Medicare doesn’t cover your healthcare in full; there are gaps. By knowing what the best Medicare Supplement plans for 2021 are, you ensure you’re getting the best coverage. A Medigap plan helps cover copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and extended hospital visits. You want Medigap because Medicare doesn’t pay for all your healthcare costs.
Top 3 Medicare Supplement Plans for 2021
- Plan F
- Plan G
- Plan N
What is the Best Medicare Supplement Plan for 2021?
The best Medicare Supplement plans for 2021 include Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N. When it comes to finding the best Medicare Supplement plans for 2021, there’s no one size fits all option. Many different factors go into deciding which Medicare Supplement plan is the best. The best choice for your neighbor may not be the best choice for you.
Forget Copays, Just Pay Your Premium with Plan F
Plan F is the all-inclusive Medigap plan. It leaves you with zero out-of-pocket costs. It covers the Part A and B deductible. You won’t ever spend a dime on any medical services outside the premium. But, the legislation didn’t like this. So, they proposed Medicare changes and discontinued Plan F to those newly eligible after 2020. Plan F is the most comprehensive policy you can purchase.
This plan is an excellent choice for those who:
- Frequent doctors’ offices and hospitals
- Live in a state that allows excess charges (if your state allows excess charges, it doesn’t mean your doctor charges them)
- Often travels outside the U.S.
For those eligible, there is a value-added version of this plan. Plan F also comes with a high-deductible version.
High Deductible Plan F
High deductible Plan F has the same benefits as standard Plan F. But, there’s a $2,340 deductible that you must meet before all your coverage kicks in. This deductible makes the monthly premium significantly lower than the standard Plan F premium.
This is the best choice for those who:
- Are looking for a lower premium
- Want comprehensive coverage
- Want peace of mind when it comes to medical expenses
Find Balance in Premium and Copays With Plan G
With Plan G, you’ll get the same benefits as Plan N plus coverage for any excess charges. Also, you won’t have to pay those small copays that Plan N requires you to pay. In exchange for not having to pay a small copay every time you visit the doctor or hospital, you agree to pay a slightly higher monthly premium. For many years, Plan G has been the runner-up plan to Plan F.
Plan G replicates Plan F. The only difference is that it does not cover the Part B deductible.
This plan is a wise choice for those who:
- Don’t want surprise out-of-pocket hospital costs
- Want rate increases that don’t catch them by surprise
- Like to travel outside of the United States
- Live in a state that allows excess charges
High-Deductible Plan G
High Deductible Plan G is a newer plan that was recently introduced. It covers the same exact benefits as the standard Plan G but comes with the same high deductible as High Deductible Plan F.
This plan is a more affordable option for those who:
- Are not thrilled about Plan G’s premium
- Are looking for the same benefits under Plan G listed above
Pay Less Now, and More As You Go With Plan N
Medigap Plan N premiums are the lowest of the top Medigap plans in 2021.
This plan is a top choice for those who:
- Are looking for a relatively low monthly premium
- Are okay with small copayments
- Are not concerned about excess charges
This plan requires you to pay small copayments when you receive certain services, such as $20 at the doctor and $50 for an emergency visit. However, if you visit one of your local urgent care facilities, you won’t have any copays.
This particular plan doesn’t cover the excess charges. However, Part B excess charges are prohibited in the following states: Connecticut, New York, Ohio, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania. If you’re comfortable with a few copayments in exchange for a lower premium, this could be the plan for you.
Even though Plan N isn’t as popular as other letter plans, it’s one of the Medigap plans we enroll our clients in the most. The reason this plan makes this list is due to its lower premiums. The reason the monthly premiums are lower is because of the copays. In exchange for a lower monthly premium, you agree to pay a $20 copay at the doctors’ office and a $50 copay at the emergency room.
FAQs
How to Compare the Top Medicare Supplement Plans for 2021
You can easily compare plans and rates for 2021 by filling out our online rate form or giving us a call. We’ll help you compare the top plans and carriers in your area. Our insurance brokers can answer all your questions and walk you through the enrollment process. Let our Medicare experts help you find a plan in your area.
Good Morning
I’m a retired Union Carpenter from Philadelphia with Health Care for life, but I understand everyone must get Medicare at 65 and my Blue Cross/ Blue Shield now becomes a secondary insurance. I have to look into Medicare 6 months prior.
My Birthdate is 02/06/1957. What would be the best plan to have if I have BC/BS also?
