Medicare Supplement Plans in Washington State

Medicare Supplement plans in Washington State are available to help cover the costs left behind by Original Medicare. Those enrolled in Medicare in Washington state have several options when it comes to Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap). Washington provides unique opportunities and resources to ensure residents have their choice of Medicare coverage.

Below, we help you better understand how Medicare Supplement plans work in Washington and which combination of coverage would be best for you.

Medicare Supplement Plans in Washington State

The choices for Medicare Supplement plans in Washington state are the same as those throughout the country. In Washington State, beneficiaries can choose from ten standardized letter plans and two high-deductible options. The benefits of these Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are the same across the country, but prices vary.

The most popular Medicare Supplement plans in Washington are Medicare Supplement Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N. These plans are popular due to their high coverage and low out-of-pocket costs.

When you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan in Washington, you will be able to receive care from any doctor or hospital that accepts Original Medicare regardless of the carrier you enroll through. Since Medicare is still your primary coverage, your Medigap plan will follow suit.

Since Medicare Supplement plans have standardized benefits across each plan letter, choosing the best carrier is essential. Carriers do not have to standardize pricing, so it is vital to research plan costs before enrolling with a carrier. Often, monthly premium costs vary significantly from one carrier to another. Hence, the importance of doing your research before enrolling.

State laws in Washington require insurance carriers to rate policies based on a community price for those over 65. This means age will not affect your Medicare Supplement plan premium. Instead, factors such as the level of coverage impact premium costs.

Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Washington

The best Medicare Supplement plan in Washington is dependent on the policyholder who will utilize the benefits. Since every person has a different health background, the necessary benefits for each person vary.

For example, if Sally goes to the doctor twice a month for pain injections and Karen visits the doctor once a year for her annual wellness check, the two women would not need the same benefits. Therefore, the best Medigap plan for Sally would likely not be the best for Karen.

Still, the best plan for most beneficiaries can be found in Medicare Supplement Plan N, Plan G, or Plan F. These plans are the most popular because of their comprehensive coverage and relatively low monthly premiums. One of these three plans can fit almost everyone’s healthcare needs.

Medigap Plan F covers 100% of your costs after Original Medicare pays its portion. This means you will not pay anything out of pocket for your healthcare, regardless of the cost. This is a great plan for those who wish to keep their healthcare spending low. However, this plan does have the highest monthly premium. Keep in mind, you can only enroll in this plan if you were eligible for Original Medicare before January 1, 2020.

Medicare Supplement Plan G is like Plan F, yet there is no restriction on who can enroll, and you are responsible for minimal out-of-pocket spending. With Plan G, you must cover the Medicare Part B deductible before your plan kicks in. Once you meet this annual deductible, you will be covered at 100% by your plan.

Lastly, Medicare Supplement Plan N is an option best suited for those who wish to have coverage in case of an emergency yet wish to keep their monthly premiums low. With this plan, you will cover the Medicare Part B deductible, copayments when you receive care, and excess charges if applicable.

Physicians in Washington state are not restricted from utilizing excess charges if they do not accept Medicare Assignment. To avoid these additional costs, you should speak with your doctor before receiving care. Additionally, if you receive care in a state that does not allow excess charges, you will not be charged the additional fee.

How Much Do Medicare Supplement Plans in Washington Cost?

The cost of a Medicare Supplement plan in Washington is different for each enrollee based on different demographic factors. Your age, health, gender, and tobacco-use status are major indicators of the price you will pay for your Medigap plan in Washington.

However, because this state is community rated, your individual demographics do not play as large of a role as your group demographics. This means, regardless of your gender, you will pay the same price as someone else your age in the state of Washington. 

The chart below compares the cost of 65 and 75-year-old men and women non-tobacco users living in the same Washington ZIP Code.

* If on Medicare before 1/1/20

Medicare Supplement Guaranteed Issue Rights in Washington

Washington allows Medicare beneficiaries special privileges after they enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan. This includes a year-round guaranteed issue right that enables beneficiaries to switch to equal or lesser benefit plans after 90 days of enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan.

If you wish to change Medigap plans, you can do so at any time without going through medical underwriting. However, this perk is only available to those already enrolled in a Medicare Supplement plan. Washington does not allow beneficiaries without a Medigap plan to join a plan without underwriting unless they are in their one-time Open Enrollment Period or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

To qualify, you must be on your current plan for at least 90 days to use this benefit. Once the 90 days are complete, you can switch your Medicare Supplement plans.

Medigap Plans Available to Those Under 65 in Washington

If you become eligible for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B before turning 65 due to disability, you might question which Medicare policy is best for you. Some states require carriers to offer Medigap plans for disabled individuals under 65. But Washington State does not require Medicare Supplement plan carriers to offer Medigap to those under 65. Yet, some carriers still make this coverage available.

Even if a carrier offers Medigap to beneficiaries under 65 in your area, the premium cost may be higher due to your age and disability status. Premiums for beneficiaries under age 65 are likely to be higher than those who age into the program. So, many Medicare recipients under 65 enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan until they turn 65 and are eligible for community-rated Medicare Supplement premiums.

Additional Medicare Coverage Options in Washington

In addition to Medicare Supplement plans, Washington also offers an array of additional benefits. If you are not looking for the comprehensive coverage of a Medicare Supplement plan, Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans are also available.

Additionally, Medicare Part D plans are available to help cover the cost of prescription drugs. If you are taking prescription drugs, having a Medicare Part D plan will help cover your financial burden.

How to Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plans in Washington

Applying for a Medicare Supplement plan in Washington State does not have to be complicated. Having a knowledgeable, licensed Medicare agent by your side can make a difference when choosing your coverage.

At MedicareFAQ, our agents are licensed in all 50 states and have access to top Medicare Supplement plans and carriers in your area. Thus, we are able to compare rates for multiple plans simultaneously. This is convenient for the beneficiary and helps out agents understand your needs and wants.

Call us at the number on the screen or fill out an online rate form to compare rates for Medicare Supplement plans in Washington state side by side. When you enroll through one of our agents, you receive unlimited access to our client care team, who will help you with any bump along the road.

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