What Does Medigap Plan D Cover?
Medigap Plan D provides coverage for the following:
It is important to note that all Medicare Supplement Plan D policies will possess identical benefits. However, those Medigap Plan D policies that were purchased prior to June 1, 2010 will have different benefits than Medigap Plan D policies that have been purchased after that date.
Who is Eligible for Medigap Plan D?
The law guarantees the availability of Medigap policies to all new Medicare enrollees without any medical examination if the person enrolls within six months of his or her 65th birthday. This is typically also the time in which a person is first enrolled in Medicare Part B. During the Open Enrollment Period, the applicant cannot be denied a policy or charged more due to adverse health conditions.
Once the open enrollment period has ended, however, an applicant for Medicare Supplement Plan D may not be able to purchase a policy if they have certain pre-existing health conditions. Therefore, if someone waits to apply for coverage until after the open enrollment period has ended, they may not be guaranteed to qualify.
If a person is not yet age 65 but they have Medicare Part B, their six-month open enrollment period for Medicare Supplement will begin when they turn age 65. There are also some instances when an individual could have the right to obtain a Medigap Plan D policy after their normal open enrollment period ends. One example is when the person loses their health care coverage through no fault of their own under a Medicare Advantage plan, a different Medigap plan, or employer-sponsored coverage.
Why Should Someone Not Purchase Medigap Plan D?
Medigap insurance policies are designed to work in conjunction with Original Medicare, or Medicare Parts A and B. Therefore, if an individual has opted to receive their Medicare coverage through Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), they would not need to also carry Medicare Supplemental coverage such as Medigap Plan D.
How Can You Enroll in Medigap Plan D?
If you have determined that Medigap Plan D is the right plan for you, the next step to enrolling in a policy is to determine which insurance companies offer this plan. (Not all insurers will offer all Medigap plans).
To find a Medigap Plan D policy provider in your area, enter your zip code into the form to compare plans immediately and choose from a variety of different insurance providers.
When applying for a Medigap Plan D policy, ask for the coverage to become effective when you want it to start. In addition, if you are switching into a Medigap Plan D policy from another Medigap plan, your new coverage should begin when the old Medigap policy coverage ends.
How Much Does Medigap Plan D Cost?
Although all Medigap Plan D benefits will be identical no matter where the plan is purchased, the premium cost can vary a great deal. This is based upon your state of residence, as well as by the insurance company that is offering the plan.
In addition, if you are applying for coverage at a time that is outside of your open enrollment period, the premium cost may also differ based upon your current health condition or any pre-existing health conditions that you may have.
When contacting insurance companies that offer Medigap Plan D policies, you may wish to inquire as to whether the premium for that particular plan has increased within the last three years.
Considerations Before Purchasing a Medigap Plan D Policy
For residents in Massachusetts, Minnesota, or Wisconsin, Medicare Supplement policies are standardized in a different manner than those plans in other states. Fill out the zip code form to determine which plans are available in your area.
Downtown Bellevue, just off I-405
© 2024 MedicareSupplementalInsurance.com
