Medicare Supplement Plan A is the most basic of all the Medigap insurance options. Plan A sets the standard for all Medicare Supplement plan benefits.

Although don’t be fooled by the simple coverage, Plan A still covers the 20% of Part B coinsurance that many of us need help with.

The most efficient way to learn about Medicare Supplements as well as discover the most suitable plan for you is by talking with a licensed insurance broker in your state.

Medicare Supplement Plan A Benefits

You may have heard about Part A of Medicare, this is different from Medigap Plan A. People often get these two confused; however, it’s really very simple.

Part A is referring to inpatient hospital services and Plan A is a standardized policy that offers additional Medicare coverage.

You’ll use the word “plan” any time you refer to a Medicare Supplement policy. Traditional Medicare consists of Parts; such as Part A, B, C & D.

See, it’s simple. Now that you know the difference, let’s dive more into Plan A and what it has to offer you.

Medigap Plan A

You must be enrolled in Traditional Medicare Part A and Part B to be considered eligible for Plan A. If you have a red, white and blue card, you’ll see your effective dates for both Part A & B of Medicare, this will confirm your coverage.

You want this card handy when applying with a private insurance company.

Plan A offers 100% coverage on:

• Part A coinsurance up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits have ended
• First 3 pints of blood
• Part A hospice
• Medicare Part B copayments or coinsurance

Plan A covers fewer benefits than any other supplemental policy. However, you’ll have access to every doctor that accepts Medicare assignment.

Additionally, you can see any specialist without a referral and coverage is guaranteed renewable. This means coverage can’t be terminated over poor health.

It’s important to remember that each state has different guidelines, talking with a licensed insurance agent can make Medicare simple.

Medicare Supplement Plan A is available for Guarantee Issue when losing coverage no matter when your Medicare began.

Plan A is Ideal For

• Those looking for a lower monthly premium
• People who aren’t concerned about out of pocket hospital costs
• Those who do not travel outside of the United States

What is Not Covered Under Plan A

Medigap Plan A does not cover skilled nursing facility care, the Part A deductible, the Part B deductible, excess charges or emergency coverage when traveling outside the U.S.

Medicare Plan A for Under 65 & Disabled

Insurance carriers are required to sell this policy, though they aren’t required to sell any of the other policies. If you’re under the age of 65 this policy may be available to you, depending on your state.

When you receive Medicare early due to a disability, this plan can be purchased during the Open Enrollment Period with no medical underwriting. While guaranteed coverage is excellent, many seniors find the premium is much higher than what a 65-year-old would pay.

However, those 65 and older will typically select a plan with more comprehensive coverage, meaning fewer healthy people enroll in Medigap Plan A. Medical expenses for people on disability tend to be higher, meaning higher Medigap premiums for you.

Since this is the reality of Medicare Supplement Plan A, many Medicare beneficiaries under 65 choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan until they become 65. Although, depending on the state you live in, enrolling in Plan A could make the most sense for your situation.

When you turn 65, you qualify for a Guaranteed Issue period, this allows you to enroll in a Medicare Supplement with no medical underwriting.

Medicare Plan A Costs

Let’s say Julie has a Medicare Supplement Plan A; this policy is a basic policy that sets the standard for all the other policies. Julie has coverage for Part A 20% that Medicare won’t pay because Plan A pays the coinsurance. Also, the Part B coinsurance has coverage.

Julie needs to concern herself with coverage for the deductibles; Part A deductible is $1,408 per benefit period and Part B is $198 for the year. This policy doesn’t cover Part B excess charges or foreign emergency care. Plan A could become a high out of pocket policy since many costly benefits don’t have coverage.

Consulting an insurance agent is the best way to discover adequate coverage.

Medigap Plan A & Prescription Drugs

If you have a Medicare Supplement Plan A, you’ll need a stand-alone prescription drug policy. Medicare Supplement policies don’t include Part D coverage.

Although, any prescriptions administered in a hospital setting will be covered under Part A. You’re guaranteed eligibility for a Part D policy when you have Medicare Part A and live in the plans service area.

Enrollment is simple and obtaining immediate coverage means you avoid the Part D late enrollment penalty.

Dental, Vision & Hearing Benefits on Plan A

You can easily apply for Dental, Vision and hearing benefits. Our agents compare rates for people just like you, every day.

Since Medicare Supplements don’t cover these additional benefits, enrolling in stand-alone coverage is your best option.

Stand-alone policies make sense because they offer comprehensive coverage that’ll benefit you when you need it most.

Medicare Supplement Plan A or Medicare Advantage

The state you live in will play a big factor in which policy you should select. Coverage areas change with zip codes.

Additionally, what’s good for your neighbor may not be what’s best for you. Talking with a licensed insurance agent in your state ensures you have the most suitable coverage.

Depending on your state, if you’re under the age of 65, a Medicare Advantage plan may be more beneficial for the time being.

As you approach your 65th birthday, consider a Medicare Supplement while you qualify for Guaranteed Issue. Medicare Supplement policies have the best ratings; additionally, they offer the most comprehensive coverage.

What are Medicare Advantage Limitations?

Medicare Advantage plans can offer low premiums, Part D coverage, a maximum out of pocket, dental, vision and hearing services.

This can sound appealing to someone with Original Medicare policy. However, limitations on these plans can mean higher out of pocket expenses.

Medicare Advantage limitations:

• You’ll be 100% responsible for the cost of an out of network doctor
• Your policy will change every single year
• No coverage outside the service area
• Required to stay in-network for doctors and hospitals

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan when you’re diagnosed with cancer, you could be responsible for all the costs associated with treatment if the hospital is out of network.

The maximum out of pocket only applies to covered services. If you have an MA plan, you probably think you have more coverage than you actually do.

Enrolling in Medicare Supplement Plan A

Medicare Supplements will protect you from the 20% you’d otherwise be responsible for paying. Applying is easy, just talk to a licensed insurance agent and they’ll help you every step of the way.

Our brokers will help you, and it’s absolutely free. Medicare is ever-changing, having a personal agent will make you confident in your coverage.

When you become one of our members; the client care team will keep you updated on Medicare changes, assist you with appeals and help you file claims.

If you want coverage you need to give us a call at the number above now. You can also complete the online rate comparison form to see Medicare Plan A rates side by side.