Connecticut Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)

Medicare supplemental insurance policies for seniors (known as Medigap) in Connecticut offer 12 out of 12 of Medigap's standardized insurance plans. Standardizing plans means that Medigap policies of the same name offer identical benefits, regardless of whether you're in Connecticut or any other U.S. state. Medigap plans are referred to by letters A through L.

You may choose to purchase a high-deductible option on your plan. In this case, your Medigap policy will pay for your supplemental health insurance costs only after you've reached the annual deductible ($1,900 in 2008). The Medigap deductible rate increases every year.

To be eligible for Medicare senior supplemental insurance in Connecticut, you must be a Medicare Plan B policy holder. However, if you're a Medicare member and you also qualify for Medicaid, you probably don't need a Medigap plan; Medicaid is sufficient to cover the cost gaps left by Medicare.

If you're a Connecticut resident with an income within 120-135% of the federal poverty level, you may be eligible for the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB) or Qualified Individual Program (QI). However, because SLMB and QI cover only a part of Medicare Part B excess charges, it's recommended that eligible residents buy a Medigap policy in addition.

You can have your eligibility for state-assisted health care programs determined through the Connecticut Department on Social Services by the Area Agency on Aging staff. CHOICES is a Department division that offers advice on Medicare supplemental insurance for Connecticut seniors.

Connecticut's consumer protection measures strive to ensure the safety of residents purchasing Medicare supplemental insurance policies. Any insurance company selling Medigap Plans A through L in Connecticut is required to sell a policy to any Medicare member 65 years of age or older, without regard to age, sex, current state of health, or past medical and claims history. Private insurers may not, under any circumstances, underwrite Medigap Plans A through L for any Medicare beneficiary who is 65 or older.