Choosing a Medicare Supplement

Choosing a Medicare Supplement can be a great option for those who want to know exactly how much they will spend on health care costs this year. Though Medicare Supplements have a much higher premium than Medicare Advantage Plans enrollees can see any doctor that accepts Medicare Patients. If you choose a Medicare Supplement you will also need a Prescription Drug plan unless you have this benefit from the VA or your current/previous employer.

Plan G (which is the only plan I recommend) pays for everything Medicare does not except for your $185 Medicare Part B deductible. Only 2 other rare circumstances would result in you having to pay another $185 deductible and these are:

• Using more than 2 pints of blood
• Needing durable medical equipment at home such as oxygen

Why don’t you recommend a Plan F Supplement?

If you add the yearly cost of a Plan F Supplement to a Plan G with the deductible plan G is always less expensive.

Does everyone qualify for a Supplement?

No, there are certain cases where acceptance is guaranteed and no medical questions will be asked. Under these circumstances you will get the lowest rate, otherwise you will be underwritten meaning your premium will be determined by answering health questions. Your acceptance in a Medicare Supplement Plan is guaranteed if one of the following conditions are met:

• You acquired Part B in the last 6 months
• You lost health coverage in the last 63 days. Some exceptions apply
• You were on a Medicare Supplement and you tried a Medicare Advantage Plan for the first time. Most companies will give you a year but at least one company will give you 2 yrs to come back on a guaranteed acceptance.
• You moved out of the service area from your Medicare Advantage Plan or they stopped coverage where you currently live.

There may be other rare circumstance that allow for a guaranteed acceptance so check with a licensed agent if you are uncertain.

Will my rates increase if I get Sick or Injured?

No, they cannot increase for this reason once you are on a plan.

Will my rates increase as I get older?

Yes. Every year you can expect an increase in your monthly premium.