Medicare is a federal health insurance program that pays most of the health care costs for people who are 65 or older. It will also pay for health care for some people under age 65 who have disabilities.
You can buy Medicare supplement insurance to help pay some of your out-of-pocket costs that Medicare won’t pay. Because it helps cover some of the “gaps” in Medicare coverage, Medicare supplement insurance is often called Medigap insurance.
Medicare Supplement plans in PA can vary in cost depending on the company, plan, and zip code. Generally, Pennsylvania Medigap rules are the same as all other states. In this context, we’ll discuss the different options Texans have with Medicare and the state-specific guidelines you should know.
This depends on the level of benefits you want. If you want the most benefits with the lowest premium, then a high-deductible plan might be your best option. They cost between $30-$45 a month.
If you don’t want a high-deductible, then a standard plan will cost around $100 a month. The average Plan G in Pennsylvania costs between $95-$160 per month. While costs vary among insurers, the benefits don’t change.
That’s why it’s crucial to compare the same letter plan across multiple carriers. There are many different factors that can impact your rates.
Depending on where you live there are several options to choose from. Below is a list of the top metros in Pennsylvania .
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Allentown
Harrisburg
Scranton
Lancaster
Reading
The enrollment periods for Medicare and Medigap policies in Pennsylvania are not the same. Medicare enrollment doesn’t include a Medigap policy. You’ll need to buy your Medigap policy separately.
There are two times you can add a Medicare Supplement plan to your Medicare coverage:
Medigap Open Enrollment Period: Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a six-month period starting the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. This is the best time to enroll because you’ll have the most options and the best prices. During this period, you can sign up for any Pennsylvania Medigap policy regardless of your health history.
Outside Open Enrollment Period: You can buy a Medicare Supplement plan anytime you’re enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. Insurance companies can deny coverage or charge you more based on any health problems you have when you apply outside of your Open Enrollment Period.
The exception is if you have a guaranteed issue right because you lost health coverage in certain circumstances. If you have a guaranteed issue right, Medigap providers in Pennsylvania can’t charge you more or limit your policy choices based on your health. You’ll need to show the insurance company proof that you lost health coverage to get a guaranteed issue.
Pennsylvania, officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a U.S. state spanning the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, and Appalachian regions of the United States.
Want to know more about Medicare and Medigap policies in PA? The state offers several agencies and programs to help you better understand your healthcare options.
PA Department of Insurance: The PA Department of Insurance provides resources for seniors enrolling in Medicare.
PA Department of Medicaid: Low-income residents can turn to this program for help paying for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays.
Pennsylvania State Page: Information about different types of services and programs in the state of Pennsylvania.
If you’re nearing 65 or recently enrolled in Medicare, it’s a good idea to sign up for a Medigap policy as soon as possible. Start by researching the different Medicare Supplement plans and looking at insurance providers in Pennsylvania that offer the plan you want. Be sure to compare how each insurance company rates the plan when you’re comparing costs.
