by Russell Noga | Updated January 26th, 2024
Medicare Supplement Insurance, often known as ‘Medigap,’ is a vital tool for many seniors, helping to bridge the coverage gaps left by traditional Medicare. And when it comes to reliable Medigap providers, New Era stands out as a strong contender, offering new era medicare supplement plans.
With an array of Medigap plans tailored to diverse needs, New Era has built a reputation on affordability, customer satisfaction, and comprehensive coverage. If these are qualities you value in a Medicare Supplement provider, then read on to discover why New Era could be the perfect fit for you.
Key Takeaways
- New Era Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) offers comprehensive plans such as Plan G and Plan N to cover out-of-pocket expenses not included in Original Medicare, with the flexibility to choose any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare.
- Plan G is preferred for its extensive yet cost-effective coverage with a small Part B deductible, while Plan N is favored for balancing cost with coverage, including a $20 copay for doctor visits but excluding Part B excess charges.
- New Era provides a straightforward enrollment process, competitive pricing with a history of conservative rate increases, and a diverse range of insurance products, alongside a B++ rating from AM Best indicating financial stability and customer satisfaction.
Understanding New Era Medicare Supplement Insurance
New Era Medicare Supplement Insurance offers a range of Era Medicare Supplement plans designed to assist beneficiaries in covering costs not included in traditional Medicare.
These plans primarily aim to bridge the gaps in Medicare coverage, safeguarding you from unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses for essential healthcare services.
With New Era, policyholders have the flexibility to cover a variety of out-of-pocket expenses, such as:
- Medicare Part A coinsurance
- Part B coinsurance or copayments
- deductibles
- skilled nursing facility care
- additional hospital days beyond the scope of Original Medicare coverage
- emergency healthcare while traveling abroad.
Flexibility is a key feature of New Era’s Medigap plans. You’re not restricted to a narrow network of healthcare providers but have the freedom to use any hospital or doctor that accepts Medicare.
This means you can continue seeing your preferred doctors or specialists without needing referrals or prior authorization, providing you with a diverse selection of healthcare providers to choose from.
The Essence of Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, are geared towards addressing the coverage gaps in traditional Medicare. As the name suggests, these medicare supplement insurance plans ‘bridge the gap,’ ensuring beneficiaries aren’t left with hefty out-of-pocket expenses for essential healthcare services.
Medicare supplement policies play a crucial role in providing comprehensive coverage for beneficiaries.
Medigap plans work to provide coverage for costs such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance that aren’t fully covered by the federal Medicare program. Having a Medigap plan from New Era implies fortified protection against unexpected medical expenses, fostering peace of mind and financial security in times of need.
Distinct Features of New Era’s Medigap Plans
New Era’s Medigap plans stand out for their efficient underwriting and policy issuance, excellent customer service, and timely electronic claim processing. These features, along with their comprehensive coverage, make New Era a reliable choice for those seeking to complement their Original Medicare coverage.
New Era offers a variety of Medigap plans, including Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N. These plans are tailored to meet the diverse healthcare needs of Medicare beneficiaries, providing an array of options to ensure you get the coverage that matches your individual health requirements.
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Comprehensive Coverage Options with New Era
With New Era, beneficiaries have access to a range of comprehensive Medigap plans.
Among these, Plan G and Plan N are particularly popular for their extensive coverage and affordability.
But what sets these plans apart? Examining the specifics reveals why Plan G is a popular choice and how Plan N strikes a balance between cost and coverage.
Plan G: The Go-To Choice
Plan G is often seen as the most comprehensive Medigap plan for individuals new to Medicare. Despite its extensive coverage, it’s the lower premium that makes it a preferred choice over Plan F.
The only additional cost is a small Part B deductible, making Plan G a cost-effective option for those seeking comprehensive coverage without breaking the bank.
In 2024, the annual deductible for Plan G is set at $240. Despite this extra cost, Plan G continues to offer comprehensive coverage for expenses approved by Medicare but not covered by Original Medicare, making it a reliable choice for those seeking peace of mind and financial security.
Plan N: Balancing Cost and Coverage
Plan N offers an alternative, balancing cost with coverage. It’s a more affordable option, with an average monthly cost of approximately $111.
Still, it’s worth noting that Plan N includes a $20 copay for each doctor visit and excludes coverage for Part B excess charges.
The typical monthly premium for New Era’s Medigap Plan N falls within the range of $120 to $180, depending on individual circumstances. While the $20 copay for doctor visits might seem like an extra expense, it’s balanced by the lower premium.
However, it’s crucial to remember that Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges, which can be an additional cost if your healthcare provider charges more than the Medicare-approved amount.
Enrollment Process Simplified
Enrolling in a New Era Medicare Supplement plan is a straightforward process. Beneficiaries can directly contact the company for assistance or complete an online request form on their website.
New Era offers personalized assistance during the enrollment process, making it easier for you to navigate the complexities of Medigap insurance.
Yet, bear in mind that underwriting may be necessary unless you’re within your 6-month Medigap open enrollment period, commencing from the first month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B.
When and How to Sign Up
There are two primary enrollment periods for New Era Medicare. The initial enrollment period, a 6-month timeframe when you’re first eligible for Medicare, is the most straightforward time to enroll.
