Highmark Medigap plans are available to Medicare recipients in Pennsylvania and beyond, providing additional coverage for out-of-pocket expenses.
Highmark offers six different Medigap plans in Pennsylvania, each with its own unique benefits and costs.
Plan F is one of the most comprehensive Medigap plans offered by Highmark, covering 100% of Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles.
Plan G is another popular option, covering 100% of Medicare Part B deductible, but not the Part A deductible.
Highmark Medigap plans can be purchased from Highmark's licensed insurance agents or through the company's website.
Expand your knowledge: High Deductible Medicare Supplement Plans
Plan Options and Enrollment
You likely have eight to 10 Medigap options to choose from, each with its own unique benefits and costs. The federal government determines what coverage a Medigap policy provides, except in three states: Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
There are 10 federally approved plans, each known by a letter: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. These plans are standardized, meaning plans with the same letter name must provide the same basic benefits regardless of the insurer or location.
Some states set their own enrollment rules, allowing you to buy a Medigap plan at any time without being denied. This is the case in Connecticut and New York, for example.
Plan Prices Vary
Plan prices vary significantly depending on your location and the plan you choose. For example, a 65-year-old nonsmoking man in Fort Myers, Florida, could pay $64 a month for a Plan K policy or $263 for Plan D.
The cost of Medigap insurance also depends on your age, the plan you choose, and the company you pick. In Pennsylvania, Medicare Supplement plans cost between $49 and $199 per month, on average.
Plan G, the most popular plan in PA, costs $152 per month, on average. This is a significant difference from the $455 it might cost for a regular Plan G policy.
It's essential to research and compare prices to find the best plan for your budget. You can also consider other factors such as the coverage and benefits offered by each plan.
Here's a rough estimate of the monthly premiums for some popular Medigap plans in Pennsylvania:
Keep in mind that these prices are only estimates and may vary depending on your individual circumstances.
Plan G+
Plan G+ is a high-deductible plan option available in New York State. It's available in various regions, including Albany, Buffalo, Long Island, and NYC Proper.
In Albany, the first three digits of the ZIP code are 120-23 & 128-29, and the premium for Plan G+ is $60.25 with Bankers Conseco. EmblemHealth Plan, Inc. offers a premium of $65.36 for this plan.
The premium for Plan G+ varies by region and insurance provider. In Buffalo, the first three digits of the ZIP code are 140-43 & 147, and the premium is $52.53 with Bankers Conseco. In Long Island, the premium is $75.69 with Bankers Conseco.
Here's a breakdown of the premium for Plan G+ by region and insurance provider:
Keep in mind that these premiums are subject to change, and it's essential to check with the insurance provider for the most up-to-date information.
Eight to 10 Options
You've got eight to 10 Medigap options to choose from, but don't worry, I'm here to break it down for you. The federal government determines what coverage a Medigap policy provides, and there are 10 federally approved plans, each known by a letter: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. They're standardized, meaning plans with the same letter name must provide the same basic benefits regardless of the insurer or location.
The good news is that these plans are designed to help you cover some of the things that Medicare Parts A and B don't, like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. You can choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget, and know that you're getting the same level of coverage no matter where you live or who your insurance company is.
Here are the 10 Medigap plans you can choose from:
I know, it can be overwhelming to choose just one plan, but don't worry, I'm here to help you make an informed decision.
Pennsylvania Specific Information
In Pennsylvania, Medigap plans cost between $49 and $199 per month, on average. Plan F is no longer available to new Medicare recipients, but if you were eligible before January 1, 2020, it might be worth considering if the cost is $257 per year less than Plan G for you.
Plan G is the most popular plan in Pennsylvania, making up a third of all Medigap plans in the state. It costs, on average, between $114 and $190 per month.
Here's a breakdown of the most popular Medigap plans in Pennsylvania:
Some States Set Their Own Enrollment Rules
Some states set their own enrollment rules, which can be beneficial for Medicare beneficiaries.
Pennsylvania, however, follows the standard federal rules for Medigap enrollment. If you're a Medicare beneficiary in Pennsylvania, you can buy a Medigap plan during your initial enrollment period, which starts on the first day of the month that is three months before the month you turn 65.
In some cases, you may be able to buy a Medigap plan outside of your initial enrollment period, but this is typically only allowed if you're guaranteed issue.
