Colorado Medicare Supplements Plans

Medicare Supplement plans in Colorado help fill the gaps that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) leaves behind. When you enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you can visit any doctor or hospital accepting Original Medicare.

Thus, with a Medigap plan, there is no hassle when seeking care. Further, you can receive the highest quality care when you need it the most.

Below, we explain how Medicare Supplement plans in Colorado work, as well as the many options you have to receive additional care in your state.

These three plans are the top choices in most states nationwide due to standardization and their comprehensive benefits. Medicare Supplement standardization requires all Medigap plans of the same letter to provide enrollees with identical benefits, regardless of the carrier offering the plan.

Thus, you never need to ask a provider if they will accept your policy. If a doctor accepts Original Medicare, your Medicare Supplement plan will pick up the balance.

In terms of comprehensive coverage, Medicare Supplement Plan F provides the highest level. Medicare Supplement Plan F covers 100% of the costs Original Medicare leaves, so you have no out-of-pocket costs for anything Medicare covers after you pay the monthly premium.

Unfortunately, not all those on Medicare are eligible for Medicare Supplement Plan F. You can only enroll in the plan if you received Medicare Part A before January 1, 2020. Anyone who received Medicare after this date is not eligible for the plan.

Behind Medigap Plan F, Plan G is the next-most comprehensive plan. However, for those new to Medicare, Medigap Plan G is the most comprehensive plan available. Medicare Supplement Plan G covers the same benefits as Plan F except for the Medicare Part B annual deductible. Thus, once you meet the Part B deductible, you will receive 100% coverage for the remainder of your medical services for the calendar year.

Lastly, Medicare Supplement Plan N is a fantastic choice for those with Original Medicare who want supplemental coverage. With Medigap Plan N, you pay the Medicare Part B deductible, $20 copayments at the doctor, $50 copayments at the emergency room, and excess charges if your physician requires.

After reviewing the top three Medicare Supplement plans in Colorado, you should be able to find a plan that will check all the boxes on the list of what you are looking for in a Medicare Supplement plan.

Excess charges are an additional charge that can be up to 15% more than the Medicare approved amount for a Medicare-covered service. This can only be charged if the physician you are seeing does not accept Medicare assignment.

To avoid these costs, it is important to speak with your doctor and ensure they do accept Medicare assignment.

Once you enroll in Original Medicare, you will then be eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan. For most, your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day of the month your Part B goes active and lasts for six months. During this time, you will be eligible to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan with no medical underwriting.

If you do not enroll in a plan during this time, you can still apply for coverage at any time. However, you will need to answer underwriting health questions and your application could be denied. Unless, of course, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

When it comes to Medicare Supplement plans, women typically pay less than men, and plans with a lower benefit level will have a lower monthly premium than the higher coverage plans.

Below is a sample premium range for a plan in a highly populated Colorado ZIP Code.

* If on Medicare before January 1, 2020

Medicare Supplement Plans in Colorado for Beneficiaries Under 65

If you are eligible for Medicare before age 65 in Colorado, you will be able to purchase a Medicare Supplement plan. Each carrier that offers a Medicare Supplement plan to those over age 65 must offer at least one plan to those under 65.

Keep in mind, monthly premium prices for those under 65 tend to be much higher than those over 65 due to their higher rate of claims related to their disability.

To avoid these higher costs, many Medicare enrollees under 65 will enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan until they turn 65 and then switch to a Medicare Supplement plan.

Additional Medicare Coverage Options in Colorado

Medicare Supplement plans are not the only coverage available for Medicare beneficiaries in Colorado. Medicare Part D plans are a valuable addition to Original Medicare with or without a Medicare Supplement plan. These plans help cover the cost of your prescribed medications.

In addition to your Medicare Supplement plan, dental, vision, and hearing stand-alone plans are available to provide you with additional coverage without losing the comprehensive benefits of a Medicare Supplement plan.

If you decide Medigap is not for you, you can always enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. If you are ok with enrolling in a plan that requires network, referrals when visiting a specialist, and high maximum out-of-pocket costs, then Medicare Advantage may be right for you.