Medicare Supplement Plans in Mississippi

Summary: Medicare Supplement plans in Mississippi help cover out-of-pocket expenses left behind after Original Medicare has paid its portion of your healthcare costs. There are several Medicare Supplement plans and carriers available for Medicare enrollees in Mississippi. Thus, it is essential to compare Medicare plans to find the right health coverage for you. Estimated Read Time: 15 mins

Table of Contents:

1. Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Mississippi for 2023
2. Who is Eligible for Medicare Supplement in Mississippi?
3. How Much Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cost in Mississippi?
4. Companies Offering Medicare Supplement Plans in Mississippi
5. Medicare Supplemental Plans for Disabled in Mississippi
6. Medigap Rating Method in Mississippi
7. Medigap Guaranteed Issue Protections in Mississippi
8. When to Enroll in Medicare Supplement in Mississippi
9. Additional Medicare Coverage in Mississippi
10. How to Apply for a Medicare Supplement Plan in Mississippi

Medicare Supplement plans in Mississippi pay secondary to Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare). When using Original Medicare benefits, you may be left with out-of-pocket costs, including copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance. To help reduce these expenses, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cover a portion of the costs, leaving you with little to no out-of-pocket responsibility depending on the Medigap plan you choose.

There is a total of 12 standardized Medicare Supplement plans available in most states nationwide. Standardized coverage means that benefits among Medigap plans do not vary from one carrier to the next. Thus, you should determine which Medigap plan is best for you before deciding on a carrier to enroll though.

Below, we dive into how Medigap plans in Mississippi work. We’ll review benefits, examine costs, and help you decide which coverage may be right for you.

Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Mississippi

Like most states, the top three Medicare Supplement plans in Mississippi are Medicare Supplement Plan F in Mississippi, Medicare Supplement Plan G in Mississippi, and Medicare Supplement Plan N in Mississippi due to their comprehensive and high-quality benefits.

To find the right plan for your needs, it’s best to review each option thoroughly before you enroll. Let’s break down each of the top three Medigap plans offered in Mississippi to gain a better understanding of the benefits you can enjoy.

Medicare Supplement Plan F in Mississippi

Medicare Supplement Plan F in Mississippi provides 100% coverage for any remaining costs after Original Medicare has paid its portion. These costs include:

• Medicare Part A deductible
• Medicare Part A coinsurance and copays
• Medicare Part B deductible
• Medicare Part B coinsurance and copays

Additional benefits of Medicare Supplement Plan F in Mississippi include:

• Foreign travel emergency care
• Medicare Part B excess charges
• First three pints of blood

Without Medicare Supplement Plan F, those who have Original Medicare must pay 20% of their bill out-of-pocket for Medicare Part B services, plus any applicable copayments or coinsurance for Original Medicare services. At first, 20% may not sound like much, but costs can add up. Plus, Original Medicare has no out-of-pocket maximum. Thus, there is no limit to how much you can spend out-of-pocket for covered services.

By enrolling in Medicare Supplement Plan F in Mississippi, you can enjoy comprehensive protection from these out-of-pocket costs.

Unfortunately, Medicare Supplement Plan F is not available for all Mississippians. While Medigap Plan F hasn’t been discontinued entirely, the availability of the plan has been limited. Only those eligible for Medicare coverage before January 1, 2020, can enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan F.

Medicare Supplement Plan G in Mississippi

Medicare Supplement Plan G in Mississippi is a great alternative for those that are not eligible for Plan F. Offering the second-most comprehensive coverage, Medigap Plan G in Mississippi provides the same benefits as Plan F covers with one exception: you will need to pay the Medicare Part B deductible before receiving 100% coverage.

However, even considering the deductible, Medigap Plan G in MS is often still a preferable choice for many because the savings each year from Plan F premiums often exceed the Medicare Part B deductible for the given year.

Medicare Supplement Plan G in Mississippi helps protect seniors when receiving care for a chronic condition, during emergency healthcare services, and for preventive care. This includes covering up to 80% of foreign travel emergency care costs, making Plan G a great option for those who require frequent medical care.

Medicare Supplement Plan N in Mississippi

Those looking to cut costs will enjoy Medicare Supplement Plan N in Mississippi. While this plan has the lowest premium of the top three, it also comes with less coverage when compared to Medigap Plan F and Plan G.

Enrollees of Medigap Plan N in Mississippi must be prepared to pay for copays at the doctor or hospital and excess charges when applicable. Medicare Part B excess charges occur when you receive care from a practitioner who doesn’t accept Medicare assignment.

Not all states allow excess charges, but Mississippi does. However, if you are receiving care in a state that does not allow excess charges, you will not need to pay them – regardless of the fact that you live in Mississippi.

