Medigap Plan B
Plan B may be a good fit for individuals who are in good health, do not travel outside the US, and are comfortable with some out-of-pocket expenses. It’s also an option for those who want lower monthly premiums. However, if you’re looking for more extensive coverage, other supplement plans may be a better choice, despite having higher premiums.
When selecting a Medigap plan, it’s important to consider your health condition, lifestyle, and financial situation to find the best fit for your individual needs. There are multiple plan types available, and it’s important to understand the benefits and costs of each option.
Medigap Plan B Covers
- Part A coinsurance and up to an additional 365 days of hospital costs after Medicare benefits are exhausted
- Part B coinsurance/copayment
- Blood (3 pints)
- Part A hospice coinsurance/copayment
- Part A deductible
- No out-of-pocket limit
What Plan B Doesn't Cover
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Foreign travel exchange
- Part B deductible
- Part B excess charge
Individuals Who Benefit from Plan B
Plan B may be a good fit for individuals who are in good health, have no plans to travel outside of the U.S., and do not mind paying out-of-pocket expenses. These individuals may be searching for a Medicare supplement plan with a lower monthly premium. However, it’s important to note that Medigap Plan B is not suitable for everyone. If you’re looking for a minimum amount of additional coverage at a lower cost, this plan may be an option to consider. However, if you want more comprehensive coverage, you should explore other supplement plans that may offer better benefits but come with higher premiums. With various Medigap plan types available, it’s crucial to consider your specific health condition, lifestyle, and financial situation to select a plan that best suits your individual needs.
Medigap Plan B Premiums
The amount an individual pays for their Medigap Plan B premium will depend on several factors such as the state of residence, insurance carrier, and individual characteristics like age, gender, and tobacco use. On average, monthly premiums for Plan B can range from $110 to $210. Additionally, states with a higher cost of living tend to have higher monthly premiums for this plan.
When To Enroll In Medigap Plan B
Once you become eligible for Medicare Part B coverage, you can enroll in a Medigap Plan B. During the Open Enrollment Period, which lasts for 6 months after your coverage begins, you have guaranteed issue rights, allowing you to enroll without answering underwriting health questions. If you decide to enroll outside of this period, you may still do so, but you will need to answer questions about your health status.
How to Compare
Medigap B Rates
It can be easy to get confused, but in Medicare, “plans” and “parts” have distinct meanings. “Parts” refer to the benefits included in Original Medicare, while “plans” refer to Medicare supplements.
For example, Medicare Part B covers outpatient services such as doctor’s visits and preventive care. Medigap Plan B is a supplemental plan you can purchase to cover the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
Medigap Plan B & Prescription Drug Coverage
Medigap Plan B covers certain medications that are administered during inpatient care and are also covered by Medicare Part B. However, for other prescription medications, individuals would need to enroll in a separate Part D prescription drug plan.
Medigap Plan B Versus Medicare Part B
The terminology used in Medicare can be confusing. In Medicare, “parts” refer to the benefits provided by Original Medicare, while “plans” refer to Medicare supplements.
Original Medicare’s Part B provides outpatient coverage for services such as doctor’s visits and preventive care. Medigap Plan B is a type of supplemental coverage that can be purchased to cover the gaps in coverage of both Medicare Part A and Part B.
