Guide to Louisiana Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Supplement plans in Louisiana help cover costs that Original Medicare leaves behind. Like the plans in other states, Medicare Supplement plans in Louisiana allow you to see any doctor accepting Original Medicare, regardless of the carrier. Thus, you will face denial of coverage because of the company from which you receive coverage.

Ten standardized Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans and two high-deductible plans are available. Understanding which option is best for you is essential when enrolling in coverage. Below, we review Medicare Supplement plans in Louisiana, their benefits, costs, and more.

What are the Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Louisiana

To enroll in a Medigap plan, you must first enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). When you first become eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan, you will have a Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period.

At this time, you can sign up for the plan of your choice without answering underwriting health questions. These questions and the underwriting process can prevent you from enrolling in the future if you have pre-existing conditions.

The top three Medigap plans in Louisiana are Medicare Supplement Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N. These coverage options offer comprehensive benefits and low out-of-pocket costs, giving you the freedom to receive the care you need.

Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most comprehensive plan, leaving you with no out-of-pocket costs after Original Medicare pays its portion. Medicare Supplement Plan F covers 100% of the remaining expenses.

However, Medicare Supplement Plan F is not available to everyone. You are only eligible to enroll in this plan if you received Original Medicare before January 1, 2020.

The next best Medicare Supplement plan is Medicare Supplement Plan G. Medigap Plan G works like Plan F. However, you are responsible for the Medicare Part B deductible before coverage kicks in. So, rather than having $0 out-of-pocket costs, you will need to pay the small deductible before receiving 100% coverage. Additionally, the monthly premium for Medigap Plan G is lower than the premium for Plan F.

Lastly, Medicare Supplement Plan N involves cost-sharing and deductibles, making it available for a low monthly premium. With this plan, you will cover the Medicare Part B deductible, $20 copays at the doctor, $50 copays at the emergency room if not admitted, and excess charges if applicable.

Although these are the top plans from a coverage standpoint, your budget and healthcare needs determine the best coverage option for you.

What is the Louisiana Birthday Rule?

The Louisiana Medicare Supplement birthday rule is a unique opportunity that allows Louisiana residents with Medigap to switch their Medicare Supplement plan once each year. During this window, there is no need to answer underwriting health questions.

The Louisiana birthday rule window opens 30 days before your birthday and lasts 63 days following your birthday each year. At this time, you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan with equal or less value from the same carrier.

This enrollment period allows those who may face denial due to their health the opportunity to switch plans and save money on premiums each month.

How Much Do Medicare Supplement Plans in Louisiana Cost?

The monthly price of Medicare Supplement plans in Louisiana can vary depending on your ZIP Code, age, gender, disability status, and more. To find your exact premium rate, you will need to speak to an agent who has access to each carrier and can pinpoint your quote based on your demographics.

Below is a sample premium for a male and female in the same Louisiana ZIP Code.

* If on Medicare before 1/1/20

Remember that the chart above is just a sample; your actual costs may vary.

Does Louisiana Allow Medicare Excess Charges?

Medicare Part B excess charges are an up to 15% additional fee on top of the Medicare-assigned cost for a service. Thus, if your physician does not accept Medicare assignment, they may charge you up to 15% more, and you are responsible for covering this cost in full.

Some Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap Plan F, Plan G, and their high-deductible versions) cover excess charges, so you do not need to worry about them with one of those policies. However, with a Medicare Supplement Plan N policy, you will need to be aware of these charges as Plan N does not cover them.

Not all states allow physicians to bill for excess charges. However, Louisiana does not have any laws in place to ban excess charges. Thus, if your physician does not accept Medicare assignment, you could be responsible for these expenses unless your Medicare Supplement plan covers them.

Medicare Supplement Plans in Louisiana for the Disabled Under 65

Federal law does not require Medicare Supplement carriers to provide plans to those on Medicare under 65 due to disability. However, carriers offering Medicare Supplement plans in Louisiana must provide at least one Medigap option to those under 65.

Often, it is difficult to find one of the best Medicare Supplement plans available to those under 65. Carriers usually only offer Medigap Plan A to those under 65. However, the monthly premium can be double or triple what someone 65 or above would pay.

Because of the staggering premium differences, you often find those under 65 opting for a Medicare Advantage plan. This way, they receive coverage at a normal rate until they turn 65. Then, many switch to a Medicare Supplement plan, taking advantage of the lower rates from aging in.

Additional Medicare Coverage in Louisiana

In addition to Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Part D, and ancillary plans like dental, vision, and hearing are available to purchase in Louisiana.

If you find a Medicare Supplement plan is not for you, Medicare Advantage may be the right option. Medicare Advantage plans often do not have the same freedom in terms of the network as with Medigap. However, the monthly premium cost with a Medicare Advantage plan tends to be much lower than on Medigap.

If you choose to stay with Original Medicare, it is wise to sign up for a Medicare Part D plan to help cover prescription drug benefits. On Original Medicare – with or without a Medicare Supplement plan – Medicare Part D is essential to your healthcare coverage. You should enroll in Medicare Part D as soon as you are eligible to avoid the late enrollment penalty.

When you have a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage, you cannot enroll in Medicare Part D – nor will you need to. Additionally, you cannot have Medigap and Medicare Advantage simultaneously. Both are available through private insurance companies, but the former serves as secondary insurance, and the latter stands in for your Original Medicare coverage. Medicare pays Medicare Advantage carriers to take on your risk.