But note that excess charges are rare because most doctors accept Medicare assignment. So, when it comes to Medicare supplements in Mississippi that won’t break the bank, Medigap Plan N is an excellent route.

Each person’s health and budget needs will determine what the best Medigap plan in Mississippi is for them. Medicare Supplement Plan N in Mississippi can be more attractive if you have fewer medical needs, while Plan G – or Plan F, for those who qualify, can provide more coverage for those with greater healthcare needs.

Who is Eligible for Medicare Supplement in Mississippi?

If you are eligible for Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B), you are eligible for Medicare Supplement plans in Mississippi. Under most circumstances, this will occur once you turn 65 years of age.

However, if you are under the age of 65 and disabled, you too may be eligible for Medigap plans in Mississippi after receiving two years’ worth of Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).

How Much Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cost in Mississippi?

When shopping for Medigap plans in Mississippi, one of the first things you’ll find is monthly premium cost differences. A woman in Jackson, MS, may pay more for her Medigap coverage each month than a woman in Biloxi, MS. But why is this?

Medicare Supplement plans in Mississippi will offer the same coverage; generally, however, depending on where in the state you live, the costs can fluctuate drastically. Your age and gender are other major factors in how much you’ll pay, as well as whether you use tobacco products or not. Lastly, your plan letter reflects the level of benefits you receive, so you will pay more each month for a higher level of coverage.

Our Medigap cost comparison chart helps seniors in Mississippi view some examples of how costs may vary. Remember, this chart accounts for the monthly premium costs of a 65-year-old male and female compared to a 75-year-old male and female in the same Mississippi ZIP Code. These are only sample rates – you must speak to a licensed Medicare agent to get an accurate quote for you.

* If on Medicare before 01/01/2020

In some cases, the older you are when signing up for Medicare Supplement plans in Mississippi, the more you can expect to pay. This is why seniors are encouraged to enroll during their Medigap Open Enrollment Period.

It is crucial to be aware that beyond your monthly premium, you’ll still be responsible for some costs while on Medigap plans in Mississippi. These costs include your Medicare Part B monthly premium and various out-of-pocket expenses, depending on the requirements of your plan.

Companies Offering Medicare Supplement Plans in Mississippi

Seniors in Mississippi have plenty of major carrier options in their area. Remember, it’s important to compare companies before enrolling in Medicare Supplement plans in Mississippi to determine which carrier offers the lowest price for your benefits.

However, there is more than just price to consider. You’ll want to also look at the customer service and financial strength of each company to ensure that wherever you enroll, you’re backed by a company you can trust.

Below are some of the top-rated providers offering Medicare Supplement plans in Mississippi. Thanks to customer service agencies such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and independent credit agencies, such as S&P and A.M. Best, can provide you with a better idea of how your carrier operates:

Here at MedicareFAQ, we work with a variety of top-rated Medigap companies serving Mississippi. Combined with our customer care team and licensed Medicare agents, when you enroll, you’ll have access to excellent customer service and quality benefits for your healthcare needs.

Medicare Supplemental Plans for Disabled in Mississippi

If you are under the age of 65, Medicare Supplemental plans for the disabled in Mississippi may be available. This coverage may be available to those who are disabled and have received two years of SSDI payments or have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), but as there is no federal mandate, private insurance companies aren’t required to offer such coverage.

It’s up to the discretion of each carrier whether they offer Medicare supplement for disabled Mississippi residents, and if they do, it can be quite expensive to enroll in coverage. You may also have to pass medical underwriting questions in order to receive coverage, and not every lettered Medigap plan in Mississippi may be available.

For some disabled persons, Medicare Advantage plans offer the right level of coverage until they turn 65 years old and receive your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. During this time, you can enroll in Medicare Supplement plans in Mississippi without being denied coverage for your disability or other health issues. You also won’t receive elevated premiums because of your medical needs.

Medigap Rating Methods in Mississippi

Several factors go into determining how much you’ll pay for premiums when enrolling in Medicare Supplement plans in Mississippi. This includes the Medigap rating method used by your carrier for your benefits. There are three different Medigap rating methods in the Magnolia State:

• The first is a community rating. This allows insurance carriers to charge everyone the same premium no matter what their age or health condition. Other factors can come into play, and premiums can still rise, but when they do, they do so for everyone within the same plan.
• There are also issue-age ratings, which will see carriers basing your premium on the age you are at the time of your enrollment, along with other factors such as your location.
• Finally, Medicare Supplement plans in Mississippi using an attained-age rating will have premiums that will base their premiums on your age when enrolling but increase as you age. Again, additional factors will influence your premiums.

