What to Know About Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans in Alabama
Medigap is another word for Medicare Supplement Insurance plans. Much like the name implies, Medigap fills in some of the “gaps” for medical coverage like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. The purchase of a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan assists with out-of-pocket costs. Residents in the Heart of Dixie can purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance from private insurance companies.
In 2022, Alabamians currently have 10 Medigap or Medicare Supplement Insurance plans from which to choose. These include basic benefits from Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N. Medigap Plans C, E, F, H, I and J are no longer available. Individuals who already have enrolled in Medigap plans that are no longer available to those who are newly eligible to Medicare are grandfathered into their plan.
As of 2020, Medicare Supplement Insurance plans will no longer sell Medigap Plans C or F to newly eligible Medicare members. Congress has decided that new Medigap plans will no longer be allowed to cover the Part B deductible after January 1, 2020. This will only affect Medicare Supplement plans C and F as these are the only Medigap plans that cover the Part B deductible. Anyone enrolled in a Medigap Plan C or F as of December 31, 2019, will be grandfathered and will be able to continue to use their plan as long as they want.
Alabama residents looking for the most popular Medicare Supplement Insurance plans in Alabama need to first look at their specific coverage needs to determine what gaps a Medigap Plan could cover.
Most Popular Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan in Alabama
The government-approved Medicare Supplement Insurance plans help protect individuals in most states, including Alabama. As reported by AHIP, 202,084 Alabama beneficiaries enrolled in a Medigap policy in 2019. Below is the breakdown of the number of Alabama enrollees by Medigap plan type.
| Plan | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment # | 591 | 85,789 | 2,583 | 498 | 120 | 70,281 | 29,236 | 29 | 132 | 967 | 500 | 222 | 2 | 10,906 |
Source: AHIP. Reflects data through December, 2019.
| Plan | Enrollment # |
|---|---|
| A | 591 |
| B | 85,789 |
| C | 2,583 |
| D | 498 |
| E | 120 |
| F | 70,281 |
| G | 29,236 |
| H | 29 |
| I | 132 |
| J | 967 |
| K | 500 |
| L | 222 |
| M | 2 |
| N | 10,906 |
Source: AHIP. Reflects data through December, 2019.
While a Medigap policy will help pay for things like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles not covered by Medicare Parts A and B, it is important to note that your Alabama Medicare Supplement Insurance plan will not cover benefits for prescription drugs. However, you have the option to buy a Medicare Prescription Drug plan to cover the cost of prescription drugs or you can consider a Medicare Advantage plan, which usually covers prescription drugs and includes other benefits for routine services like dental, vision and hearing plus it may also cover gym memberships.
Learn more about your Medicare Supplement Insurance plan options in Alabama by working with a SelectQuote licensed sales agent. Acting as an advocate, our licensed sales agents can guide you through the Medicare maze to better understand Medigap Plan options and answer any questions you may have throughout the process. SelectQuote individually shops more than 20 national insurance companies to help you compare Medicare plans in Alabama.
Alabama residents cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time. A Medigap plan can’t be used to pay for any expenses for a Medicare Advantage plan.
When is the Alabama Medicare Supplement Plan Enrollment Period?
Initial enrollment timeframes are very important. Enrollment for Alabama Medicare Supplement Insurance plans begins the first day of the month you turn at least 65 years old. In some special circumstances, individuals may enroll prior to age 65. You also must be enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B in order to get a Medigap plan.
Alabama residents have a six-month period around their birth month to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan. Alabamians under the age of 65 can check with the Social Security Administration office for additional enrollment periods.
The best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan is during the initial 6 months you are eligible for Medicare. It’s very beneficial to enroll as soon as possible. This is as early as age 64 ½. During this important six-month period, companies that offer Medicare Supplement Insurance plans cannot use underwriting during this time. If you apply for Medicare Supplement Insurance outside of this 6-month timeframe, Alabamians will be subject to a physical exam. If you apply for Medigap coverage after your first months of eligibility, a company can refuse to sell you a plan or premiums may also adjust depending on current health status and pre-existing health conditions.
Is an Alabama Medicare Supplement Plan Right for You?
SelectQuote is an independent third-party company which specializes in helping consumers understand the ins and outs of Medicare. Our licensed sales agents are here to help ensure you receive all the available Medicare benefits and are a valuable resource to keep you informed of the annual updates insurance companies make to Medicare plans. As a trusted resource, SelectQuote helps Alabama residents determine the right Medicare plan for their needs.
To ensure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to receive, call or complete your online form today. Let SelectQuote’s personal licensed sales agents simplify the Medicare maze by comparing rates and independently shopping insurance companies to help you find an affordable option that meets your unique needs.