It starts three months before you turn 65, and it’s advisable to consider enrolling in a Medigap plan within this period.
Should you miss the initial enrollment period, there’s also an opportunity to enroll during the annual open enrollment period, running from October 15th to December 7th each year. Simply check your eligibility, choose a plan, and complete the enrollment for your selected Medicare plan.
Remember, to enroll in New Era Medicare, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security number
- Date and place of birth
- Citizenship status
- Income verification document
These documents are necessary to establish your identity, eligibility, and income.
Financial Stability and Customer Satisfaction
New Era not only offers comprehensive Medigap plans but also prides itself on financial stability and high customer satisfaction.
The company holds a B++ rating from AM Best, reflecting its robust balance sheet strength and satisfactory operating performance. This means you can rely on New Era to be there when you need them, paying claims quickly and without hassle.
Ratings and Reviews
New Era’s ratings and reviews speak volumes about their commitment to their customers. They’ve earned a B++ (Good) rating from A.M. Best, indicating their financial stability and reliable coverage.
In addition, TrustedChoice.com has given them an overall rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, reflecting various aspects of their service beyond just the Medicare Supplement plans.
Customer satisfaction is another area where New Era shines. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) rates their plan quality and customer satisfaction at 3.9 out of 5 stars.
Customer reviews praise New Era’s Medigap plans for:
- their comprehensive coverage
- exceptional customer service
- prompt underwriting
- effective claims support
- minimal complaints reported
This positive feedback highlights New Era’s commitment to providing excellent service and affordable rates to its customers.
Comparing Costs: Is New Era Affordable?
When it comes to cost, New Era stands out with some of the most competitive rates in many areas across the country. For example, their monthly charge for Plan F in Texas is $162, significantly lower than other providers like Colonial Penn and Humana.
But it’s not just about affordable rates.
New Era has a history of implementing conservative, single-digit rate increases, even on their Plan F, which is uncommon as most companies have experienced double-digit rate increases on their Plan F at some point.
Rate Stability Over Time
Rate stability is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a Medigap provider. With New Era, you can count on consistent, affordable coverage over time.
They have a track record of conservative rate increases and long-term rate stability, giving you confidence in your choice of provider.
Elements influencing rate stability encompass the chosen plan (Plan G is recommended for long-term rate stability), inflation, and demographic factors like age and location.
With rate stability, you’re assured that your insurance premiums will remain reasonable and predictable over the long term. This means you can plan your finances with confidence, knowing that unexpected rate hikes won’t throw your budget off track.
Additional Benefits of Choosing New Era
Choosing New Era for your Medicare Supplement insurance comes with additional benefits. Apart from Medigap plans, New Era provides a spectrum of other insurance products, including whole life insurance and annuities, via its subsidiaries.
They also offer personalized amenities such as annual policy evaluations and dedicated account management, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Beyond Basic Coverage
Beyond basic Medigap coverage, New Era has much more to offer. They provide a range of insurance products including whole life insurance, annuities, and era life policies through their subsidiaries, such as Era Life Insurance Company.
This variety of offerings allows you to access a one-stop-shop for your insurance needs, saving you the hassle of dealing with multiple providers. With New Era, you can truly embrace a new era life insurance.
Moreover, New Era caters to the diverse needs of Medicare beneficiaries through its supplementary services. They offer tailored health plans encompassing:
- Hospitalization coverage
- Routine examinations
- Therapy
- Laboratory tests
This means that you can get a plan that fits your specific medical needs and financial situation, with affordable health insurance benefits. And to top it all, New Era also offers special discounts and promotional codes for additional services, making it even more cost-effective to choose them as your health insurance provider.
Summary
In conclusion, New Era Medicare Supplement Insurance offers a range of affordable, comprehensive Medigap plans tailored to diverse needs.
With their focus on customer satisfaction, financial stability, and rate stability, they provide peace of mind and financial security for beneficiaries.
Whether you’re drawn to the comprehensive coverage of Plan G, the balance of cost and coverage offered by Plan N, or the variety of other insurance products they offer, New Era stands out as a reliable choice for your Medicare Supplement Insurance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Era Life Insurance a Medicare Supplement?
Yes, New Era Life Insurance offers Medicare supplement plans, along with annuities and whole life insurance. These plans are among the products they offer.
What plan G does not cover?
Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible and only covers 80% of the costs for medical care outside of the United States. Additionally, it does not cover prescription drugs, long-term care, or vision and dental needs.
Is Part G better than Part C?
In conclusion, Plan G may offer lower out-of-pocket costs compared to Part C Advantage plans, although the latter may come with additional benefits such as dental coverage or a gym membership.
What is the main purpose of New Era Medicare Supplement Insurance?
The main purpose of New Era Medicare Supplement Insurance is to fill the gaps in Medicare coverage by helping beneficiaries cover costs not included in traditional Medicare.
What are the advantages of New Era’s Medigap Plan G?
The advantage of New Era’s Medigap Plan G is its extensive coverage at a lower premium than Plan F, with the only additional cost being a small Part B deductible. Overall, it’s a cost-effective choice for comprehensive coverage.
Find the Right Medicare Plan for You
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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.