New York Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)

Medicare supplemental insurance, also known as Medigap, is available in fourteen different plans in New York state. Medigap is designed to cover some of the out-of-pocket expenses not covered by the Original Medicare Plan, such as co-payments and deductibles. Medigap policies are labeled as Plans A through L, and include two high-deductible options.

Medicare supplemental insurance policies are sold through private insurance companies in New York. While Medigap is regulated by New York state and federal law, insurers retain various freedoms, including the right to price their Medigap policies as they choose, and the right to offer anywhere from one policy (at minimum, Medigap Plan A) to all fourteen policies. Because monthly premiums and the availability of policies vary widely between companies, it's important to shop around for the most suitable policies for you and your spouse.

While many states offer a limited 'open enrollment period' for new Medigap customers, New York state regulation mandates a continuous open enrollment period for senior residents. This open enrollment period requires any insurer offering Medigap insurance to accept your application for coverage at any time throughout the year. In addition, they may not use medical underwriting (which takes information such as your current health status, medical history, or claims experience) to determine your eligibility for Medigap or for determining your monthly premium.

In addition to traditional Medicare supplemental insurance plans, Medicare SELECT insurance is also available to senior residents in New York. Medicare SELECT coverage is nearly identical to that of regular Medigap coverage. However, while regular Medigap policies allow you to use any hospital or health care provider of your choosing, Medicare SELECT policies require you to choose health care providers from their predetermined provider network in exchange for a lower monthly premium.

To be eligible for a Medigap policy in New York, you must be a senior resident aged 65 or better, and already enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. You may also be eligible if you are under age 65 but have certain disabilities, or if you have end-stage renal disease, and you're enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.