by Russell Noga | Updated July 18th, 2023
If you’re a Medicare beneficiary and you reside in the state of Connecticut, you might be thinking about investing in a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan in 2024.
Also known as Medigap, these plans are designed to help offset the out-of-pocket expenses that Original Medicare doesn’t pay for; coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles, for example.
Shopping for a Medigap plan can be an overwhelming task, as there are many different options to choose from and many factors to consider.
To make the process easier for you and to assist you with making the most informed decision, in this guide, we provide an overview of Medicare Supplement plans in Connecticut.
What are Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans?
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans – commonly referred to as Medigap – is private insurance that is designed to supplement Original Medicare.
Original Medicare consists of two separate parts:
Part A, which pays for the expenses that are related to medical care and services you’ll receive in inpatient settings, such as hospitals or hospices, and Part B, which pays for the expenses that are related to medical care and services you’ll receive in outpatient settings, such as your doctor’s office or the emergency room.
There are a total of 10 standardized Medicare Supplement plans in Connecticut. These plans are named for letters and include Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N.
Each lettered plan offers different benefits, however, because they’re standardized (regulated by the federal government), all plans that are the same letter must offer the same benefits.
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How Does Medigap Insurance Work?
Medigap insurance doesn’t replace Original Medicare, rather, it works alongside it; in other words, it isn’t primary insurance, but as the name suggests, it’s supplementary insurance that covers the costs that Medicare Part A and Part B don’t cover.
As mentioned, these plans are regulated by the federal government and sold by private health insurance companies.
While the level of coverage varies from plan to plan, all policies that fall under the same letter must offer the same benefits, regardless of where they’re purchased and which insurer they’re provided by; for example, Plan N must offer the same coverage, whether it’s purchased in Connecticut or Illinois, and whether Aetna or Cigna provides it.
Medicare Supplement Insurance plans are separate policies, meaning they have a separate monthly premium, in addition to the monthly premiums for Original Medicare.
As long as your premiums are kept current when you receive health care services after Part A and/or Part B covers its share of the expenses, your Medigap policy will kick in and cover the costs associated with the benefits your specific plan provides.
Types of Medicare Supplement Plans in Connecticut
As noted above, there are 10 standardized Medigap plans, and all 10 plans are available in the state of Connecticut; however, all plans may not be offered by all insurers, and all beneficiaries may not be eligible to purchase all plans.
The following is an overview of the 10 Medigap plans available in Connecticut:
Medigap Plan A. The most basic of all Medicare Supplement Insurance policies, this plan only covers the basic benefits that Medigap is required to provide, such as Part A and Part B coinsurance, as well as the first three pints of blood required for surgical procedures.
- Medigap Plan B. This plan offers all of the same benefits as Plan A; however, it also covers the cost of the Part A deductible.
- Medigap Plan C. This policy includes the benefits that Plan B offers, as well as coverage for the Part B deductible, and skilled nursing facility coinsurance.
- Medigap Plan D. Medigap Plan D provides the same benefits as Plan B, as well as coverage for emergency medical care while traveling abroad.
- Medigap Plan F. Considered the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement policy, Plan F covers most of the expenses that aren’t covered by Original Medicare, including copays and coinsurance, as well as coverage for both the Part A and Part B deductibles.
- Medigap Plan G. While Plan G is similar to Plan F, it doesn’t cover the Part B deductible.
- Medigap Plan K. This Medigap policy only covers 50 percent of certain expenses, such as the coinsurance for Part A and Part B, as well as coverage for the first three pints of blood required for medical procedures.
- Medigap Plan L. The plan offers the same benefits as Plan K and covers up to 75 percent of the expenses.
- Plan M. You’ll receive coverage for everything Plan D provides and a 50 percent of the Part A deductible.
- Plan N. The monthly premiums for Plan N are lower than other Medigap policies; however, beneficiaries are responsible for paying copays themselves. For each doctor visit, the copay can cost up to $20, and for each ER visit, the copay can cost up to $50.
It should be noted that if you didn’t become eligible for Medicare benefits after January 1, 2020, you cannot purchase Plan F or Plan C.
If, however, you had one of these plans before this date, you can keep it, and if you were eligible for Medicare benefits before this date but never enrolled.
What Insurance Companies Offer Medicare Supplement Plans in Connecticut?
Like other states, several insurance companies offer Medigap plans in Connecticut.
The following are some of the top providers:
- Cigna
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Mutual of Omaha
It’s important to note that not all insurers offer the same Medigap policies. Additionally, you may not meet the eligibility requirements for the policies that the insurer you’re considering enrolling with offers.
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Contact Us for a Free Consultation on Medigap Plans
If you have questions about Medicare Supplement plans, call our team at 1-888-891-0229. We offer professional advice on Medigap policies.
Our fully licensed agents offer free consultations to give you all the information you need about Medigap.
If you want someone to call you back, leave your details on our contact form, and we’ll get a Medigap expert to reach out to you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Medicare Supplement plans, and how do they work in Connecticut?
Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, are private health insurance policies designed to help cover the gaps in Original Medicare. In Connecticut, these plans work alongside Medicare Part A and B to provide additional coverage for out-of-pocket costs.
Which are the most popular Medicare Supplement plans in Connecticut?
The most popular Medicare Supplement plans in Connecticut as well as surrounding states include Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N. These plans offer comprehensive coverage for various medical expenses.
What benefits do Medicare Supplement plans typically cover in Connecticut?
Medicare Supplement plans in Connecticut can cover a range of benefits, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments associated with Medicare Part A and B. Some plans may also provide coverage for skilled nursing facility care and foreign travel emergencies.
When is the best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan in Connecticut?
The best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan in Connecticut is during the six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts when you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, you have guaranteed issue rights and can enroll in any plan without medical underwriting.
Can I switch Medicare Supplement plans in Connecticut?
Yes, you can switch Medicare Supplement plans in Connecticut. However, you may be subject to medical underwriting, which could affect your eligibility and premiums.
Are Medicare Supplement plans standardized in Connecticut?
Yes, Medicare Supplement plans are standardized in Connecticut. The benefits for each plan are consistent, regardless of the insurance company offering them. For example, Plan F from one company will have the same benefits as Plan F from another company.
Do Medicare Supplement plans in Connecticut cover prescription drugs?
No, Medicare Supplement plans do not include prescription drug coverage. To obtain prescription drug coverage, you need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan.
Are there any specific restrictions on Medicare Supplement plans in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, there are no specific restrictions on Medicare Supplement plans. However, insurance companies may have their own rules and requirements, so it’s essential to review the policies and choose one that meets your needs.
How can I find the best Medicare Supplement plan in Connecticut?
To find the best Medicare Supplement plan in Connecticut, compare the plans offered by different insurance companies, consider your healthcare needs and budget, and evaluate factors such as premiums, benefits, and customer reviews. Call us today for help: 1-888-891-0229
Are there any financial assistance programs available for Medicare Supplement plans in Connecticut?
No, there are no specific financial assistance programs for Medicare Supplement plans in Connecticut. However, you may be eligible for other assistance programs like Medicaid, which can help cover Medicare-related costs.
