2008) for days 21-100 in a skilled
nursing home
Covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans D-J
Medicare
Part B Deductible
• Yearly deductible for doctor services ($135 in 2008)
Covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans C, F, J
Medicare
Part B Excess Charges
• The difference between your doctor's charge and the Medicare
approved amount, if your doctor does not accept assignment.
Covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
Medicare Supplement F (100%), G (80%), I (100%), J (%100)
Foreign
Travel Emergency
• 80% of the cost of emergency care outside the U.S.
• Up to $50,000 in your lifetime
• You pay a yearly deductible of $250
Covered by Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans C-J
At-Home
Recovery
• Help for activities of daily living, such as bathing
and dressing, if you are already receiving skilled home care
covered by Medicare.
• Help for up to eight weeks after you no longer need skilled
care
• Will pay up to $40 per visit, seven visits per week,
to a total of $1,900 per year
Covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans D, G, I, J
Preventive
Care
• Up to $120 per year for preventive services ordered by
your doctor
Covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans E, J
Prescription
Drugs (Basic)
• 50% of prescription drug costs up to $1,250 each year
after a yearly deductible of $250. (for plans sold before 2005).
Covered by Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans H, I
Prescription
Drugs (Extended Coverage)
• 50% of prescription drug costs up to $3,000 each year
after a yearly deductible of $250. (for plans sold before 2005).
Covered by Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan J
* If you choose the
"high deductible option" on Medicare supplement plans F and J, you will first have to pay a $1,900 deductible in 2008
before the plan pays anything. This amount can go up every year.
High deductible option policies often cost less, but if you
get sick, your costs will be higher.
In addition to the
A-L standard Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare SELECT is a
type of Medicare supplemental plan that can cost less than standard
Medicare insurance plans. However, you can only go
to certain doctors and hospitals for your care. Check with your
state insurance department to find out if Medicare SELECT plans
are available in your state.
*Plans K and L provide for
different cost-sharing for items and services than Plans A through
J. Once you reach the annual limit ($4,440 for Plans K and $2,220
for Plan L), the plans pays 100% of the Medicare co-payments,
coinsurance, and deductibles for the rest of the calendar year.
The out-of-pocket annual limit does NOT include charges from
your provider that exceed Medicare-approved amounts, called
"Excess Charges." You will be responsible for paying
excess charges. the out-of-pocket annual limit will increase
each year for inflation.
Medicare
Supplement Insurance Plans:
The Chart
- medicare supplement insurance plans