Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans M & N
Beginning June 1st, 2010 Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) will include two new choices for consumers – Medicare Supplement “M” and Medicare Supplement “N”. At that time Medigap plans E, H, I, and J will be eliminated as the “Preventive Care Benefit” and the “At-home-Recovery” benefit are removed and these become identical to other lettered Medigap plans. Medicare has deemed these two benefits unnecessary in the current Medicare structure. In addition to these changes, a hospice care benefit Co-insurance coverage will be added to all new Medicare Supplemental Insurance policies.
Current Supplement policy holders will be permitted to keep existing Insurance policies, however as of June, 2010 enrollment will cease into ALL current plans. Existing Medigap policies (Policy holders) will be partitioned into one group and all plans purchased after June will be segregated into new policy groups. It is not necessary to purchase one plan over another (purchase the one that fits) because all plans purchased after June 1st will be in the “New” plan policy design. However, it is uncertain which Supplement providers will offer the new plans N and M. Since most insurance carriers offer several plans it is important to shop around for the best price. (For more help go to Medicare Advisor)
We strongly recommend a qualified, independent, Medicare Supplement Advisor since company employed agents can only suggest their companies plans. An independent advisor can assist you in finding a plan today, as well as provide alternatives in 2010 when the new plans roll out Pennsylvania Medicare Supplement Plans. For individuals turning 65 before June 2010 the independent Advisor will be able to provide service today, as well as, save time next year when the new plans and premiums become available.
New Medigap Design
Medicare Supplement N will have similar benefits to Medicare Supplemental Insurance plan D, (not F as others have suggested) but there will be a $20 co-payment for doctor visits and a $50 co-payment for emergency room visits. It is believed that this co-pay will apply after the $135 deductible is paid, however there is some uncertainty as to how the deductible and co-pay will be coordinated. The good news — these plans are expected to have premiums around 70% of the cost of Plan F or about 77% of current Medigap plan D. Medigap Plan M will also offer similar benefits to Medicare Supplement “D”, but will only cover 50% of the part A deducible, none of the part B deductible, but no co-pays. The cost of plan M is expected to price at approximately 85% of Medigap Plan F (or 92% of current plan D).
Industry experts, are enthusiastic about these changes as consumers will be attracted by the lower premiums. Unfortunately these plans were designed by academics and bureaucrats with zero understanding of what consumers want. We’re not certain the new plans fit exactly what consumers desire. I.e these plans (M & N) don’t include the $135 deductible nor do they include excess charges allowed by many states. However, we expect Medicare Supplement Plan N and Plan M to provide a real savings for consumers.
