by Russell Noga | Updated July 14th, 2023
If you’re 65 or older, you qualify for Medicare. Original Medicare offers Part A & B policies to help seniors deal with the burgeoning costs of healthcare in their retirement.
As you age, these federally-funded programs provide financial assistance for hospitalization and medical expenses.
While Medicare Parts A & B are must-have healthcare policies for seniors, they only cover 80% of Part A & B expenses. You must pay the remaining fees out-of-pocket.
Paying a large hospital bill might ruin your financial planning in your golden years.
A Medicare supplement plan, available from private healthcare insurers, partially or fully covers the remaining out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.
What Is Medicare Supplement Plan I?
Medicare Supplement Plan I is part of the older generation of Medigap plans phased out in 2010. It’s no longer available to newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries.
Plan I was popular at the time due to its near-comprehensive coverage for Part A & B expenses. Medicare Supplement Plan I isn’t available from any Medigap provider, and you’ll have to choose another plan for your policy.
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan I Cover?
The CMS is a federal agency overseeing the Medigap industry. It regulates the benefits offered in Medigap plans.
However, since Medigap Plan E is no longer available, it doesn’t have any regulations set by the CMS regarding the scale of benefits.
When it was still around, Medigap Plan I was popular for its near-comprehensive coverage and unique benefits.
Plan I was the only Medigap policy offering coverage for at-home recovery services. No current Medigap plan offers these benefits.
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for up to 365 days after using up Medicare benefits.
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment.
- Part B coinsurance or copayment.
- Blood transfusion costs for the first three pints of blood.
- Part A deductible.
- Part B excess charges.
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance.
- At-home recovery.
- 80% of emergency healthcare costs when traveling outside the US for 60 days. ($250 deductible and $50,000 maximum apply).
What Isn’t Covered by Medicare Supplement Plan I?
Medicare Supplement Plan I is no longer available. However, when it was, the only benefit not covered was the Part B deductible.
This scale of benefits made it incredibly popular, especially since it included at-home care services.
What are the Average Monthly Premiums for Medicare Supplement Plan I?
There is no data on the average monthly Medicare Supplement Plan I premiums.
The plan isn’t offered anymore, so it’s unavailable from any Medigap industry provider.
Is Medicare Supplement Plan I Available in Massachusetts, Minnesota, or Wisconsin?
Since Medigap Plan I isn’t available for any provider, it’s not for sale in Minnesota, Massachusetts, or Wisconsin. These states standardize the benefits offered in Medigap policies differently than other states.
You have options for the Basic plan, Basic with Riders, Extended Basic, and Medigap plans F, K, L, M, and N.
There are no options for Plans A, B, D, or G in these states, but you have the option to take the other lettered plans in the range.
How Do You Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan I?
Enrollment in Plan I is no longer available for seniors newly eligible for Medicare. The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act was enacted in 2008.
This Act saw a revamp of the Medicare industry and came into effect on January 1, 2010, with Medigap providers not offering it to new members after this date.
However, those Medigap beneficiaries enrolled in Plan I before the cut-off date could keep their Plan I policy, provided that the Medigap insurer still offers it.
Unfortunately, no Medigap provider offers this plan anymore. You’ll have to choose another option in the Medigap range for your supplemental policy.
What are the Best Alternatives to Medicare Supplement Plan I?
Seniors eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, can enroll in Plan F. Plan F is the only product in the Medigap range offering “first dollar coverage” for beneficiaries.
That means you don’t have any financial responsibilities for Medicare Part A & B services after paying your monthly premiums.
Plan F was an incredibly popular policy due to its comprehensive coverage. However, the 2015 MACRA Act saw the introduction of legislation to phase out Plan F, much like the 2008 Act phased out Plan I.
If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you can still apply for Plan F; many insurers still carry this policy. To avoid medical underwriting, you can speak to a Medigap agent to see if you qualify for guaranteed issue rights to Plan F.
The next best option to Plan I & F is Plan G. Plan G is the most popular choice with new Medigap beneficiaries. You get near-comprehensive coverage; the only benefit not included is coverage for the Part B deductible.
However, Plan G premiums are more affordable than Plan F’s. Usually, the savings you make on monthly premiums over Plan F account for the cost of the Part B deductible.
Medigap Plan G is also available in a high-deductible version. With the HD Plan G, you get all the same benefits as the standard version.
However, your Part A deductible increases from $1,600 per year to $2,700 per year. In return for accepting a higher deductible, you get up to an 80% saving on monthly premiums over the standard Plan G.
HD Plan G is a great choice for healthy seniors who don’t incur many medical or hospital costs during the year.
You get low premiums and retain all the benefits of the standard Plan G in the event of a medical emergency.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medicare Supplement Plan I?
Medicare Supplement Plan I, also known as Medigap Plan I, is a specific type of Medicare Supplement insurance plan that helps fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage. It provides coverage for certain out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
What does Medicare Supplement Plan I cover?
Medicare Supplement Plan I offers coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted. It also covers 50% of the Medicare Part A deductible and 50% of the Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments.
Are prescription drugs covered under Medicare Supplement Plan I?
No, Medicare Supplement Plan I does not include prescription drug coverage. To obtain coverage for prescription medications, beneficiaries need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
Can I see any doctor or specialist with Medicare Supplement Plan I?
Yes, with Medicare Supplement Plan I, you have the freedom to choose any healthcare provider who accepts Medicare patients. This plan does not have a network of preferred providers, allowing you to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare assignment.
Is Medicare Supplement Plan I available to new Medicare beneficiaries?
No, Medicare Supplement Plan I is no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare after June 1, 2010. However, those who were already enrolled in Plan I before this date can keep their coverage.
Can I switch from my current Medigap plan to Medicare Supplement Plan I?
Switching from one Medigap plan to another is possible, but it depends on several factors, including your state’s regulations, the insurance company’s policies, and your health status. Some insurance companies may require medical underwriting, which could impact your ability to switch plans or affect the premiums you pay.
Will Medicare Supplement Plan I cover skilled nursing facility care?
Yes, Medicare Supplement Plan I covers skilled nursing facility coinsurance. It provides coverage for the coinsurance amount that beneficiaries would have to pay for skilled nursing care after the 20th day of their stay.
Can I use Medicare Supplement Plan I for medical expenses while traveling abroad?
No, Medicare Supplement Plan I does not include coverage for medical expenses incurred while traveling abroad. If you require coverage for such expenses, you may need to explore other options, such as travel insurance or a specialized travel medical insurance plan.
What are the potential out-of-pocket costs with Medicare Supplement Plan I?
With Medicare Supplement Plan I, you are responsible for paying 50% of the Medicare Part A deductible and 50% of the Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments. These amounts can vary depending on the services received and Medicare-approved rates.
Are there any future changes expected for Medicare Supplement Plan I?
Medicare Supplement plans can undergo changes in coverage or availability over time due to legislative or regulatory updates. It’s important to stay informed about any changes and review the available options when considering Medicare Supplement coverage, keeping in mind that Medicare Supplement Plan I is no longer available to new beneficiaries.
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Call us today at 1-888-891-0229 and one of our knowledgeable, licensed insurance agents will be happy to assist you!
Russell Noga is the CEO and Medicare editor of Medisupps.com. His 15 years of experience in the Medicare insurance market includes being a licensed Medicare insurance broker in all 50 states. He is frequently featured as a featured as a keynote Medicare event speaker, has authored hundreds of Medicare content pages, and hosts the very popular Medisupps.com Medicare Youtube channel. His expertise includes Medicare, Medigap insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Part D.