Medicare Supplement Plans in Georgia

Summary: Medicare Supplement plans in Georgia offer exceptional coverage for those with Original Medicare benefits. Based on the plan you choose; you can receive little to no out-of-pocket costs when receiving care from an approved physician. Estimated Read Time: 12 min

Medicare Supplement plans in Georgia help cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves behind. Medicare Supplement plans (also known as Medigap plans) across the country are standardized, meaning that they must provide the same benefits and be accepted by the same physicians regardless of the carrier you enroll with.

Below we break down how Medicare Supplement plans in Georgia work and how you could benefit from enrolling in a plan.

What do Medicare Supplement Plans in Georgia Cover?

Medicare Supplement plans in Georgia cover the out-of-pocket costs left behind by Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. This means Medicare Supplement plans help reduce the costs you will pay when it comes to healthcare services.

There are 12 different Medicare Supplement plans available for you to enroll in, broken down as ten standardized plans and two high deductible plans. Each Medicare Supplement plan is identified by a different letter and offers different benefits.

When you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan, each lettered plan provides different benefits to you. Several Medicare Supplement plans cover foreign travel, which is not typically covered by Original Medicare. This additional benefit is an important factor for many enrollees when deciding on a plan.

Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Georgia for 2023

The best Medicare Supplement plans in Georgia are Medicare Supplement Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N. Choosing the best Medicare Supplement plan for everyone can be difficult due to the different needs Medicare beneficiaries may have. By choosing our top three plans, we have an option for those who need full coverage, those who want mid-range coverage, and those who are ok with a few more out-of-pocket costs.

As our choice for best Medicare Supplement plans in Georgia, Medicare Supplement Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N will allow you to visit any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Original Medicare. With these plans, you do not require referrals to receive specialist care and have predictable out-of-pocket costs, making any of these Medicare Supplement plans a great fit if you are on a budget.

Medicare Supplement Plan F Georgia

Among these three best Medicare Supplement plans mentioned for Georgia, Medicare Supplement Plan F offers the highest level of coverage among the plans. However, it is not available to all Georgians enrolled in Medicare. To be eligible for Medicare Supplement Plan F, you must have been eligible for Medicare prior to January 1, 2020. If this is the case, you can still enroll in the plan. If you become eligible for Original Medicare after this date, you will not be eligible for Medicare Supplement Plan F.

However, Medicare Supplement Plan F in Georgia provides the highest level of coverage for those eligible. This plan covers 100% of the costs left behind by Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. This includes all deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. The only cost you are responsible for with Medicare Supplement Plan F is the monthly premium.

Medicare Supplement Plan G Georgia

If you are not eligible for Medicare Supplement Plan F or would like to enroll in a plan with a lower monthly premium in the Peach State, Medicare Supplement Plan G is the best option for you. Plan G covers all the costs that Plan F covers except for the Medicare Part B deductible. Once you meet the annual Part B deductible, your Georgia Medicare Supplement Plan G will cover all the remaining costs Original Medicare leaves behind for the rest of the calendar year.

This is a great option for Georgians who may go to the doctor or hospital on a regular basis or those who wish to have care in any situation that may arise.

Medicare Supplement Plan N Georgia

Lastly, Medicare Supplement Plan N is the most affordable of the three best Medicare Supplement plans in Georgia. Plan N covers the Medicare Part A deductible and coinsurance in full and the Medicare Part B coinsurance, leaving you responsible for the Medicare Part B deductible, $20 copayments at the doctor, $50 copayments at the ER, and excess charges when applicable.

Excess charges are rare, but in Georgia, you may encounter a physician that does not accept Medicare Assignment. This means you could be subject to paying excess charges. This would be an up to 15% fee on top of the Medicare-approved amount for a service that you are responsible for covering when receiving care. However, most doctors who accept Medicare in Georgia also accept Medicare Assignment.

By enrolling in any of these three plans, you are setting yourself up for a successful future with low out-of-pocket costs and comprehensive coverage.

Who is Eligible for a Medicare Supplement Plan in Georgia?

In Georgia, eligibility for Medicare Supplement plans follows the same guidelines as in the rest of the United States. To be eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan in Georgia, you must meet the least one of the following:

• You must be at least 65 years old or older. Some exceptions may apply to individuals under 65 with certain disabilities or specific medical conditions.
• You must already be enrolled in both Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance). These are the original components of Medicare provided by the federal government.

