Medicare Supplement Plans in Vermont

Many seniors are turning to Medicare Supplement plans in Vermont for help in managing out-of-pocket medical expenses in 2022. To be eligible for Medicare Supplement plans in Vermont, you must first contact Social Security and enroll in the federal Medicare program. When you enroll, you choose which way you want to receive your Medicare coverage:

• Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B)
• Medicare Advantage Plan

Medicare Supplement plans only work with Original Medicare. Read on to see if a Medicare Supplement insurance plan is right for you.

What are Medicare Supplement Plans in Vermont?

Medicare Supplement insurance is extra health care insurance that picks up all or some of the 20% left after Original Medicare pays on a claim. Supplement insurance is also called Medigap insurance because it bridges the gap between what Medicare pays and what you’re responsible for.

There are 10 standardized Medigap plans in Vermont.

All 10 offer the same basic benefits:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance
• Part A hospice coinsurance or copayments
• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copays
• First 3 pints of blood

In addition to the basic benefits, some plan options include coverage for foreign travel emergencies, the Medicare Part A deductible, and Part B excess charges.

Medigap policies do not cover the following:

• Routine vision, hearing, or dental services
• Long-term care
• Prescription drugs (Medicare Part D)

For prescription drug coverage, you must buy a separate Medicare Part D plan. Most of the private health insurance companies that sell Medicare Supplement insurance plans also sell Prescription Drug plans.

What are the best Medicare Supplement plans in Vermont for 2022?

Medigap policies pay for out-of-pocket costs left from Original Medicare, but how much and what each plan pays is different. Here’s a quick rundown on the top five plans for 2022.

1. Best for full coverage: Plan F

• Plan F covers everything, including Part B deductible
• Leaves you with no out-of-pocket costs
• Must have a Medicare start date before Jan. 1, 2020

2. Best comprehensive coverage: Plan G

• Plan G offers the most coverage for those new to Medicare after Jan. 1, 2020
• Covers everything except Part B deductible
• Considerable premium savings compared to Plan F in return for paying the Part B deductible

3. Best value: Plan N

• Plan N offers substantial savings in premiums for those willing to take on a higher cost-share
• Has an office visit copay (up to $20)
• Has an emergency room copay (up to $50, waived if admitted)
• Still offers good coverage for Part A deductible and Part B coinsurance (after copays are met)

4. Best deductible plan: High Deductible Plan F

• Same coverage as Plan F
• Must meet an annual deductible of $2,490 before the plan pays
• Considerably cheaper than Plan F

5. Best for lowest premiums: High Deductible Plan G

• Same coverage as Plan G
• Must meet an annual deductible of $2,490 before the plan pays
• Considerably cheaper than Plan G
• Considerably cheaper than High Deductible Plan F

Remember, no supplement plan pays for prescription drugs. You have to buy a separate Medicare Part D plan for that.

How much does a Medicare Supplement plan cost?

Monthly premiums for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan in Vermont fluctuate based on a variety of factors:

• Age
• Gender
• Location
• Insurance company
• Pricing method
• Plan benefits

A 65-year-old female who doesn’t smoke would pay, on average, $177.64 for a Medigap plan in Vermont.

We’ll compare the plans for you and provide a more accurate quote based on your personal information.

When can I apply for a Medicare Supplement Plan?

Under Vermont law, the private insurance companies selling Medicare Supplement insurance plans in Vermont must offer beneficiaries a chance to enroll without worrying about whether they’ll be accepted. This is known as your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. Here’s how open enrollment works:

• Eligibility starts when you’re at least 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
• You have guaranteed issue rights: The insurer cannot deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions or charge more based on your health condition.
• It lasts for six months.

Unlike a Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D Plan, Medicare Supplement insurance plans do not have an annual enrollment period where you can switch to a new insurance policy without fear of losing coverage. You do, however, have guaranteed rights in these situations:

• If you lose or retire from group coverage through an employer, you have guaranteed issue rights for two months after losing coverage.
• Medicare beneficiaries under age 65 have open enrollment and guaranteed rights when they turn 65.
• If you move from the plan’s service area, or the insurer discontinues the plan or leaves the service area.

Our licensed insurance agents can tell you if you meet the special enrollment criteria.

Common Medicare Supplement FAQ’s

When can I change Medigap plans?

Once you choose a Medicare Supplement insurance plan in Vermont, you’re locked in unless you meet the special enrollment criteria. Vermont Medicare beneficiaries who want to change plans are subject to underwriting and could be denied coverage. Our agents can help you determine if you qualify for special enrollment.

Can I be denied coverage?

If you apply for a Medigap policy during open enrollment or qualify for a special guaranteed-issue situation, the Medicare insurance company cannot deny coverage. If you apply outside of these windows, you’re subject to underwriting and the insurer might deny coverage.

Do Medigap plans cover foreign travel

Medigap plans A, B, C, D, F, G, M, and N cover foreign travel emergencies up to plan limits.