Medicare Supplement Insurance

Medicare (not to be confused with Medicaid) Supplement Insurance is a federally regulated suite of insurance plans deigned to cover costs of health care that Medicare Part A and B do not cover. Below are the available plans in Maryland and the different costs they cover.

  • Plan G: The replacement for the most comprehensive plan (previously plan F) Plan G accounts for roughly 37.5% of all new plans purchased, making it the most popular plan. It covers almost all out-of-pocket costs, including Part A and Part B coinsurance, foreign travel emergencies, and excess charges. The only thing it does not cover is the $283 Medicare Part B deductible

    Plan A & D: Plan A is one of Maryland’s Guaranteed Issue plans for the disabled under age 65. It covers the critical 20% outpatient coinsurance that Original Medicare leaves behind. Plan D is the other more comprehensive guaranteed plan. Plan D covers all the same out of pocket costs as Plan N, but is far less offered by insurance companies and usually more expensive.

    Plan N: Plan N is a cheaper alternative to Plan G. It covers all of the same out of pocket costs except for Part B excess charges and requiring a $20 and $50 co-payment for office and emergency rooms visits, respectively.

  • Guaranteed Issue

    • Initial Enrollment: Your one-time 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B.

    • Losing Coverage: You lose qualifying health insurance (e.g., employer-provided coverage, union coverage, or Medicaid).

    • Moving Out of Area: Your Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare SELECT policy leaves your service area, or you move outside its coverage zone.

    • Plan Misconduct or Leaving Medicare: Your Medicare Advantage plan or Medigap plan drops out of the Medicare program or commits fraud.

    • Trial Periods: You joined a Medicare Advantage plan when you first turned 65 and decide to switch back to Original Medicare within the first 12 months.

      Adults under 65 with disabilities:

      • Eligible after they have received Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months.

      • Eligible with a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the first month of Social Security Disability benefits.

      • Eligible at any age with End‐Stage Renal Disease, in the 4th month of dialysis.

    Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule

    Starting on July 1, 2023, Medicare Supplement policyholders with policies issued in Maryland will be granted a once-yearly Open Enrollment Period that includes the policyholder’s birthday and the 30-day period following the policyholder’s birthday.

    After the 6‐month initial guaranteed issue period upon enrolling in Medicare Part B, individuals will usually be subject to medical underwriting for a new Medicare Supplement policy.

  • The State of Maryland has approved 12 carriers to provide Medigap policies to their citizens.

    • AARP/UnitedHealthcare

    • Aetna

    • Mutual of Omaha

    • Blue Cross Blue Shield (CareFirst)

    • Cigna

    • Humana

    • State Farm

    • Globe Life

    • USAA

    • Manhattan Life

    • Bankers Fidelity

    • Medico

    Each carrier has their own pricing that is determined by age, health rating (preferred or standard) and type of plan. Outside of the guarantee periods of enrollment, each carrier uses internal underwriting procedures to approve applicants for one of those plans.

    You can see all the available rates for all companies HERE.

For professional guidance on your options for Medicare Supplement insurance

Contact us.

Austin.Lewis@baylifebrokerage.com

(443) 370-4107