We do travel weather here in the US and Europe too. I will need insurance to travel with. Please help me make this choice. Thank you
Hi James! Unfortunately, I cannot give you a good answer without knowing more information. If you have a benefits administrator from your union, your best bet is to reach out to them. They will know what your summary of benefits is with your current BCBS coverage and determine what parts of Medicare you should enroll in. You will want to make a choice during your Initial Enrollment Period. Your IEP begins 3 months prior to your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after your 65th birthday.
Hi Lindsey, I am 66 and my wife is turning 65 December 12, 2020. My last day of work is the same day, and that is when my company insurance will end. Both of us are enrolled in Medicare A & B beginning in December 2020. What are our best options if we plan on living in two separate states as we get ready for retirement?
Hi Dale! If you live in two separate states your best option is to enroll in a Medigap plan since it will travel with you. Medicare Advantage plans are county-specific and will not travel with you from state to state. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period will begin the month your Part B goes into effect. That is your 6-month window to enroll without having to answer health questions.
Thinking about changing from supplement plan to advantage because advantage is 0 premium plan.are advantage plans worry free
Hi Gerald! Medicare Advantage plan premiums are low, and in some areas zero dollars, because your out of pocket costs are high. It’s important to understand what you’re enrolling in before you make the change. If you leave your Medigap plan for a Medicare Advantage plan, you may never be able to enroll back into another Medigap plan in the future in case you need better coverage. We have a great video and article that explains in detail the differences between Medigap plans vs Medicare Advantage plans.
My husband is retired and has Part A only because he is covered by my employer’s health insurance. I plan on retiring in Jan. 29th, 2021 and need to get coverage for him. He needs Part B & D But I read that Advantage plans called Part C cover all of these. Is this the best way to go as far as price and coverage. He does have to go to the Dr pretty often. No major issues like heart problems. Mainly vascular, clotting issues and arthritis. Knee replacement in his future.
Hi Cheryl! The answer to that question depends on many different factors. Factors that include what your comfortable paying out of pocket as you use the benefits, do you travel, do you have more than one doctor, etc. Medicare Advantage does not work the same as Medigap. It’s important to understand the differences, we have a great article that compares Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage you can read.
I am under 65 and became covered under Medicare (disability) after January 2020. Do I have to pay for my part A and B? Also, if I was already enrolled in vision and dental insurance through the healthcare marketplace is it more beneficial for me to continue that coverage through the marketplace or do I need to purchase supplemental insurance (Medigap) or (Medicare Advantage) that includes vision and dental?
Hi Sonya! If you’re collecting SSDI, you won’t be eligible for Medicare until you’ve received SSDI benefits for 24 months. On the 25th month, you’ll qualify for Medicare. As long as you paid into Medicare for at least 40 quarters, your Part A benefits will be premium free. You don’t have to enroll in Part B if you don’t want to, but you’ll be automatically enrolled in the 25th month of collecting benefits. You’ll want to call your local Social Security office to tell them you don’t want to be automatically enrolled to avoid your SSDI checks from being automatically drafted the Part B premium. Neither Medicare or Medigap include vision or dental benefits. You’ll want to either continue your vision and dental insurance through the Marketplace, or look into enrolling in a separate stand-alone dental, vision, and hearing plan outside of the Marketplace. Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits, however, those benefits are very limited. Since you’re under 65, depending on the state you live in, you will more than likely have sky-high premiums for a Medigap plan. You may find that a Medicare Advantage plan is more affordable until you age into Medicare at 65. Once you turn 65, your premiums will be much cheaper for a Medigap plan. However, you will only have Guaranteed Issue for the first six months after turning 65 and enrolling in Part B. You will want to make sure you enroll in a Medigap plan within the first six months, otherwise your disability could get you denied coverage. It’s only during the first six months you have Guaranteed Issue and cannot be denied coverage. I hope this helps!
Is it still possible to find a medicare supplemental plan that offers unlimited lifetime hospitalization? thanks…
Hi Jeff! Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, there are no Medigap plans that offer unlimited lifetime hospitalization.
What states have a plan g high deductible policy available for purchase now?
Hi Peggy! It’s more based on the carriers than the state. There is not an up to date list of states available at the moment. Give us a call and our agents can see what carriers offer high-deductible Plan G in your state as of now.
I am interested in changing my medicare coverage. I became disabled in Mississippi and became covered by Medicare before I turned 65. I have since had my 65th birthday. I would like to learn what may be the best plan option for me at this time.
Hi William! Those who enroll in Medicare before 65 get a second Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period when they do turn 65. The first 6 months you’re 65 & your Part B is in effect you’ll be able to enroll in any Medigap plan that’s available in your area. To be able to see what plan is the best option for you, we would need some more information. Give us a call so we can help!