If this caught your attention, see: 457b Withdrawal
Pennsylvania Plans
In Pennsylvania, Medicare Supplement plans cost between $49 and $199 per month, on average. Plan G is the most popular plan, making up a third of all Medigap plans in the state.
Plan G costs around $152 per month, and it's a great option because it offers high levels of coverage. If you were eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan F might be a better choice, but only if the cost is significantly lower than Plan G.
Intriguing read: Medigap Plan G vs N
Plan N is another affordable option, with a monthly cost of around $114. However, it does offer less coverage than Plan G. You can buy a Medicare Supplement plan in Pennsylvania if you qualify for Medicare Parts A and B, even if you're not 65.
Here's a breakdown of the most popular plans in Pennsylvania:
Keep in mind that rates depend on your age, the plan you choose, and the company you pick.
Best Supplement Plan in PA
Medigap Plan G is the most popular choice in Pennsylvania, making up a third of all Medigap plans in the state, with a monthly cost of $152.
Plan G offers high levels of coverage, covering everything that Plan F does with the exception of your Part B deductible, which costs $257 per year. This makes it a great option for most people.
Plan F is still a popular choice, but only if you were eligible for Medicare before Jan. 1, 2020. If you qualify for this plan, it might be worth it if the cost is $257 per year less than Plan G for you.
If this caught your attention, see: Medicare Supplement Plan F Rates
Here's a quick comparison of the costs of Plans F and G:
Plan N is another affordable option, with a monthly cost of $114, but it does come with less coverage. If you're looking for the best coverage, Plan G is still the way to go.
If you're not 65 yet, but have a disability, kidney failure, or Lou Gehrig's disease, you might be able to get Medicare before you turn 65. And if you qualify for Medicare Parts A and B, you'll be able to buy a Medicare Supplement plan in Pennsylvania.
Understanding and Choosing a Plan
Medicare Supplement plans, like Highmark Medigap plans, can be a bit overwhelming to navigate. You must have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B first to buy a Medigap plan.
There are 10 plan types available in most states, labeled A through N, each with different costs, benefits, and eligibility requirements. You can purchase a Medigap plan to help pay for things like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Broaden your view: Medicare Part C vs Medigap
The open enrollment period is six months from the first day of the month of your 65th birthday, as long as you are also signed up for Medicare Part B, or within six months of signing up for Medicare Part B. During this time, you can enroll in any plan, regardless of your health.
You're responsible for both your Medigap plan's monthly premium and your Medicare Part B monthly premium. Medigap plans usually don't cover things like hearing aids, dental, vision, eyeglasses, private nursing, and long-term care.
Medigap plans typically have larger monthly premiums, but you'll pay very little when you visit a provider. It is easy to budget for your health care with Medigap plans. You'll know exactly how much you'll be paying each month.
Some plans provide coverage when you travel outside the U.S., something Original Medicare can't do. Plus, you can see any doctor you choose as long as they accept Original Medicare.
For your interest: United Healthcare Medigap Plan G
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best Medigap provider?
According to our analysis, AARP/UnitedHealthcare is considered the best Medigap provider overall, offering a comprehensive plan with excellent coverage.
What is Medigap Highmark?
Medigap Highmark is a type of Medicare Supplemental Insurance that helps cover out-of-pocket costs not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. It's a private insurance policy offered by Highmark to provide additional financial protection for Medicare beneficiaries.
What is the downside to Medigap plans?
Medigap plans, including Plan G, have high monthly premiums and don't cover prescription drugs or Part B premiums. This means you'll need to consider additional costs when choosing a Medigap plan.
What are the four most common Medigap plans?
The four most common Medigap plans are Plan A, Plan G, Plan N, and Plan B, which are often sought after for their comprehensive coverage and affordability. These plans are popular among Medicare beneficiaries due to their extensive benefits and flexibility.
Which Medicare Supplement plan has the highest level of coverage?
Medigap Plan F offers the highest level of coverage, covering all Medicare deductibles, copays, and coinsurance for Medicare-approved services. This comprehensive plan leaves you with no out-of-pocket expenses for eligible services.
Sources
- https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumer_health_insurance/supplement_plans_rates/plans
- https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2023/guide-to-medigap-plans.html
- https://www.valuepenguin.com/best-medigap-plans-pennsylvania
- https://medicare.highmark.com/learn/medicare-basics/medicare-parts/medigap-plans.html
- https://medicare.highmark.com/learn/medicare-basics/medicare-parts/medigap-vs-medicare-advantage.html
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