What to Know About Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans in Pennsylvania
Medicare Parts A and B provide insurance for hospital and doctor visits, but there are “gaps” in coverage, which includes things like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. A Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, also referred to as Medigap, can assist with covering these types of out-of-pocket expenses. A Pennsylvania Medicare Supplement Insurance plan may be a way for you to save money related to healthcare expenses. These plans and are offered by private insurance companies throughout the state.
In 2022, Pennsylvania residents have a choice of many Medigap or Medicare Supplement plans. 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 to those who are newly eligible to Medicare but enrollees have been 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.
Pennsylvania residents looking for a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan need to first look at their specific coverage needs to determine what Medigap plan they might want to consider.
Most Popular Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents have several Medicare Supplement Insurance plans to choose from. All Medigap plans are approved by the government and help protect consumers in most states, including Pennsylvania. See below for a view of the most popular Medigap options selected by Pennsylvania residents. Throughout Pennsylvania, the insurance companies that sell Medigap plans offer the same basic benefits. However, there may be different prices depending on where you live and the insurance carrier. In addition, each insurer in Pennsylvania may not offer each of the Medigap plans.
As reported by AHIP, 711,230 Pennsylvania beneficiaries enrolled in a Medigap policy in 2019. Below is the breakdown of the number of Pennsylvania enrollees by Medigap plan type.
| Plan | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment # | 4,845 | 17,867 | 121,417 | 7,178 | 10,025 | 265,394 | 146,399 | 7,712 | 9,250 | 12,184 | 2,599 | 1,610 | 15 | 102,961 |
Source: AHIP. Reflects data through December, 2019.
| Plan | Enrollment # |
|---|---|
| A | 4,845 |
| B | 17,867 |
| C | 121,417 |
| D | 7,178 |
| E | 10,025 |
| F | 265,394 |
| G | 146,399 |
| H | 7,712 |
| I | 9,250 |
| J | 12,184 |
| K | 2,599 |
| L | 1,610 |
| M | 15 |
| N | 102,961 |
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 Pennsylvania Medicare Supplement Insurance plan does not include coverage for prescription drugs. However, you can buy an additional Medicare Prescription Drug plan to help you with prescription drug costs. You also may want to explore the option of a Pennsylvania Medicare Advantage plan, which typically includes coverage for prescription drugs and may also include things like gym memberships and other benefits such as dental, vision and hearing coverage.
You can learn more about your Medicare Supplement Insurance plan options in Pennsylvania by working with a SelectQuote licensed sales agent. Acting as your advocate, our licensed sales agents can guide you through the Medicare maze to better understand Medigap plan options. SelectQuote individually shops more than 20 national insurance companies to help you compare Medicare plans in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania residents cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time. A Medigap plan can also not be used to pay for any expenses for a Medicare Advantage plan.
When is the Pennsylvania Medicare Supplement Plans Enrollment Period?
Initial enrollment timeframes are very important. Enrollment for Medicare Supplement Insurance plans in Pennsylvania begins the first day of the month you turn 65 years old. You also must be enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B in order to enroll in a Medigap plan.
Pennsylvania residents have a six-month period surrounding their birth month to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan. Pennsylvania residents 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. You can enroll as early as 64 and 6 months of age. During this important six-month period, companies that offer Medicare Supplement Insurance plans cannot use underwriting. In other words, during this window of time your acceptance is guaranteed. However, if you apply for Medicare Supplement Insurance outside of this 6-month timeframe, you will be subject to a physical exam. If you apply for Medigap coverage after the first six 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 a Pennsylvania Medicare Supplement Plan Right for You?
In order to learn more about your Medicare plan options, talk to a Medicare Insurance specialist at SelectQuote. We can help to ensure you’re getting all of the available Medicare benefits you deserve while staying up to date with the annual updates made to Medicare plans. As a trusted independent company, a SelectQuote licensed sales agent will help you find the right Pennsylvania Medicare Supplement Insurance plan that meets your 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.
