Medicare Supplement Plans in Connecticut (Medigap)

Medicare Supplement plans in CT help those with Original Medicare avoid paying for healthcare costs leftover when enrolled in these benefits alone. Also known as Medigap, these coverages cover out-of-pocket costs thanks to benefits the private insurance companies offering such plans provide. There are 12 CT Medigap plans available, but their availability varies depending on your location.

When comparing Medigap plans in CT, you’ll find that the best option will be the plan that fits your healthcare needs and budget. This will be different for each person, but plenty of options are available.

Furthermore, some beneficiaries may find other coverage options such as a Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare Part D coverage, or dental, vision, and hearing benefits that may best suit their needs. Explore Medicare supplement plans Connecticut residents have available and the many other benefits for your healthcare needs.

Best Medicare Supplement Plans in CT

You must understand your personal healthcare needs to pinpoint the Medicare Supplement plan in CT that best suits your needs. Remember, the best option will fit your healthcare needs and budget.

Many Medigap plans are available, and the right one will keep you covered while keeping costs low. The Constitution State has many companies available to residents, but because your benefits come from private carriers rather than the government, such is the case with Original Medicare, you’ll notice that rates can vary from brand to brand.

Three of the 12 Medicare Supplement plans in Connecticut continue to prove themselves as the most popular options among those who qualify: Medigap Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N.

Medicare Supplement Plan F offers residents of The Nutmeg State the most comprehensive benefits. Medigap Plan F pays for Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) deductibles, coinsurances, and copayments. But there’s a crucial catch.

The plan is still available, but only for those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. This restriction is one of the core reasons Medicare Supplement Plan G enrollment is rising. You’ll still need to cover your Medicare Part B deductible, but it’s identical in benefits other than this difference.

Finally, Medicare Supplement Plan N is a popular option for those looking to save money on monthly premiums. However, while saving on premiums, you’ll need to be prepared for healthcare costs such as copayments at the doctor’s office or a trip to the Emergency Room. You are also responsible for paying your Part B deductible.

You may also need to cover Medicare Part B excess charges. While rare, these charges occur when a healthcare provider doesn’t accept Medicare Assignment. Common when dealing with specialists, this means you may incur charges as much as 15% above Medicare-approved services.

As you can see, the different Medicare supplemental plans in CT available each offers their own level of benefits. For beneficiaries looking to save on premiums, Medigap Plan N is a favorite option. On the other hand, Medigap Plan G, or Plan F, for those who qualify, are better choices for those needing more benefits.

Medicare Supplement Plan Costs in Connecticut

If you’re looking for Medicare Supplement plans in CT, of course, the cost is going to be a factor. Private insurance providers create your premiums by looking at different factors. Some of the biggest factors boil down to a beneficiary’s age, gender, tobacco usage, and how much coverage they need.

In general, men pay higher costs than women, as do smokers, and if you need more benefits, you’ll also pay more. Seniors that are higher in age can also find themselves with higher premiums.

Below, we’ve created a chart comparing the monthly premiums of Medicare Supplement plans in Connecticut for a 65-year-old male and female and a 75-year-old male and female. No one uses tobacco and all prices are sources assuming everyone lives within the same ZIP Code:

* If on Medicare before 01/01/2020

You’ll notice for our comparison of Medigap plans in CT, premiums remain the same regardless of age or gender. Connecticut uses Community-Rated premiums, which means the age of a beneficiary doesn’t affect the price of coverage.

It’s also important to point out that in Connecticut, the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period is ongoing. This means you can enroll whenever you like, regardless of health-related issues or your age. All carriers must approve your policy, and you’ll receive coverage thanks to Guarantee Issue rights.

Alternative Medicare Coverage and Rules in Connecticut

Medicare Savings Programs in Connecticut help people with lower incomes with their coverage. These programs are:

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
• Specified- Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
• Additional Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (ALMB)

In Connecticut, all three programs cover your Medicare Part B premiums and help pay for Medicare’s prescription benefits. This is known as the Low Income Subsidy (LIS), or Extra Help.

Of these three, QMBs act similarly to a Medigap plan covering the costs of the deductibles or co-pays of your Original Medicare.

The Connecticut State Health Insurance Assistance Program “CHOICES” is a state resource available to The Provisions State, to further assist with this information. Or, you can always give us a call and speak with our licensed Medicare agents.

Another unique rule for Medigap in Connecticut involves educators. Those enrolled in Original Medicare can also have Medigap plans provided by the Connecticut Teachers’ Retirement Board for members and their spouses. For retired teachers and their spouses who aren’t on Medicare, the same health insurance benefits are available for purchase that are available to active teachers in their district.

Medicare Eligibility in CT Under 65

If you are eligible for Medicare while still under the age of 65, you have access to Medigap plans at the same premium as those over 65. This is unique to a few states, including Connecticut, as premiums are usually much higher.

The state of Connecticut is one of four states that requires Medigap policies to be offered to beneficiaries age 65 and older. However, with this factor in mind and being a Community-Rated state, because healthcare is unique to each, a Medicare Advantage plan may still be a better option.

Your best bet is to speak with a licensed Medicare agent to find the best benefits for your individual healthcare.

Supplemental Insurance Companies for Medicare in Connecticut

Remember, unlike Original Medicare, there are private carriers delivering Medicare Supplement plans in Connecticut. Assessing your healthcare needs can help you determine which company has the right benefits and features for your coverage. Here are some of the top companies available to Connecticuter’s:

• Aetna provides clients with a 30-day look period.
• Bankers Fidelity keeps costs low among a great range of plan options.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Connecticut has many attractive discounts.
• Capitol Life
• Cigna helps seniors with its pre-enroll feature allowing them to join 90 days before their plan’s effective date.
• GPM (Government Personnel Mutual) offers many Medigap plans to fit a wide variety of healthcare needs.
• Humana is known for access to both a SilverSneakers membership and the Go360 Wellness program.
• Lumico Life Insurance keeps prices stable and avoids large price increases.
• Manhattan Life offers a household discount which helps you keep your premium low.
• Mutual of Omaha offers up to 12% off through discounts.
• National General doesn’t waste any time, providing clients coverage the day after enrollment.
• United American can help you save money on premiums through high-deductible Medicare Supplement plans providing tons of benefits.
• UnitedHealthcare provides great coverage and SilverSneakers memberships for its clients.

The first step to choosing a Medicare plan is to speak with a licensed Medicare agent. By doing so, you’ll be able to cut through the clutter and choose a company and plan that meets your needs.

Alternative Medicare Coverage Options for Connecticut

Medicare Supplement plans in CT are great options for many, but there are certain healthcare needs in which other benefits may be a better fit. When speaking with a licensed Medicare agent, here are some of the other considerations you may encounter outside of Medigap and Original Medicare:

• Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) can help you save on premiums. There are out-of-pocket costs associated, but Medicare Advantage plans provide significant benefits, although restrictions apply. Please note that you’ll have to choose either a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan. You can’t have both.
• Medicare Part D plans are there to cover expensive costs that come from prescription drugs. Not each plan covers every medicine, however, but by checking your plan’s formulary, a list of drugs covered, you can find benefits that fit your needs.
• Ancillary policies are also available to help cover healthcare that Medicare doesn’t provide benefits for. There are several options providing benefits for your dental, vision, and hearing healthcare.