Medicare Supplement Plans in Maryland

Summary: Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans in Maryland are standardized to provide the same benefits as Medigap plans nationwide. Each plan offers different benefits based on your needs. Estimated Read Time: 7 min

Table of Contents:

1. Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Maryland
2. Who is Eligible for Medicare Supplement Plans in Maryland?
3. How Much Do Medicare Supplement Plans in Maryland Cost?
4. Medicare Supplement Plan Carriers in Maryland
5. Medigap Plans in Maryland for the Disabled Under 65
6. Medicare Supplement Rating Methods In Maryland
7. Medigap Guaranteed Issue Protections in Maryland
8. Does Maryland Allow Medicare Excess Charges?
9. Additional Medicare Coverage Options in Maryland

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans in Maryland extend Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) coverage by providing you with additional coverage. Medicare Supplement insurance caters to you by allowing you the freedom to visit any doctor you wish and allowing you to receive the same coverage nationwide.

Below we review the top Medigap plans in Maryland and how you can utilize the plan benefits to your advantage.

Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Maryland

Like other states, Medigap plans in Maryland are standardized, so the top Medigap plans in Maryland are also the top plans in several other states nationwide. In Maryland, the best Medicare Supplement plans are Medigap Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N due to their comprehensive coverage benefits.

Medicare Supplement Plan F in Maryland

Not all Medicare enrollees in Maryland are eligible for Medicare Supplement Plan F. You may only enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan F if you were enrolled in Original Medicare before 2020.

Medicare Supplement Plan F is one of the best Medicare Supplement plans as it covers 100% of your out-of-pocket costs from Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. However, this plan also comes with the highest monthly premium when compared to the other top Medicare Supplement Plans in Maryland.

Medicare Supplement Plan G in Maryland

If you are not eligible for Medigap Plan F or want a lower premium with similar benefits, Medicare Supplement Plan G may be right for you. When you enroll in Plan G in Maryland, you are responsible for the Medicare Part B annual deductible. Once you meet this, your plan pays 100% of your out-of-pocket costs for the rest of the year, like Medigap Plan F.

Medicare Supplement Plan N in Maryland

Lastly, when you enroll in Medigap Plan N, you are responsible for the Part B deductible, copayments of $20 at the doctor or specialist, copayments of $50 at the ER if you are not admitted, and Medicare excess charges if applicable.

If you reside in Maryland and enroll in any of these three plans, you could see significant savings on your out-of-pocket expenses when compared to Original Medicare. In Maryland, the plan you enroll in should be based on your budget and healthcare needs.

Who is Eligible for Medicare Supplement Plans in Maryland?

Anyone enrolled in Original Medicare is eligible for Medigap Plans in Maryland.

The best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period because you receive Guaranteed Issue Rights. These Guaranteed Issue rights prevent insurance companies from charging you more or denying you coverage based on health conditions.

Your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period lasts for six months and begins on the day your Medicare Part B is active. This enrollment period only happens once in your lifetime. So, if you miss this enrollment period, you may not receive another chance to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan without underwriting health questions.

Once your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period has closed, you can still apply for Medigap coverage. However, you will need to answer underwriting health questions. This means that you can be denied coverage based on your pre-existing health conditions. The only way to avoid this is by qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period.

How Much do Medicare Supplement Plans in Maryland Cost?

Medicare Supplement Plans in Maryland do not cost the same in each ZIP Code. There are several factors that impact your costs including your age, gender, location, and tobacco-use status.

The chart below shows an example of a 65-year-old and 75-year-old male and female on the same plans in the same zip code. Notice how the monthly premium cost differs depending on the demographic.

* If on Medicare before 1/1/20

Medicare Supplement Plan Carriers in Maryland

Several carriers offer Medicare Supplement plans in Maryland. 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 Maryland:

Aetna

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maryland

Cigna

Humana

UnitedHealthCare

Medigap Plans in Maryland for the Disabled Under 65

The Federal Government does not require insurance companies to sell Medigap to beneficiaries under 65.

However, Maryland state law requires insurance carriers to provide at least Medicare Supplement Plan A to beneficiaries under 65 during their Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period. However, the monthly premium of these plans tends to be much higher for those under 65.

Medicare Supplement Rating Methods in Maryland

The rating method used for Medigap policies in Maryland is known as the Attained age rating method. Under this system, the premium amounts for Medigap policies are based on the beneficiary’s current age. Your premium for a Medigap policy is determined at the time of purchase and increases as the beneficiary ages, typically on an annual basis. This means that the older you are when purchasing a Medigap policy, the higher the premium will be.

Additionally, some insurance companies in Maryland use the Issue age rating for Medigap plans. Under this system, premiums are based on how old you are when you apply for coverage. So your premium will be lower if you apply as soon as you’re eligible at age 65 than it would be if you apply later. 

Medigap Guaranteed Issue Protections in Maryland

In Maryland, Medicare beneficiaries are provided with certain guaranteed issue protections when it comes to Medigap. These protections ensure that individuals have access to Medigap plans without being subject to medical underwriting or denial of coverage based on pre-existing conditions. Some common scenarios that trigger guaranteed issue rights include losing employer-sponsored coverage, plan termination or contract violations, and relocation. Starting July 1, 2023, Maryland Medigap enrollees will have the opportunity to change plans without underwriting health questions annually during their Maryland Birthday rule eligibility window.

It’s important to note that while guaranteed issue rights protect individuals from medical underwriting and denial of coverage, they do not prevent insurance companies from applying waiting periods for pre-existing conditions in certain situations. However, these waiting periods are limited to six months.

Does Maryland Allow Medicare Excess Charges?

Medicare excess charges are a fee of up to 15% on top of the Medicare-approved amount for Medicare-covered services. This fee is only charged by certain physicians who do not accept Medicare Assignment.

There are some states in the U.S. that do not allow physicians to charge this fee. However, Maryland is not one of those states. Only a small number of physicians in Maryland charge this additional fee. However, it is important to know whether your doctor accepts Medicare Assignment.

Before receiving services, speak with your doctor and understand if you may encounter excess charges in the future.

Additional Medicare Coverage Options in Maryland

In addition to Medigap, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and stand-alone ancillary plans are also available for those enrolled in Original Medicare in Maryland.

Medicare Part D is a great asset to enroll in once you have Medicare Part A because it covers your prescription medications. You’ll want to enroll when you are first eligible to avoid late penalties.

If you decide a Medicare Supplement plan is not for you, you may want to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans typically have low monthly premiums, high out-of-pocket costs, deductibles, copayments, and network restrictions. The best part of these plans is the additional benefits that may come with the plan.

These additional benefits may include dental, vision, prescription drugs, wellness, and hearing benefits. However, not all plans offer these benefits, and each plan has its own coverage levels, networks, costs, and restrictions.

How to Apply for Medicare Supplements in Maryland

At MedicareFAQ, we take the confusion out of enrolling for Maryland Medicare Supplement Plans. We also help you understand all the different Medicare health insurance options available in your area and find the right plans for you.

We work with all the top carriers to help you get the best plan for your budget and health care needs. To review your policy and plan comparison, complete our online rate form or give us a call at the number above.

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