Medicare Supplement Plans in Kansas are designed to help fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, including copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Kansans can choose from 10 standardized Medicare Supplement plans, labeled A through N, each offering different levels of coverage.
Kansas residents can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan during their Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before their 65th birthday and ends three months after.
Medicare Supplement plans in Kansas are standardized, meaning the benefits and costs are the same for all insurance companies offering a particular plan.
Eligibility & Enrollment
You can purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan in Kansas if you're eligible for Medicare, which generally includes anyone age 65 and older or people who qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.
Medicare Supplement Plan eligibility rules are the same in each state, so you can enroll in a plan as soon as you're eligible for Medicare in Kansas.
To get the best price and choice for Medigap plans, you should review and compare policies during your initial six-month Medicare Open Enrollment Period, which begins the first month you have Medicare Part B coverage.
The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your initial six-month Medicare Open Enrollment Period, as this is the only time you have guaranteed issue rights, meaning insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge you more for it, even if you have preexisting medical conditions.
If you don't buy a Medicare Supplement Plan when you first enroll in Medicare, you may not be able to buy one later, and you could pay more if you do get one.
You can use Medicare's online plan finder tool to help you locate and compare policies and plan providers in your zip code, or work with a licensed insurance agent, such as GoHealth, to find plans in your area and thoroughly compare them.
If you qualify for Medicare due to disability, you cannot be charged higher premiums than your over-65 counterparts in Kansas, which is a relatively rare protection offered by the state.
Here are some situations that may give you guaranteed issue rights to purchase a Medigap policy, regardless of your health conditions or any preexisting health conditions:
- Moving out of the coverage area while in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare SELECT Plan
- Your existing Medicare Advantage Plan leaving Medicare coverage
- Your other insurance plan outside of Medicare is ending
- You are within your trial right period
- Your plan coverage ends through no fault of your own
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is the best time to join a Medigap plan in Kansas, lasting for 6 months, starting with the first day you're enrolled in Original Medicare.
Types of Plans
In Kansas, you have several options for Medicare supplement plans, each with its own unique features.
Every standardized type of Medigap plan is offered in Kansas, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
Plans F and G are the most comprehensive and popular options, offering a wide range of benefits.
These plans also come in a high-deductible version, which may be a good option if you're looking to save on premiums.
Plan F and Plan G are the most comprehensive, but they're not the only options available.
Costs & Coverage
Medicare Supplement plans in Kansas can be a bit complex, but let's break down the costs and coverage.
You can expect to pay a monthly premium for a Medigap plan in Kansas, ranging from about $56 to $1,004 in 2022. The cost will vary depending on the insurance company, your age, and other factors.
The cost of a Medigap plan can be rated in three ways: community rated, issue-age rated, or attained-age-rated. Community rated plans charge the same premium regardless of age, while issue-age rated plans are based on your age when you buy the policy and won't increase as you grow older.
Here's a breakdown of the benefits included in each Medigap plan:
* Plans F and G also offer a high-deductible plan in some states. With this option, you must pay for Medicare-covered costs (coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles) up to the deductible amount of $2,700 in 2023 before your policy pays anything.
What Costs
Medicare Supplement policies, also known as Medigap, can be a bit confusing when it comes to costs.
You can expect to pay a monthly premium for a Medigap policy, which varies depending on the insurance company, your age, and other factors. In Kansas, monthly premiums for Medigap policies range from about $56 to $1,004 in 2022.
Higher premium plans generally come with lower deductibles and copayments, while policies with lower monthly premiums will have higher out-of-pocket costs. Most plans offer a $0 deductible for Part A services, and a $0 to $233 deductible for Part B services.
The copayment and coinsurance rates you pay will also vary by plan, but usually range from $0 to about 10% of the service cost after your deductible is met. For example, Plan N pays 100% of the Part B coinsurance, except for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to a $50 copayment for emergency room visits that don’t result in inpatient admission.
Here are some estimated monthly premium ranges for Medigap policies in Kansas:
Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and actual premium costs may vary depending on your individual circumstances.
Prescription Drug Coverage
If you bought your Medigap plan before January 1, 2006, you can keep the prescription drug coverage, but you may lose it if you make changes to your plan.
Medicare Supplement Plans sold after January 1, 2006, are not allowed to include prescription drug coverage.
To get prescription drug coverage, you can purchase a Medicare Part D plan, which are private insurance plans that help you cover the cost of prescription drugs.
If you don't sign up for a Medicare Part D plan when you're first eligible for Medicare, you will have to pay a late enrollment penalty based on how long you went without a drug plan.
Choosing a Plan
Consider your future medical needs when selecting a Medicare Supplement plan in Kansas. It's essential to think about the type of coverage you'll need in the long run.
The first thing to do is decide how much coverage you need. You'll likely be tempted to choose the plan with the lowest premium, but remember the medical underwriting requirement. If you wait to apply for a Medigap plan that offers more comprehensive coverage, such as Plan G, you may not be able to get it, or it may cost you significantly more.
The benefits of each plan are standardized, but premiums vary according to the provider. Compare costs carefully to find the best option for you. Pricing methods include attained-age rated, community rated, and issue-age rated.
Medigap premiums can be affected by factors such as your age, gender, tobacco use, and state of residence. Consider these costs when comparing plans.
Here are the different types of Medigap plans available in Kansas:
* Plans F and G also offer a high-deductible plan in some states.
*** Plan N pays 100% of the Part B coinsurance, except for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to a $50 copayment for emergency room visits that don’t result in inpatient admission.
Consider the different pricing methods, benefits, and insurance providers when choosing a Medigap plan in Kansas.
Resources
If you're looking for reliable resources to help you navigate Medicare supplement plans in Kansas, here are a few options to consider.
The Kansas Insurance Department is a great place to start, as they provide a wealth of information on Medicare supplement insurance, including a list of licensed insurance carriers in the state.
Medicare.gov is another valuable resource, offering a comprehensive guide to Medicare supplement plans, including plan costs, coverage, and eligibility.
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) also offers a helpful Medicare supplement insurance tool, which allows you to compare plans and get personalized recommendations.
The Kansas Health Insurance Partnership is a program that helps low-income individuals and families access affordable health insurance, including Medicare supplement plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Medicare supplemental plan?
The best Medicare supplemental plan depends on your individual needs, but top options include Humana for extra benefits, State Farm for straightforward coverage, AARP by UnitedHealthcare for extensive medical care, and Blue Cross Blue Shield for a range of Medigap plans. Consider your priorities to choose the best fit for you.
Does Kansas have Medicare Advantage plans?
Yes, Kansas residents have access to Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, offered by private insurers. These plans provide an alternative to Original Medicare.
What is the highest rated Medicare Supplement company?
According to Investopedia's research, AARP/UnitedHealthcare is the highest rated Medicare Supplement company, known for excellent customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings. It offers a wide range of plans at affordable prices.
What is the downside to Medigap plans?
Medigap plans, including Plan G, have high monthly premiums and don't cover prescription drugs, making them a costly option for some
Are Medigap policies being phased out?
Medigap policies are not being completely phased out, but some types, like Plans C and F, are no longer available to new beneficiaries. Existing policies remain in effect, but new ones have limited coverage options.
Sources
- https://www.medicareplans.com/medicare-supplement-plans-kansas/
- https://www.gohealth.com/medicare/medicare-supplement/kansas/
- https://clearmatchmedicare.com/medicare-supplement/kansas
- https://www.aetna.com/medicare/compare-plans-enroll/choose-medicare-supplement-state.html
- https://www.cigna.com/medicare/shop-plans/supplemental/compare-plans
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