Medicare Supplement Plan B is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan available to help cover some of the costs Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) leaves enrollees to pay. Medicare Supplement Plan B includes the basic benefits every Medigap plan must, plus coverage for the Medicare Part A hospital deductible. Learn more about Medicare Supplement Plan B below.
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What is Medicare Supplement Plan B?
Medicare Supplement Plan B is one of the standardized Medigap plans available to Medicare enrollees throughout the United States. Enrolling in this plan allows you to receive coverage for some of the out-of-pocket costs you would otherwise be responsible for if you were only on Original Medicare.
Medicare Supplement plans are standardized by the federal government. This means that all Medigap plans of the same letter cover the same benefits. Additionally, any physician or hospital accepting Original Medicare will also accept your Medicare Supplement plan, regardless of the carrier.
When you enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan B, you are responsible for paying your Medicare Part B premium and your Medigap Plan B premium each month. Unfortunately, the premium for Medigap Plan B is not standardized. Thus, each carrier can charge a different amount each month for identical benefits. So, comparing plans, premiums, and carriers before enrolling in coverage is of paramount importance.
What is Medicare Supplement Plan B Benefits?
Medicare Supplement Plan B provides coverage for all the basic Medigap benefits as well as additional benefits some other Medigap plans provide. Regardless of the state you live in or the carrier you purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan B policy from, your benefits will be exactly the same. These benefits include:
- Medicare Part A deductible
- Medicare Part A coinsurance
- Medicare Part B coinsurance
- First 3 pints of blood
- Medicare Part A hospice coinsurance
- Preventive care coinsurance
Although Medicare Supplement Plan B is not one of the most comprehensive plans available, it is a standout Medigap plan for those who wish to have some additional coverage for out-of-pocket costs. When it comes to enrolling in Medicare, having a cap on your out-of-pocket expenses is one of the more important aspects. Without Medigap coverage in place, there is no cap on your Original Medicare spending. Thus, having some coverage is better than having no extra coverage at all.
Medicare Supplement Plan B Comparison Chart for 2023
The chart below outlines the coverage of Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan B compared to the other lettered Medicare Supplement plans.
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What Does Medicare Supplement Plan B Cover?
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan B offers coverage for the Medicare Part A deductible, Part A coinsurance, Part B coinsurance or copayments, and your first three pints of blood. These are standard benefits for a Medicare Supplement plan, as all other Medigap plans – except for Medicare Supplement Plan A – cover these benefits and more.
With any Medicare Supplement plan, you will receive coverage nationwide. Regardless of where in the United States you reside or receive care, your Medigap coverage will not change. Medicare Supplement Plan B is no exception.
This is a great perk of Medigap plans and partially why enrollment is so high among those on Original Medicare. If you plan to travel in retirement, a Medigap plan may be right for you.
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan B Not Cover?
If you have Medicare Supplement Plan B coverage, you’ll still need to cover the cost of some out-of-pocket expenses left over after using your Original Medicare benefits. These include the following costs:
- Medicare Part B deductible
- Skilled nursing care coinsurance
- Medicare Part B excess charges in states that allow them
- Foreign travel emergency coverage
How Much Does Medigap Plan B Cost?
The average cost of Medicare Supplement Plan B is around $110-$210 per month. However, your premium depends on several different factors. Among these factors are your age, gender, and ZIP Code. Thus, it is vital to provide personal details to receive an accurate monthly premium rate quote.
Typically, men pay more than women, and the younger you are, the lower your premium price will be. Additionally, some states upcharge those who use tobacco products. Below, we’ve compared average Medigap Plan B costs among three different states for both males and females aged 65 and 75. For our methodology, no one uses tobacco products:
| Medigap Plan B Average Monthly Cost in Las Vegas, NV (88901)* | |
| Gender: Female, Age: 65 | $265.00 |
| Gender: Male, Age: 65 | $297.00 |
| Gender: Female, Age: 75 | $287.00 |
| Gender Male, Age: 75 | $326.00 |
| *Please note: the above are sample rates. These are subject to change. Call us for your accurate, personalized quotes today. | |
| Medigap Plan B Average Monthly Cost in New York, NY (10001)* | |
| Gender: Female, Age: 65 | $404.00 |
| Gender: Male, Age: 65 | $404.00 |
| Gender: Female, Age: 75 | $404.00 |
| Gender Male, Age: 75 | $404.00 |
| *Please note: the above are sample rates. These are subject to change. Call us for your accurate, personalized quotes today. | |
| Medigap Plan B Average Monthly Cost in Chillicothe, OH (45601)* | |
| Gender: Female, Age: 65 | $208.00 |
| Gender: Male, Age: 65 | $236.00 |
| Gender: Female, Age: 75 | $232.00 |
| Gender Male, Age: 75 | $267.00 |
| *Please note: the above are sample rates. These are subject to change. Call us for your accurate, personalized quotes today. | |
Medigap Plan B is Best Suited for Those Who Are
- In good health
- Not planning to travel outside the U.S.
