Medicare Supplement Plans in Kansas

Summary: Medicare Supplement plans in Kansas will help you cover the healthcare expenses left over when using Original Medicare benefits. Each lettered plan is standardized, with benefits remaining the same among private carriers, but you’ll need to compare your options for the lowest rates in your area. Estimated Read Time: 15 mins

Table of Contents:

• Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Kansas
• Who is Eligible for Medicare Supplement in Kansas?
• How Much Do Medicare Supplement Plans in Kansas Cost?
• Companies Offering Medigap Plans in Kansas
• Kansas Medigap Plans for Disabled Persons
• Medicare Supplement Rating Method in Kansas
• Medigap Guaranteed Issue Protections in Kansas
• When to Enroll in Medicare Supplement in Kansas
• Additional Medicare Coverage in Kansas

Medicare Supplement plans in Kansas help pay for some of the costs not covered when using your Original Medicare benefits (Medicare Part A and Part B). Known to “fill in the gap”, Medicare Supplement plans Kansas help cover expenses such as copayments, coinsurance, skilled nursing facility costs, excess charges, and more.

Also known as Medigap plans, Kansas enrollees understand the value in these plans, making the state consistently rank as one of the highest in Medicare Supplement enrollment by percentage.

Each of the 12 lettered Medigap plans is standardized, meaning each plan’s benefits are the same. For instance, if you have Medicare Supplement Plan F Kansas with one carrier, the benefits will be the exact same as with another carrier. But premiums can vary, and the benefits you find in Medicare Supplement Plan F Kansas will differ from another lettered plan, such as Medicare Supplement Plan N Kansas.

Therefore, it’s essential to understand what to look for in your coverage and how to find the lowest price available. Below, we’re breaking down the cost, availability, how to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan in Kansas, and much more.

Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Kansas

When it comes to your healthcare, it is necessary to find the best benefits for your needs. There are several Medicare Supplement plans in Kansas, so how do you know which is the best? Simply put, the best Medicare Supplement plans in Kansas will vary from person to person. Here’s why:

• Your healthcare needs are not the same as your neighbor, friend, family member, or, well, anyone else. It’s important to find the right coverage for your needs.
• Everyone also has a different budget. Therefore, it’s important to find healthcare benefits that meet your own financial needs as well.
  Because of these variables, the best Medigap plans in Kansas are a bit subjective and will vary from person to person. Instead, it’s always a good idea to pursue Medicare Supplement plans Kansas carriers are offering that meet your needs in a way that works for you.

The Sunflower State has many different options available, but the three most common are as follows:

• Medicare Supplement Plan F Kansas
• Medicare Supplement Plan G Kansas
• Medicare Supplement Plan N Kansas

These three Kansas Medigap plans continue to be the most common enrollment choices because they each offer an attractive level of benefits in regard to budget and availability. Therefore, you’re likely to find a viable option for your needs among the three. Below, we’re breaking down the benefits that each plan provides.

Medicare Supplement Plan F Kansas

If you are looking for a plan to cover all your out-of-pocket cost-sharing, Medigap Plan F in Kansas might be the best option for you – if you qualify. To enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan F Kansas, you must be eligible for Original Medicare prior to January 1, 2020. If not, you will have to enroll in another plan. If you do qualify for coverage, you are covered for the following:

• Copayments, coinsurances, and deductibles for Medicare Part A and Part B
• Medicare Part B excess charges
• Skilled nursing facility expenses
• Foreign travel emergency expenses (a lifetime limit applies)

With these benefits, you will not pay any out-of-pocket costs for medical services covered by Original Medicare. The only cost you are responsible for when you enroll in Medigap Plan F in Kansas is your monthly premiums.

Medicare Supplement Plan G Kansas

If you are looking for a plan with a great deal of benefits, Medicare Supplement Plan G Kansas might be right for you. Medigap Plan G in Kansas is a popular alternative to Plan F for newer enrollees who don’t qualify or those looking for a lower monthly premium. With Plan G, you’ll receive the same level of benefits, with the exception of Medicare Part B deductible coverage. However, once you meet the deductible, you receive 100% coverage for Medicare-covered services for the remainder of the calendar year.

This plan is an excellent option for someone who wishes to have extensive coverage at a monthly cost that won’t break the bank. With a mid-range premium compared to other Medigap plans, Medicare Supplement Plan G earns its title as one of the most popular plans not only in Kansas but nationwide.

Medicare Supplement Plan N Kansas

Rounding out our list of best Medicare Supplement plans in Kansas is Medicare Supplement Plan N. This plan is an exceptional option for those looking to spend less on monthly premiums but are okay with paying a copayment each time they visit the doctor. On this plan, you are responsible for the Medicare Part B deductible, $20-$50 copayments at the doctor’s office and emergency room, and Medicare Part B excess charges, if applicable.