It’s important to note that Medicare Supplement plans are designed to work alongside original Medicare coverage. They help cover certain out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, that are not fully covered by Medicare alone.

When enrolling in Medigap coverage, it’s important to review the available plans in your area, compare their coverage and costs, and consider your individual healthcare needs before making a decision. You can contact Medicare or reach out to private insurance companies that offer Medicare Supplement plans in Georgia to get more information about eligibility and enrollment.

How Much Do Medicare Supplement Plans in Georgia Cost?

The cost of Medicare Supplement Plans in Georgia varies depending on your location, age, the company and plan you select, and other factors.

For the most part, the state of Georgia requires issue-age ratings for policies, although insurance companies have the option to choose community ratings. An Issue-age rating means that your premium cost does not go up based on your age, and a community rating means that your gender does not play a role in determining your premium. For example, if you enroll at 65, you will pay what a 65-year-old is paying as long as you have the plan.

Below is an example of the premium costs between a 65-year-old and a 75-year-old of the same gender in the same zip code. You will see that applying earlier will save you premium costs in the long run.

* If on Medicare before 65

Keep in mind your Medicare Supplement plan premium costs in Georgia can change based on several factors. So, just because this is your ZIP Code does not mean this is the price you will pay.

Medicare Supplement Carriers in Georgia

Several carriers offer Medicare Supplement plans in Georgia. Though the availability of specific carriers may vary depending on your location within the state, here are some well-known insurance companies that commonly provide Medicare Supplement plans in Georgia:

• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
• Cigna
• Gerber Life Insurance Company
• Humana
• Mutual of Omaha
• UnitedHealthcare

While these are just a few examples, there are other insurance companies that offer Medicare Supplement plans across the state of Georgia. It’s vital to compare the costs, coverage, and reputation of different carriers when selecting a plan. Additionally, keep in mind that the availability of specific plans and carriers may change over time, so staying up-to-date with the latest Medigap carrier information in Georgia is essential.

Are there Medicare Supplement Plans for those Under 65 in Georgia?

If you are under 65, you can buy Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance in Georgia. However, there is no guarantee that every Medicare Supplement plan will be available from every carrier. So, your options may be slim. Additionally, the price is typically much higher for those under 65 because claims are generally higher for a person on disability.

Until you turn 65, Medicare Advantage could be the answer to more affordable healthcare. In some areas, Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans are available for those with chronic conditions such as heart issues or diabetes.

Georgia Medicare Supplement Rating Method

In Georgia, as in most states, Medicare Supplement plans use attained age rating and issue age rating methods to determine monthly premiums. Attained Age Rating means the premium for your Medicare Supplement plan is based on your current age. The premium starts lower when you initially enroll in the plan and typically increases as you get older. Premiums may also increase due to factors such as changes in the insurance company’s rates or adjustments based on claims experience.

Issue Age Rating, on the other hand, sets the premium based on your age at the time you enroll in the plan. If you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan at a younger age, you may pay a lower premium that is locked in and remains relatively stable as you age. However, the premium can still increase over time due to factors like inflation and changes in the insurance company’s rates.

It’s important to note that not all insurance companies offer both attained age ratings and issue age ratings in Georgia. Some may only use one rating method, while others may offer a choice between the two. When comparing Medicare Supplement plans, consider the rating method used by each carrier, as it can impact your premiums both initially and over time.

Georgia Medigap Guaranteed Issue Rights

Georgia allows for specific circumstances that may grant you guaranteed issue rights for a Medigap plan. Guaranteed issue rights make it so insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you a higher premium due to pre-existing conditions outside of your Open Enrollment Period. Here are some situations that provide guaranteed issue rights in Georgia:

• Medigap Open Enrollment Period: This is a six-month period that begins when you first enroll in Medicare Part B and are 65 years old or older. During this period, you have guaranteed issue rights, and insurance companies must accept your application for any Medigap plan they offer, regardless of your health status. They cannot charge you higher premiums based on your health condition.
• Guaranteed Issue Rights due to Loss of Coverage: If you have existing Medigap coverage and it is involuntarily terminated through no fault of your own (e.g., the insurance company goes bankrupt), you have guaranteed issue rights to enroll in another Medigap plan. You must apply for the new plan within 63 days of the termination of your previous coverage.
• Guaranteed Issue Rights due to Certain Policy Changes: If you have a Medigap plan that undergoes specific changes that affect your coverage, such as the plan being discontinued or the insurance company substantially violating its contract, you may have guaranteed issue rights to switch to another Medigap plan. You must apply within 63 days of receiving notice of the policy change.
• Guaranteed Issue Rights for Medicare Advantage Disenrollment: If you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan when you first turned 65, you had a one-time right to switch to a Medigap plan within the first 12 months. This guaranteed issue right allows you to obtain Medigap coverage regardless of your health status. You must apply for the Medigap plan within 63 days of disenrolling from the Medicare Advantage plan.

It’s important to note that guaranteed issue rights apply to specific situations and timeframes. Outside of these circumstances, you may be subject to medical underwriting.

When to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan in Georgia?

The best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan is during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period. At this time, you have 6-months to use guaranteed issue rights when enrolling.

This means that you can enroll in any Medicare Supplement plan you wish without having to answer medical underwriting questions. Keep in mind certain situations may give you guaranteed issue rights to enroll in any Medicare Supplement plan you wish. These special circumstances allow you to bypass medical underwriting. Some special circumstances include:

• You are within your trial right period.
• You lose group or employer coverage.
• Your plan coverage ends at no fault to your own.

After the Medicare Supplement open enrollment period has concluded, you are still able to apply for a Medicare Supplement plan at any time. But you may be required to go through medical underwriting. This could result in a denial of your policy due to pre-existing conditions.

Are Medicare Excess Charges Allowed in Georgia?

Medicare excess charges are a fee of up to 15% on top of the Medicare-approved amount for a service. Just because your physician accepts Medicare does not mean they accept Medicare assignment. By accepting Medicare assignment, your physician agrees to the pay-out cost for services approved by Medicare. So, if your doctor does not accept this, you could be at risk of owing an excess charge.

Not all states allow Medicare excess charges. However, the state of Georgia does allow physicians to charge these costs if they do not accept Medicare assignment. Keep in mind the charges are rare, even in states that allow them.

To avoid paying Medicare excess charges, be sure to communicate with your doctor before receiving services about whether they accept Medicare Assignment or not.

Local Resources for Medicare Supplement Plans in Georgia

If you find yourself confused about the different Medicare Supplement options available to you in Georgia, there are several resources available to provide you with the help you need.

• MedicareFAQ provides a licensed Medicare agent to advise you in finding the right plan and walking you through the enrollment process.
• Georgia Area Agencies on Aging provides comprehensive benefits to seniors to maintain their health and independence.
• GeorgiaCares SHIP provides Medicare education as well as certified counselors.

Additional Medicare Coverage Options in Georgia

While Medicare Supplement plans in Georgia may bring you the most comprehensive coverage, they are not the only plans available to enroll in. Additional coverage options are available to cover ancillary benefits that are not typically covered by Original Medicare. These benefits can include dental, hearing, vision, and prescription drugs.

You can enroll in a Medicare Part D plan with or without a Medicare Supplement plan. However, the two plans work seamlessly with one another. Medicare Part D plans help cover the cost of your prescribed medications.

Once you are enrolled in Medicare Part A, you become eligible for Medicare Part D. Enrolling as soon as you are eligible is vital. If you delay enrollment, you could be subject to paying a Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty.

Medicare Advantage plans are also available for those who do not wish to enroll in Medicare Supplement plans. While Medicare Advantage plans may not provide as comprehensive benefits as Medicare Supplement plans, they do provide additional benefits such as dental, vision, gym memberships, and more.

How to Apply for a Medicare Supplement Plan in Georgia

Finding the right Medicare Supplement plan in Georgia is not a difficult task if you have the right team in your corner. At MedicareFAQ, our team of fully licensed agents has the knowledge necessary to help you find the right plan for your needs.

To receive a side-by-side plan comparison of all the top plans and carriers in your area, give us a call at the number above. If you can’t call now, you can complete online rate form to begin your free Medicare Supplement plan comparison today.

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