Medigap Plans Missouri: A Comprehensive Guide to Medicare Supplements

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Missouri residents who are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B have access to 10 different Medigap plans, each with varying levels of coverage and costs.

Medigap plans in Missouri can help fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government, but the cost can vary depending on the insurance company offering the plan.

Medigap Plan Details

Medicare Supplement Plan F in Missouri offers the highest level of benefits, covering Medicare Part A and Part B copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance costs.

If you were eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B before January 1, 2020, you can enroll in Medigap Plan F in Missouri.

Medicare Supplement Plan F in Missouri also covers Medicare Part B excess charges, which are rare but good to know about.

Beneficiaries using a skilled nursing facility are covered for coinsurance costs when this healthcare need arises.

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You'll also receive a foreign travel emergency expenses benefit, but note there is a lifetime limit to this benefit that applies.

All Medigap plans, including Medigap Plan F, will cover Medicare Part A coinsurance for hospital and hospice care.

Medigap plans will also cover Medicare Part B coinsurance and copayments, which can be a big help with medical expenses.

Blood needed for medical procedures is covered by all Medigap plans, up to the first 3 pints in a year.

Here are some of the basic services that all Medigap plans must cover:

  • Medicare Part A coinsurance for hospital and hospice care
  • Medicare Part B coinsurance and copayments
  • Blood needed for medical procedures (first 3 pints in a year)

Medigap plans will also cover Part A coinsurance for skilled nursing care facility, Part A deductible, and Part B excess charges.

Up to 80% of foreign travel emergency healthcare is covered by all Medigap plans.

Cost and Eligibility

Medigap plan costs in Missouri vary depending on the insurance company, plan type, and your age or other factors, with premiums ranging from $58 to $922 per month for standard plans and $42 to $247 per month for high-deductible plans.

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Most Medigap plans offer full coverage of Part B copayments and coinsurance, and you'll pay a premium for your Medigap coverage, but it may be less than out-of-pocket costs without a Medicare Supplement Plan.

To be eligible for Medigap plans, Missouri residents must be eligible for Medicare Parts A and B, which typically means turning 65 years old after working for ten years and paying into the Medicare system.

Medicare Supplement eligibility in Missouri also includes options for those under 65 years old with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least two years.

Here's a breakdown of the costs for three common Medigap plans in Missouri:

The best time to purchase a Medigap plan in Missouri is during the six-month open enrollment period, which begins on the first day of the month you turn 65, when you're guaranteed coverage and can't be charged more due to health issues.

Cost

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Medigap plan costs can vary significantly depending on the insurance company and your individual factors. Some plans may offer discounts for things like being married or a non-smoker.

Rates for Medigap plans in Missouri range from about $58 to $922 per month for standard plans and $42 to $247 per month for high-deductible plans as of 2022. Most plans offer full coverage of Part B copayments and coinsurance.

The price of Medigap plans in Missouri is affected by several factors, including your location, age, gender, carrier, the amount of coverage you require, and tobacco usage. Typically, men will pay more for Medigap plans than women, and those who use tobacco products will pay more than those who do not.

Here's a breakdown of the average monthly premium rates for three common Medigap plans in Missouri for both 65-year-old and 75-year-old males and females who abstain from tobacco usage and live in the same ZIP Code:

Your premiums may vary depending on your individual factors, and these sample premiums represent an average for Medigap Plans in Missouri.

Eligibility & Enrollment

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To be eligible for Medicare Supplement plans in Missouri, you must be at least 65 years old and enrolled in Original Medicare. This is a federal requirement.

You can also qualify for Medicare Supplement plans if you're under 65 and have end-stage renal disease (ESRD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or have been on disability and receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least two years.

Missouri is one of the few states that limits how much insurers can charge under-65 beneficiaries for a Medigap policy.

Your Medicare Supplement open enrollment period begins as soon as you're enrolled in Part B benefits, which is typically when you turn 65. This six-month period is your best chance to get the best options and price for your Medigap coverage.

During your open enrollment period, insurance companies are not allowed to deny you coverage or raise your plan rates based on pre-existing health conditions and other factors.

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If you're still employed at age 65 and receiving health benefits through an employer or union, you can delay enrollment in Medicare Part B until you retire. This will also delay your Medigap open enrollment period.