In Kansas, physicians may bill for excess charges if they do not accept Medicare assignment. Thus, you’ll need to speak with your doctor to avoid these costs.

Compared to the other popular options, Medicare Supplement Plan N Kansas offers the lowest level of coverage. However, it does provide a low monthly premium and the option to skip copayments at Urgent Care or if you are admitted to the hospital through an emergency room visit. This plan is a great option if you are not a frequent flyer at the doctor’s office and are looking for great coverage in the case of an emergency.

Who is Eligible for Medicare Supplement in Kansas?

In most cases, you are eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan in Kansas if you are a resident, enrolled in Original Medicare, and are at least 65 years of age. You can enroll in a plan during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period without going through medical underwriting questions. This enrollment period lasts six months and starts as soon as you are enrolled in Medicare Part B.

For some, eligibility for Medigap plans in Kansas can come earlier. Specifically, if you are under the age of 65 but have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for a minimum of two years, suffer from end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Keep in mind that if you are under 65 years of age and qualify for Medicare Supplement plans in Kansas, your premium will likely be far higher than those that are eligible as seniors. It’s also worth noting that if you do enroll after your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period and face medical underwriting, you may see higher premiums or be denied coverage because of your health.

How Much Do Medicare Supplement Plans in Kansas Cost?

Understanding what you will pay for Medicare Supplement plans in Kansas is just as important as finding a plan with the right benefits for your situation. The cost for Medicare Supplement plans in Kansas will vary based on several factors. These include your age, gender, ZIP Code, tobacco-use status, and more.

The chart below displays sample monthly premiums for a 65 and 75-year-old male and female in the same Kansas ZIP Code. As you can see, the premium is different for each person based on their personal factors.

*If on Medicare before 01/01/2020

Remember, these examples are just that. Your actual cost may vary from the examples above depending on your carrier and other circumstances.

Companies Offering Medigap Plans in Kansas

Several prominent carriers offer Medicare Supplement plans in Kansas. Thus, finding the right carrier for you should be a breeze. However, calling each carrier to check plan availability and premium cost can become a hassle. For an easy side-by-side comparison of Medicare Supplement carriers and costs in your Kansas ZIP Code, complete our online rate form today.

Carriers in Kansas include:

Keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list of Kansas Medigap carriers. Additional Medicare Supplement carriers in Kansas are available. Working with a licensed Medicare agent can help Kansans discover more of their options and the right coverage available.

Kansas Medigap Plans for Disabled Persons

If you’re disabled and qualify for Medicare Part B, you’ll receive a six-month open enrollment period in which you can purchase any Medicare Supplement plans in Kansas being offered by carriers. Furthermore, unlike many states, Medigap plans in Kansas for disabled persons are sold with the same premiums as those who are turning 65 years old and enrolling in Medicare.

To be eligible for Original Medicare when you’re disabled, you’ll need to have had SSDI benefits for at least two years. It’s worth noting that you’ll also receive another open enrollment period when you turn 65 years of age. While you’ll receive guaranteed issue rights and the same premium rates, pre-existing condition limits will still apply.

Depending on your needs, in terms of both your healthcare and your budget, a Medicare Advantage plan is an alternative option that may be the right fit for your healthcare until turning 65. At that point, you can enjoy your second open enrollment period, reassess your coverage needs, and enroll in one of the twelve Kansas Medicare Supplement plans. You cannot have both a Medicare Supplement plan in Kansas and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time.

Medicare Supplement Rating Method in Kansas

Companies can use two different methods to price Medigap plans in Kansas. The first is the attained-age rating method, which means that the age you are when you purchase your policy will directly impact the cost of your monthly premium for the life of your policy. Thus, the younger you buy, the lower your cost will be.

Alternatively, Medicare Supplement plans in Kansas may also use an issue age rating method. Carriers using this method won’t raise your premium as you age based on your age, but other factors may cause it to rise. This usually means paying more initially but saving money long-term.

The carrier you enroll with will determine the rating method used to price your plan. Thus, it is important to be aware of how carriers price the plan you wish to enroll in.

Medigap Guaranteed Issue Protections in Kansas

Outside of your Medicare Open Enrollment Period, enrolling in Medicare Supplement plans for Kansas beneficiaries means having to face medical underwriting questions. During this, you could be denied coverage altogether or face elevated premiums due to your medical history.

However, with guaranteed issue protections, or guaranteed issue rights, you’ll be protected and avoid such questions in the first place. Your guaranteed issue protections provide you with certain life events in which you can receive Medigap plans in Kansas without having to go through medical underwriting.

