Information on Specific Medigap Supplemental Insurance Plans

Part 3, Chapter 10: Medicare and Medicare Related Programs: Medigap and Secondary Health Insurance Policies Page 3

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Plans F, C, I, and J also offer coverage for Medicare excess charges, the additional 15% above the Medicare allowable amount that a provider who does not accept assignment may charge. Plans E and J offer limited coverage for certain types of preventive medical care. Plans H, I, and J provide coverage for a percentage of the cost of prescription medications. Plans H and I cover up to $1,250 per year in prescription costs; Plan J covers up to $3,000 per year (See Table 15).

There are other important differences between these Medigap plans, as well. A number of organizations offer booklets that explain those differences in detail (See Appendix B). The Department of Insurance or the Division on Aging in your state may also offer advice and information on Medigap plans.

It's important to be aware that not all Medigap plans are available in all states. However, Plan A is generally available throughout the United States, and most states allow a number of different Medigap policies to be offered by insurers in addition to Plan A. All ten plans are available to Medicare ben eficiaries in some states.

In addition, you may be able to purchase a type of policy called Medicare Select While Medicare Select is not one of the ten standardized Medigap policies discussed above, it fulfills some of the same functions. However, unlike the ten standardized Medigap policies, Medicare Select is based on a managed care approach.

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