Medicare Supplement Plans in Ohio

Summary: Medicare Supplement plans in Ohio offer Medicare enrollees benefits to help offset the out-of-pocket costs that come with their health insurance. These plans offer a different level of coverage based on the plan you enroll in. Estimated Read Time: 7 min

Medicare Supplement plans help cover costs Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) leave behind. Across the U.S., many people on Medicare find the benefits of a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan essential for their healthcare needs.

Medicare Supplement plans in Ohio are a popular addition to Original Medicare coverage. Several top insurance carriers offer Medigap plans in the state, and all the typical lettered plans are available. The federal government standardizes these plans to ensure identical benefits across carriers.

When choosing a Medicare Supplement plan in Ohio, it is crucial to understand your plan options and state-specific rules. Below, we discuss the best Medigap plans in Ohio and how to find the right coverage for your needs.

Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Ohio

Ranking Medicare Supplement plans in each state looks similar due to standardized Medigap benefits. Ohio’s top-rated Medigap plans are Medicare Supplement Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N. Each plan offers the same benefits nationwide and allows seniors easy access to the doctors and hospitals of their choice.

When deciding which Medigap plan is best for you, it is essential to determine your needs and compare how each plan covers those needs. Someone who visits the doctor regularly may be inclined to enroll in Medigap Plan F or Plan G, whereas someone who only goes a few times a year may enroll in Plan N due to the plan’s copayment structure.

Either way, your best plan may not be the best for someone else. Your coverage must complement your needs.

Medicare Supplement Plan F Ohio

Medicare Supplement Plan F in Ohio provides Medigap coverage to those who enrolled in Original Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you become eligible for Original Medicare after this date, you are not eligible to enroll in Plan F.

Medigap Plan F covers 100% of the out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare. This means when you receive care, you do not have any leftover costs out-of-pocket. The only cost you are responsible for is your monthly premium.

Medicare Supplement Plan G Ohio

Medicare Supplement Plan G is similar to Plan F. However, there is no cutoff date for enrollees. Anyone enrolled in Original Medicare is eligible for Plan G in Ohio. Plan G allows you to have low out-of-pocket costs with a relatively low monthly premium. The only cost you cover is the Part B deductible. Then, you are covered at 100% for Medicare-covered services.

This plan is the best choice for most enrollees in Ohio who prefer to have comprehensive benefits at an affordable rate.

Medicare Supplement Plan N Ohio

Like Plan G, Medigap Plan N in Ohio does not have a cutoff date for enrollees. So, anyone who is enrolled in Original Medicare can choose Medicare Supplement plan N as their supplemental coverage. Plan N, however, requires a few additional out-of-pocket costs than the other two plans mentioned.
When you enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan N in Ohio, you are responsible for the Medicare Part B deductible, small copays at the doctor or emergency room, and excess charges when applicable. However, Ohio does not allow doctors to charge excess charges. So, this will only be an issue if you receive care out-of-state.

Who is Eligible for Medigap in Ohio?

To be eligible for Medigap in Ohio, you must be a resident of the state and be enrolled in Original Medicare. If you enroll during your Open Enrollment Period surrounding your Medicare Part B enrollment, you will not be required to answer medical underwriting. However, if you enroll after this enrollment window, you may also be required to answer health questions to determine your enrollment.

How Much Do Medicare Supplement Plans in Ohio Cost?

Monthly premiums for Medicare Supplement plans in Ohio can vary based on several factors. These factors include age, gender, ZIP Code, tobacco-use status, and more. Typically, women have lower premiums than men, and the older you are, the higher your premium.

The chart below shows a monthly premium comparison between a male and female at age 65 and age 75 in the same Ohio ZIP Code.

* If on Medicare before 1/1/20

Medicare Excess Charges in Ohio

Few states nationwide do not allow Medicare excess charges. Ohio is one of these states. Thus, all Medicare-covered procedures will cost the same regardless of the doctor you visit.

Excess charges accrue when a doctor charges more than the Medicare-approved amount for a procedure. In this case, it is typically your responsibility to pay these costs in full. However, in Ohio, you do not need to worry about these additional costs.

Yet, if an Ohio resident with a Medigap plan receives care out of state from a physician who bills for excess charges, they will be responsible for payment.

Medicare Supplement Carriers in Ohio

Choosing a Medicare Supplement plan carrier is arguably just as important as choosing which Medigap plan is right for you. Because Medigap plan benefits are standardized, it is essential to research the best carrier in your area. When looking at carriers, comparing cost, customer service reputation, and overall customer satisfaction is essential.

Some of the top carriers in the Buckeye State include:

• Aetna
• AFLAC
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna
• Elips Life
• Globe Life
• UnitedHealthcare
• Wellcare

Can I Get a Medigap Plan in Ohio if I’m Under 65?

There is no mandate for Medicare Supplement insurance companies in Ohio to offer plans to those with Medicare under 65 due to disability. However, some carriers still offer Medigap plans to those on disability at a higher monthly premium rate.

Since Medigap usually costs more when you are not yet 65, a good alternative is waiting until you turn 65 to obtain a Medigap plan. In the meantime, a Medicare Advantage plan may be available to those under 65 in Ohio.

Medicare Supplement Rating Method Ohio

Ohio Medicare Supplement plans are priced using attained age and issue age rating based on the carrier you enroll with. Each carrier has the freedom to choose between the two rating methods.

Both rating methods will price plans based on your age. With Issue Age rating, your plan’s price is based on the age you were when you enrolled in coverage. Thus, your premium won’t rise each year based on your age. Your costs will still be based on the age you were at enrollment. With Attained Age plans, your premium will increase each year as you age.

Additional Medicare Coverage Options in Ohio

Medicare Supplement plans are not the only option for additional coverage available to you when you enroll in Medicare in Ohio. We recognize that Medigap is not for everyone. So, if you want a policy with a lower monthly premium and are comfortable with potentially higher out-of-pocket costs, you may shop for a Medicare Advantage plan.

Part C, or Medicare Advantage plans, often include additional benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage. However, you cannot simultaneously have Medicare Advantage and a Medigap plan. Thus, you must choose which plan type fits your needs best.

In addition to health coverage, ancillary dental, vision, and hearing plans are available to purchase in Ohio. This coverage helps those on Original Medicare, and Medigap fill the holes in benefits that neither covers.

Lastly, if you require prescription drug coverage, Medicare Part D is available to help with prescription drug costs. Neither Original Medicare nor Medigap plans in Ohio, or any other state include prescription drug coverage. Even if you do not yet take any prescription medications, enrolling as soon as possible is wise to avoid the Medicare Part D penalty.

How to Apply for a Medicare Supplement Plan in Ohio

Finding the right Medigap plans in Ohio is simple. Whether you already know the policy you want or still need guidance from a licensed professional, we are here to help.

To compare all the top-rated Medicare Supplement plans in Ohio and receive a free side-by-side comparison, call the number above or complete our online rate form today. We look forward to assisting you in your Medicare journey.

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