Beneficiaries in the Sunflower State have eight different scenarios that will afford them guaranteed issue rights. Below, we’ll review each of them. Please note that because of eligibility restrictions, you may not be able to enroll in Kansas Medicare Supplement Plans C and F. If this is the case, your guaranteed issue protections will apply to Kansas Medicare Supplement Plans D and G, respectively:

Scenario 1:

When you’re enrolled in Original Medicare benefits along with employer group coverage (this includes COBRA or retiree benefits) or coverage from your union and either you or your employer group is getting rid of your coverage, you’ll receive a guaranteed issue protection. In this event, if you have COBRA, you can either wait for it to end or purchase new coverage immediately. Your guaranteed issue right allows you to purchase Kansas Medicare Supplement Plans A, B, C*, D, F*, G, K, or L.

Scenario 2:

If you have Medicare Advantage (Part C) coverage and either your plan will leave your area or Medicare, you will have a guaranteed issue right. You’ll also receive this right if you move out of your Medicare Advantage plan’s area of service. Please note that you can only take advantage of this protection if you switch to Original Medicare and may retain additional rights for up to a year when immediately enrolling in another Part C coverage. Otherwise, you can enroll in Kansas Medicare Supplement Plans A, B, C*, D, F*, G, K, or L.

Scenario 3:

Beneficiaries that have Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, as well as a Medicare SELECT policy, may be able to switch to a Medicare supplement Kansas policy due to guaranteed issue rights when moving. If this is you, you’ll be able to keep your supplemental coverage, but if hospitals where you move aren’t covered by your network, you can enroll in Kansas Medicare Supplement Plans A, B, C*, D, F*, G, K, or L. However, this applies to Medigap plans in any state you are moving to.

Scenario 4:

If you are enrolled in coverage from either a Medicare Advantage plan or the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) at age 65 when you first are eligible for Medicare Part A and wish to switch to Original Medicare benefits, you’ll have a guaranteed issue right. This applies to any of the Medicare Supplement plans Kansas carriers can offer.

Scenario 5:

If you drop a Medigap plan in Kansas to enroll in Medicare Advantage or Medicare SELECT coverage, it’s your first time, and you want to switch back within a year, you can. Your guaranteed issue protection allows you to go back to your previous Kansas Medigap plan. If that isn’t possible, you can enroll in Kansas Medicare Supplement Plans A, B, C*, D, F*, G, K, or L.

Scenario 6:

If you lose coverage from Medicare Supplement plans in Kansas, but it’s not your fault, you’ll receive a guaranteed issue right. For example, if your coverage goes away because your carrier declares bankruptcy, you can enroll in Kansas Medigap Plans A, B, C*, D, F*, G, K, or L.

Scenario 7:

In the event a carrier either misled you during enrollment or doesn’t follow the rules in place to protect consumers, you can enroll in Kansas Medicare Supplement Plans A, B, C*, D, F*, G, K, or L.

Scenario 8:

If Title XIX of the Social Security Act (Medicaid) causes you to lose your benefits, you’re allowed to enroll in any of the Medicare Supplement plans Kansas carriers have to offer.

When to Enroll in Medicare Supplement in Kansas

Enrolling in the Medigap plans Kansas has available as soon as possible is always advisable. This means as soon as you are eligible for Original Medicare benefits. By enrolling as soon as possible, you’ll receive your benefits sooner, allowing you to cover healthcare costs sooner as well.

Furthermore, the sooner you enroll, the lower your premiums will be. This can be due to multiple factors, including the types of Medicare Supplement rating methods used for your healthcare plan and the avoidance of medical underwriting. Remember, going through medical underwriting can result in higher premiums because of health issues or the denial of coverage altogether.

Additional Medicare Coverage in Kansas

Medicare Supplement plans in Kansas are just one option for coverage available to seniors. While these plans help cover your medical expenses, alternative choices are available to help you with prescription drug coverage, dental, hearing, and vision coverage as well.

Medicare Part D is available to those on Original Medicare – with or without a Medicare Supplement plan in Kansas. As Original Medicare does not pay for prescription drugs, Kansas Medigap plans do not either. Thus, Medicare Part D helps you cover the cost of prescription drugs.

Ancillary dental, vision, and hearing plans are also available for those who wish to have these additional benefits for more well-rounded coverage. If you wish to see the dentist, optometrist, or audiologist, you’ll need to enroll in separate benefits to receive coverage, as they are typically not covered by Medicare.

Additionally, Medicare Advantage plans are available for Kansas beneficiaries who do not wish to enroll in Medicare Supplement plans. Medicare Advantage plans become your primary source of coverage with benefits and costs set by the carrier.

When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you cannot have a Kansas Medicare Supplement plan at the same time, and vice versa. Further, while Medicare Advantage plans boast lower premiums, you must still pay your monthly Medicare Part B premium. Thus, it is crucial to gather as much information about costs as possible. Medicare Advantage plans often have restrictive networks compared to the wide selection of practitioners accepting Medicare. So, you could pay even more out-of-pocket if you must receive care out of your plan’s network.