Medicare Supplement Plan A is generally the most affordable Medigap option available, but the price is reflected in the benefits offered. It is the least complete of all the supplemental insurance options, covering the bare minimum required by Medicare law.
Key Article Takeaways
Continue reading to understand the benefits of a Medicare Supplement Plan A or call us 844-528-8688 for a personal consultation.
In fact, federal regulations stipulate that any insurance provider who wishes to offer Medigap must offer Plan A. In this way, Plan A can be thought of as the most basic of Medicare supplemental insurance plans.
What does Medicare Supplement Plan A Cover?
Medigap works to cover the “gaps” in your Original Medicare benefits, such as out-of-pocket expenses for deductibles, copays, and coinsurance
The following expenses are paid 100% by Medigap Plans A:
Medicare Part A Coinsurance and Hospital Costs (up to 365 additional days beyond typical Medicare Benefits)
- Medicare Part B Coinsurance and Copayment
- First 3 Pints of Blood
- Coinsurance for Hospice Care Under Medicare Part A
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLAN A
IS NOT MEDICARE PART A
When it comes to Medicare, terms can get confusing. Medigap Plan A is completely different from Medicare Part A.
Medicare Part A is one piece of your Original Medicare. It covers services such as hospital stays and skilled nursing facility care. Medigap Plan A is one of ten supplemental insurance plans that are meant to extend your Original Medicare benefits. It is optional and purchased separately from Medicare Part A.
What is not Covered in Plan A Medicare Supplement?
Plan A policyholders will remain responsible for paying the Original Medicare Part A deductible and Part B deductible. Plan A policyholders will also have to pay out-of-pocket for skilled nursing facility coinsurance, emergency foreign travel medical expenses, and Part B excess charges.
Most of these expenses can be covered under other standardized Medigap plans but typically, the more coverage you have, the higher your monthly premium will be.
Additionally, seniors who are comparing Medicare Supplement Plans need to remember that they will still be responsible for their monthly Medicare Part B premiums unless they qualify for “extra help” from Medicare.
Who Is Medicare Supplement Plan A Best For?
While it might not offer as much coverage as the other plans, Medigap Plan A is still a very nice addition to your Original Medicare. Remember that these are benefits you would not have if you stuck with just the traditional plan. Plan A. Therefore, it is ideal for anyone on a very strict budget who still wants to extend their Medicare benefits to avoid some of the most common and expensive out-of-pocket expenses. You’ll still need to meet your deductibles, but after that, your coinsurance and copayments for most services are completely covered.
Medigap Plan A For Those Under Age 65
While most recipients are retirees age 65 or older, Medicare is also available to younger citizens who are diagnosed with certain disabilities or health conditions.
While federal law doesn’t require private insurers to provide Medicare supplement plans to recipients under 65, most states states do have such a requirement (though the specific terms vary from state to state). Because any company that sells Medigap must offer Plan A, it is the plan most commonly available to Medicare recipients under age 65.
VIEW QUOTES INSTANTLY ONLINE!
VIEW QUOTES INSTANTLY ONLINE!
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Medicare Part A is the hospital coverage provided by traditional Medicare and Medigap Plan A is a supplement to Medicare provided by private insurance companies.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan A will not pay your deductible for Medicare Part A or Part B.
Typically, seniors that purchase a Medigap Plan A are on a very tight budget or are in excellent health and rarely need healthcare services.
Unfortunately, excess charges from a physician who does not accept Medicare assignment are not covered by Medigap Plan A.
A Medicare Supplement plan is a health insurance policy that supplements your Original Medicare coverage and helps reduce your out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
Ready to Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan A?
Do you think Medigap Plan A is the one for you? Or are you trying to decide between a few different plans? Give us a call at 844-528-8688 or fill out our easy contact form and we’ll be happy to help you find the best plan for you
Have Questions?
We can Help!
Talk to one of our licensed Medicare supplement agents about the options available to you in your area.