- Looking for lower premiums
- Less concerned about out-of-pocket costs if hospitalized
If this describes you, Medigap Plan B may be your best option. Comparing plans and carriers is the best way to determine which plan option to choose.
Medigap Plan B Pros and Cons
| Medigap Plan B Pros | Medigap Plan B Cons |
|---|---|
| Covers Up to an Additional 365 Days of Medicare Part A Hospital Coinsurance Costs | Does Not Cover Any Skilled Nursing Facility Care Coinsurance Costs |
| Covers Medicare Part B Coinsurance and Co-Pay | Does Not Cover the Medicare Part B Deductible |
| Covers Medicare Part A Deductible | Does Not Cover Any Potential Medicare Excess Charges |
| Monthly Premiums are on the Lower End | Does Not Cover any Foreign Travel Emergency Costs |
What Carriers Offer Medicare Supplement Plan B?
Several carriers are offering Medigap Plan B coverage, and it’s important to compare them to determine which brand best fits your healthcare needs. Although not a complete list, here are several carriers offering Medicare Supplement Plan B coverage to Medicare beneficiaries:
- Accendo
- Aetna
- Aetna Health and Life Insurance Company (An Aetna Company)
- American Continental Insurance Company (An Aetna Company)
- American Retirement Life Insurance Company (A Cigna Company)
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Bankers Fidelity
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Combined Insurance
- Continental Life Insurance Company (An Aetna Company)
- Equitable
- ForeThought Life Insurance
- Gerber Life Insurance
- Government Personnel Mutual
- Heartland National
- Humana
- Individual Assurance Company
- Loyal American Life Insurance Company (A Cigna Company)
- Lumico
- Manhattan Life
- Medico
- Mutual of Omaha
- National General
- New Era Life Insurance
- Omaha Insurance Company (A Mutual of Omaha Company)
- Oxford Life
- Philadelphia American Life Insurance
- SilverScript (A CVS Caremark Company)
- Standard Life and Casualty
- Stonebridge Life Insurance (A TransAmerica Company)
- TransAmerica
- TransAmerica Premier (A TransAmerica Company)
- United American
- UnitedHealthcare
- UnitedHealthcare (AARP Medicare Supplement)
- United of Omaha (A Mutual of Omaha Company)
- United World (A Mutual of Omaha Company)
Having more options is a great thing for enrollees, but it can also complicate things. Nevertheless, working with a licensed Medicare agent can help you break down and compare the many different options available. By auditing your healthcare and budget needs among the Medigap Plan B coverage options available with an agent, you can find the right one for you.
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Does Medigap Plan B Include Prescription Drug Coverage?
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan B covers the cost of prescription drugs that are administered in an outpatient setting. However, any medications that are prescribed by your physician to be taken at home are not covered by Medicare Supplement Plan B.
To receive coverage for prescription drugs while on Original Medicare (with or without Medigap), you’ll need to enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
Are Medigap Plan B and Medicare Part B the Same?
Although they sound similar, Medicare Supplement Plan B and Medicare Part B are not the same. Medicare Part B is the part of Original Medicare that covers your outpatient care, doctors’ visits, and durable medical equipment.
Medicare Supplement Plan B, on the other hand, pays secondary to Medicare Part A and Part B. So, while they work together, they are not the same.
How to Enroll in Medigap Plan B
The best way to compare Medicare Supplement plans is by working with a licensed Medicare agent who can easily answer any question or concern you have regarding your coverage. Enrolling in a Medigap plan is an investment in your future. Thus, you should not take this decision lightly.
To receive a side-by-side premium rate comparison for the top plans and carriers in your area, complete our online rate comparison form today! We look forward to helping you throughout your Medicare journey.
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how do I get reimbursed for covid test I purchased, where do I get a form to send in for reimbursements payment to me?
Kathie, unfortunately Medicare does not cover the cost of at-home COVID testing. However, you can receive up to four free at home COVID tests at covidtests.gov