The original Medicare plan includes Part A and Part B, which work in unison to provide government-sponsored health insurance to individuals who are 65 and over — or individuals with certain qualifying conditions, such as AIDS or Parkinson’s. Medicare Part A is sometimes referred to as ‘hospital insurance’ or ‘hospital coverage’ because it covers a significant amount of a person’s inpatient care. Part B, known as medical insurance, provides coverage for various preventive health services and doctor’s visits.

Although there are several healthcare services that Original Medicare does not cover, people can use Medicare Supplement Insurance (also called Medigap) to bridge these gaps. Of all the various Medigap plans that are available today, Medigap Plan A is the most common. Are you interested in learning more about it? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This supplemental Medicare broker in Chesterton, Indiana is going to review some of the key things you should know about Medicare Plan A below.

Medigap Plans — An Overview

Medigap plans are standardized across the country. Therefore, all Medigap plans must be compliant with state and federal law. In all 50 states (excluding Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin), supplemental Medicare insurance agencies can only offer standardized plans referred to by letters (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). Each plan offers the same primary benefits, but some offer extra perks.

While supplemental Medicare brokers in Chesterton, Indiana can decide which Medigap plans to sell, state laws might affect their decision. Agencies don’t have to offer every single Medigap plan there is, but they must offer Medigap Plan A and Plan C or Plan F if they offer any plan at all.

What does Medigap Plan A cover?

Medigap Plan A provides coverage for many essential medical services, including:

• 100% coverage for Medicare Part A hospital and coinsurance costs
• 100% coverage for Part A hospice care
• 100% coverage for Medicare Part B copays and coinsurance
• The first three pints of blood during a blood transfusion

However, Medigap Plan A does not cover all the costs, including the cost of:

• Foreign travel emergencies
• Part A and B deductibles
• Skilled nursing facility care
• Excess charges for Part B services
• Prescription drugs
• Vision, dental, and hearing care

Does it cover the Part B deductible?

None of the ten Medigap plans available cover the Part B deductible. Medigap Plan A does, however, cover the Part B copay and coinsurance when those fees are applicable. Additionally, Plan A might help you with the costs of Part A and Part B care.

How much does Medigap Plan A cost?

Your Medigap Plan A premiums will vary widely depending on your location. The monthly premiums can be under $100 or well over $1,000 in some regions. You can use this online tool from Medicare to see the range of rates for the available plans in your area. Your Plan A premiums will also depend on your age, tobacco use, and other factors — including which supplemental Medicare broker in Chesterton, Indiana you decide to work with.

Apart from your Plan A premiums, you will be responsible for the Medicare Part A and B deductibles and the Part B premium. 

And because Medigap Plan A offers no coverage for prescription drugs, hearing, dental, or vision care, you must pay for these services out of pocket.

Looking for a Supplemental Medicare Broker in Chesterton, Indiana?

Are you looking for more information about Medigap Plan A? Want to sit down with a supplemental Medicare broker in Chesterton, Indiana to discuss your options? If so, our qualified brokers at Senior Care Insurance Services (SCIS) would be happy to assist you. We have several qualified and experienced insurance brokers who can help you decide which Medigap policy best matches your needs and financial situation. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.