Here are some common situations where you may be eligible for a guaranteed issue right, which allows you to enroll in a Medigap plan without being denied or assessed higher premiums:

  • A Medicare Advantage plan enrollee loses their coverage when a plan is discontinued or changes its service area.
  • A Medicare Advantage plan enrollee changes their residence and no longer lives within the coverage area of their MA plan.
  • A Medicare beneficiary exercises a trial right to a Medicare Advantage plan but switches back to Original Medicare during the first year of coverage.
  • A Medigap policyholder loses their supplemental coverage when their issuing company goes bankrupt.
  • A Medigap policyholder relinquishes their supplemental coverage after being misled by the insurer.
  • A Medicare SELECT policyholder loses their coverage after moving out of the plan's service area.
  • An employee over the age of 65 loses supplemental coverage offered through an employer or union.

Choosing a Plan

Choosing a Medigap plan in Missouri can seem overwhelming, but it's essential to make an informed decision. You'll want to consider how much coverage you need and what your budget is.

Most Medigap insurers use one of three pricing methods: attained-age rated, community rated, or issue-age rated. Attained-age rated policies start out low but increase as you get older, making them the most expensive over time.

Community-rated policies, on the other hand, don't consider your age, making them the most cost-effective in the long run. Issue-age rated policies are based on your age at enrollment but don't increase with age, although they may rise due to inflation.

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Medicare Supplement Plans can only be used with Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage plans. You can add them to your Original Medicare coverage to help pay for your share of healthcare costs.

There are ten different lettered plans available, each with a set level of coverage that won't vary from company to company. However, your benefits do vary among each individual lettered plan.

Here are the three most popular Medigap plans in Missouri:

  • Medigap Plan F
  • Medigap Plan G
  • Medigap Plan N

These plans often have lower premiums, especially if area insurers offer high-deductible options, making them more affordable for seniors to purchase. None of these three plans limit annual out-of-pocket spending.

If you're looking for the most affordable Medicare plans in your area, consider speaking with a licensed insurance agent for personalized guidance.

Enrollment and Application

If you're eligible for Original Medicare, you're also eligible for a Medigap plan. You'll get the best options and price for your Medigap coverage if you buy a plan during your initial six-month open enrollment period.

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This period begins the first month you have Medicare Part B coverage, and after this period, insurance companies are permitted to deny you coverage or raise your plan rates based on pre-existing health conditions and other factors.

You can use Medicare's online plan finder tool to help you locate plans and find specific rates in your zip code. Additionally, you can call GoHealth's licensed insurance agents to help you find plans in your area and compare them to see which will best fit your needs.

Applying for Medicare Supplement plans in Missouri is easier than you think, but there is a lot to consider, such as coverage, which carrier to choose, and more. Our team of licensed Medicare agents can compare your healthcare and coverage needs along with your budget among top-rated carriers to provide you with the best possible solution for your needs.

The best time to purchase a Medicare Supplement plan in Missouri is during Medigap's open enrollment period, which is a six-month span that begins on the first day of the month you turn 65. During this period, all Part B enrollees, regardless of their health, are guaranteed Medigap coverage.

Expand your knowledge: Best Medicare Supplement Plans Ny

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If you're still employed at age 65 and are receiving health benefits through an employer or union, you're entitled to delay enrollment in Medicare Part B until you retire. This means your open enrollment period for Medigap is also delayed, and it will open after you've retired and joined a Part B plan.

Your Medigap open enrollment period is one of the few times you have guaranteed issue rights. If you're at least 65 years old, your application cannot be rejected, and you can't be charged a higher premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the downside to Medigap plans?

Medigap plans, including Plan G, come with high monthly premiums and out-of-pocket Part B premiums, and they don't cover prescription drugs. If you're considering Medigap, it's essential to weigh these costs and limitations carefully.

What is the most common Medigap plan?

The most common Medigap plan is Plan G, which accounts for nearly 39% of all policyholders. Over 5.3 million people chose Plan G in 2023, making it the most popular choice among Medigap plans.

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.

Anne Wiegand

Writer

Anne Wiegand is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing insightful commentary on the world of finance. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics, Anne has established herself as a trusted voice in the industry. Her articles on "Gold Chart" and "Mining Stocks" have been well-received by readers and industry professionals alike, offering a unique perspective on market trends and investment opportunities.

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