What are My Medicare Supplement Options?

If you return to Original Medicare during the Annual Election Period (October 15^th – December 7^th), you could be eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan.

Eligible individuals can choose between Medicare Supplement plan A, B, C, D, F, high-deductible F, G, K, L, M, and N. It can be hard to decide which one best meets your needs, so we’re here with a quick guide for you.

Remember:

• The government standardized all plan benefits, and private insurers are

  required to comply with federal and state regulations.

• No company can offer more or fewer benefits – the only difference is the

  premium you pay.

• Insurance companies that sell Medicare Supplement plans are required to offer

  Plan A. If they offer any other plans, they must also offer either Plan C or Plan F.

• Not all Medicare Supplement plans may be available in your state


• Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Minnesota are ‘waiver’ states and have

  standardized their Medicare Supplement plans differently (visit Medicare.gov for more details)

*Plan F has a You must pay for Medicare-covered costs up to the deductible amount of $2,340 in 2020 before your Medicare Supplement plan pays. ManhattanLife offers the standard Plan F only.

**For Plan K and Plan L – You must meet your out-of-pocket yearly limit and your yearly Part B deductible before your Medicare Supplement plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year. Plan K deductible: $5,880 in 2020. Plan L deductible: $2,940 in 2020.

***Plan N pays 100% of the Part B deductible, except for up to a $20 copayment for some office visits and up to a $50 copayment for ER visits that don’t result in inpatient admission.

When am I Eligible for Medicare Supplement?

First Eligibility Period

If you enroll in Medicare Part B the month you turn 65, a 6-month open enrollment period begins. During this time, you can buy any Medicare Supplement plan sold in your state – even if you have medical issues or disabilities. Insurance companies aren’t allowed to use your medical history or pre-existing conditions as a basis for charging you more for coverage or denying you altogether.

Fall Medicare Annual Election Period and Open Enrollment Period

If you disenroll from Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare during either the Medicare Annual Election Period or the Open Enrollment Period, you could become eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan.

Year-Round Options

You may change or enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan any time throughout the year. Depending on your age and situation, your application may go through underwriting and you will be subject to the insurance company’s underwriting guidelines.

Remember that with MACRA, Plan C, Plan F, and high-deductible Plan F are no longer available for those eligible for Medicare ON or AFTER January 1, 2020. Anyone who become eligible or who enrolled prior to January 1, 2020 may switch to Plan C or Plan F if it's available in your state. 

For information on the products ManhattanLife offers, visit Medicare Supplement Plans for seniors.