Because different carriers may apply different Medicare Supplement rating methods, discrepancies in pricing can occur. Always compare your coverage options to determine which benefits are the lowest for your healthcare needs.

Medigap Guaranteed Issue Protections in Mississippi

When signing up for Medicare Supplement plans in MS, if you are outside of your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, you’ll have to face underwriting questions before enrolling in coverage. However, there are Medigap guaranteed issue protections, also known as Medigap guaranteed issue rights, that allow you to avoid this if you need to enroll in supplemental coverage under the right circumstances.

In Mississippi, there are seven different qualifying scenarios. Overall, these involve life events that qualify you for the opportunity to enroll in supplemental Medicare benefits. Below, we’ll go over each scenario available for Medicare Supplement guaranteed issue protections. Please note that if you are not eligible for Medigap plans in Mississippi lettered C or F, your guaranteed issue rights will apply towards Medigap Plans D and G:

Scenario 1:

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, but it’s either going to leave the Medicare program altogether or you’re moving somewhere that your plan isn’t offered, you can enroll in one of the following Medicare Supplement plans in Mississippi lettered A, B, C, D, F, G, K, or L.

Keep in mind that this guaranteed issue right doesn’t apply when you’re switching to another Medicare Advantage plan, as you can’t have one while enrolled in Medigap plans in Mississippi. Your guaranteed issue protections only apply when switching to Medicare Part A and Part B benefits.

Scenario 2:

If you have Original Medicare benefits along with an employer group health plan, which includes COBRA and retiree coverage, or you have coverage from your Union that provides benefits after your benefits from Medicare, but this coverage is ending, you’ll be granted guaranteed issue rights. In fact, additional rights may apply. In the event you qualify, you can enroll in Mississippi Medicare Supplement Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, or L.

Scenario 3:

Beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare SELECT can receive guaranteed issue rights for Mississippi Medicare Supplement Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, or L if they have Original Medicare and Medicare SELECT benefits but are moving outside of an area offering their SELECT coverage.

Scenario 4:

Known as a trial right, if you’re 65 years of age and it’s within the first year of joining either a Medicare Advantage Plan or Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), you can switch to any of the Medicare Supplement Plans in Mississippi you are eligible for.

Scenario 5:

Another trial right is available if you drop a Medigap plan in Mississippi in order to enroll in Medicare Advantage benefits or a Medicare SELECT policy. Please note that in order for this to qualify, it must be your first time doing so within a year of enrolling in your coverage, and you are deciding to switch back. If you qualify as a resident of Mississippi, Medicare Supplement Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, or L are all available.

Scenario 6:

If you lose coverage from a Medigap plan in Mississippi and it’s not your fault or your carrier ends up going bankrupt, you can enroll in Medicare Supplement Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, or L.

Scenario 7:

There are situations in which companies fail to follow the rules in place to protect beneficiaries or will mislead you during enrollment. Should this occur, you can leave a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Supplement plan in MS. If you are a resident of Mississippi, your guaranteed issue rights apply to Medigap Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, or L.

When to Enroll in Medicare Supplement in Mississippi

The best time to enroll in Medicare Supplement plans in Mississippi is when you first become eligible for your Original Medicare benefits. During this time, you can enroll without dealing with medical underwriting, receive the lowest premiums possible, and stay covered for more healthcare benefits sooner.

It’s important to remember that residents of the Hospitality State receive a 30-day free look period in which you can enroll in supplemental coverage and then return the policy for a refund if you are unsatisfied during that period. Therefore, there is no risk on your end, and you’ll enjoy better coverage for your healthcare needs.

Additional Medicare Coverage in Mississippi

In addition to Medicare Supplement plans in Mississippi, Medicare Advantage plans are another option for seniors and disabled persons under 65 that qualify. These include Special Needs Plans for those who qualify and are offered in your area. Mississippi also offers dual-eligible plans for those who qualify. Dual eligibility refers to those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. However, you’ll need to be sure your doctors and hospitals are covered by the Medicare Advantage plans available to you before you enroll.

As neither Original Medicare nor Medigap plans in Mississippi cover prescription drugs. Medicare Part D prescription drug plans offer affordable coverage that lowers the cost of your medication. With this coverage, you are responsible for copayments and deductibles.

However, when you have Original Medicare and Medicare supplements in Mississippi, it’s wise to enroll in Medicare Part D as soon as possible to avoid a late penalty that increases the longer you wait.

Dental, vision, and hearing plans are also available for Medicare seniors in Mississippi to help cover areas of healthcare outside of the realm of the Medicare program. Together, they can help you gain a greater sense of coverage for more of your healthcare needs.