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 Pennsylvania 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 other states have with Medicare and the state-specific guidelines you should know.
Best Medigap Plans in Pittsburgh
There are 10 standardized Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans available in Pittsburgh. Out of the ten plans, the most popular plans are Medicare Supplement Plan F which covers 100% of all costs, followed by Medigap Plan G (the best value plan), and lastly Plan N (which has copays).
Pittsburgh Medigap Insurance Costs
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 Medicare Plan G in Pittsburgh costs between $95-$160 per month. While costs vary among insurers, the benefits don’t change.
Medigap Plan F in Pittsburgh, which is the most comprehensive plan, runs about $150-$200 per month, and >Pittsburgh Plan N, the most affordable Medigap plan is around $90-$120 per month.
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.
Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Pittsburgh, PA
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans in Pittsburgh come in the form of an HMO or PPO and combine Medicare Parts A + B. Generally Medicare Advantage plans are less than $50 per month and include drug coverage and other additional benefits.
When Can You Enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plans?
The enrollment periods for Medicare and Medigap policies in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh 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.
About Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is a city in western Pennsylvania at the junction of 3 rivers. Its Gilded Age sites, including the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, speak to its history as an early-20th-century industrial capital. In the North Shore neighborhood are the modern Andy Warhol Museum, Heinz Field football stadium and PNC Park baseball stadium.
Pittsburgh City Page
Pittsburgh City Page:Information about different types of services and programs in the city of Pittsburgh
Next Steps
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 Pittsburgh that offer the plan you want. Be sure to compare how each insurance company rates the plan when you’re comparing costs. Call us directly at (877) 238-6964 today for a free quote comparison!