If you're a Maryland resident looking for additional coverage to complement your Medicare, you're in the right place. Maryland offers 8 standardized Medigap plans to choose from.
Medigap plans are designed to fill gaps in Medicare coverage, helping to cover costs such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Each plan has its own unique benefits and costs.
The most popular Medigap plans in Maryland are Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N, due to their comprehensive coverage and relatively low premiums.
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Choosing the Right Plan
You're eligible for Medigap plans in Maryland if you're 65 or older and enrolled in Original Medicare, which includes Part A and Part B. This is a great opportunity to explore your options and find the best plan for your needs.
Medigap plans are standardized, meaning all plans labeled with the same letter provide the same coverage, regardless of the insurance carrier offering it. This makes it easier to compare plans and choose the one that suits you best.
There are 10 types of Medigap plans available in Maryland, labeled A through N. Plans F and G are the most popular, offering comprehensive coverage, and come in a high-deductible version.
To choose the right plan, consider your monthly premium, benefits, insurance provider, and extra discounts. You can use Medicare's online plan finder tool to help you find plans and providers in your zip code.
Most Medigap insurers use attained-age or issue-age pricing, which can affect your premium over time. Community-rated plans, also known as no-age-rated, charge the same premium regardless of age and are often the most cost-effective option.
Here are the three pricing structures insurance carriers use:
You'll get the best price for Medigap plans if you purchase a plan as soon as you're eligible for Medicare and enrolled in Parts A and B. This is during your Medigap Open Enrollment period, which lasts for six months.
Plan Details
Medigap plans in Maryland are offered by private insurance companies, and you can add them to Original Medicare to help cover your share of healthcare costs. You'll pay a monthly premium for your coverage, and it's essential to continue paying your Medicare Part B premium.
Medicare Supplement plans don't include prescription drug coverage, so you'll need to sign up for Medicare Part D if you want to add prescription drug coverage. This is a separate plan from Medigap.
There are 10 standardized Medigap plans that are regulated by federal and state governments, and two of these plans (F and G) offer high-deductible versions. Not all plans are available in all states, so it's crucial to check the specific plans available in your area.
Medigap policies can help cover a range of costs, including Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance or copayment, and foreign travel emergency services. They can also cover Part A deductible, Part B deductible (for people eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020), and Part B excess charges.
Here's a breakdown of the 10 standardized Medigap plans:
Keep in mind that not all plans are available in all areas, and insurance rates and coverage can depend on where you live, your overall health, and your age when you sign up.
Finding a Doctor and Service Area
If you're looking for a doctor, you can visit any provider that accepts Medicare, even if they're outside of CareFirst's service area.
CareFirst offers Medicare Supplement coverage to residents of specific areas, including all of Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia, east of Route 123.
Here are the areas where you can get Medicare Supplement coverage with CareFirst:
- All of Maryland
- Washington D.C.
- Northern Virginia, east of Route 123
Find a Doctor
Finding a Doctor can be a daunting task, but it's a crucial step in getting the care you need. You can start by checking if your doctors accept Medicare assignment, which means they agree to accept the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full.
Before you begin, make a list of your needs and preferences to help narrow down your search. Think about the type of care you need, your schedule, and any specific requirements you may have.
Checking if your doctors accept Medicare assignment is a good starting point, as it can save you from unexpected medical bills. You can visit the Medicare website or contact your local Medicare office for more information.
It's also a good idea to ask for referrals from friends, family, or coworkers who have had similar experiences. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their personal experiences.
Service Area
CareFirst offers Medicare Supplement coverage to residents of Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia, east of Route 123.
You can visit any provider that accepts Medicare, even if they're outside of CareFirst's service area.
CareFirst's service area includes all of Maryland, which means you have access to a wide range of healthcare providers throughout the state.
In Washington D.C., you can also take advantage of Medicare-approved providers.
Northern Virginia, east of Route 123, is also part of CareFirst's service area, giving you more options for healthcare services.
Here are the areas where CareFirst offers Medicare Supplement coverage:
- All of Maryland
- Washington D.C.
- Northern Virginia, east of Route 123
Compare
If you're considering Medigap plans in Maryland, you're likely overwhelmed by the numerous options available. There are 10 standardized Medigap plans, each with its own set of benefits and costs.
Plan A is the most basic Medigap plan, offering coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up. It also covers Part B coinsurance or copayment, blood (first three pints), and Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment.
Here's a breakdown of the benefits covered by each Medigap plan:
Plan N has a unique benefit structure, paying 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.
Cost and Pricing
Medigap plans in Maryland can be a bit pricey, but understanding how costs work can help you make informed decisions.
You can expect to pay around $85 to $1,346 each month for a Medigap plan A, G, or N in Maryland if you enroll during your open enrollment period.
Premiums will vary depending on your insurer and how your premium is rated. There are three ways to rate Medigap policies: community rated, issue-age rated, and attained-age-rated.
Community-rated plans charge everyone the same premium, regardless of age, and may only increase due to inflation or other factors. Issue-age-rated plans base your premium on your age when you buy the policy and won't increase as you grow older. Attained-age-rated plans base your premium on your current age and can increase as you get older.
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Here's a breakdown of Medigap premiums in Maryland:
Keep in mind that premiums can also be affected by personal factors like your gender, where you live, and whether you enroll during your open enrollment period.
Some Medigap plans offer discounts for things like being a non-smoker, paying your premium annually, or joining as a married couple.
Medigap plan pricing structures also play a big role in how much you pay for Medicare Supplement year after year. There are three structures insurance carriers use: community-rated, issue-age-rated, or attained-age-rated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the downside to Medigap plans?
Medigap plans, including Plan G, come with high monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Part B premiums, as well as no coverage for prescription drugs. If you're considering a Medigap plan, it's essential to weigh these downsides against the benefits.
Does Maryland have the Medigap birthday rule?
Yes, Maryland has the Medigap birthday rule, which allows you to switch to a different Medigap plan within 30 days of your birthday. This rule took effect on July 1, 2023.
Who is the best Medigap provider?
According to our analysis, AARP/UnitedHealthcare is considered the best overall Medigap provider, offering a comprehensive plan with excellent coverage and customer support.
What Medigap plan is most popular?
The most popular Medigap plan is Plan G, which accounts for nearly 5.3 million policyholders. Plan G offers a standardized set of benefits and is chosen by 39% of all Medigap policyholders.
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 chosen for their balance of coverage and affordability. These plans are popular among Medicare beneficiaries due to their comprehensive benefits and flexible pricing options.
Sources
- https://www.carefirst.com/medicare-options/compare-medicare-plans/medicare-supplement-plans.html
- https://www.medicareplans.com/medicare-supplement-plans-maryland/
- https://askchapter.org/magazine/senior-health-wellness/medicare-resources/best-medicare-supplement-plans-in-maryland
- https://www.gohealth.com/medicare/medicare-supplement/maryland/
- https://clearmatchmedicare.com/medicare-supplement/maryland
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