As a result of federal legislation, many individuals will not be able to purchase Medigap Plan C or Plan F, including the Plan F high deductible option. This is because, after January 1, 2020, the law prevents individuals turning 65 on or after January 1, 2020 from purchasing Medigaps that pay for the Part B deductible. (Both Plan C and Plan F cover the Part B deductible.) The law also applies to younger beneficiaries whose date of eligibility for Medicare is on or after January 1, 2020. They, too, are prevented from purchasing Plan C or Plan F.
If your 65th birthday, or, for younger beneficiaries, the date of your eligibility for Medicare, was before January 1, 2020, you are not affected by these Medigap changes; if you currently have Plan C or Plan F, you can continue to renew it from insurers in your state.
The good news is, Medigap Plan D and Plan G currently provide coverage for the same out-of-pocket costs as Medigap Plan C and Plan F, except for the Part B deductible. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can provide you with local, individualized, and unbiased Medigap options counseling. (Click the orange Find Local Medicare Help button above.)
If you are in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin – three states that operate different Medigap systems – this law still applies. Just like in all other states, people newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020 in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin will not be allowed to purchase Medigaps that pay for the Part B deductible.
Frequently Asked Question: “What if I was eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020 but did not enroll in Plan C or Plan F?” The answer is, you will still be able to purchase Plan C or Plan F if you are within your Medigap open enrollment period or have a guaranteed issue right when you enroll in Original Medicare.
Remember: Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can provide you with local, trusted, and unbiased help understanding your Medigap supplemental insurance options. Insurance and insurance terms can be confusing. Contact your SHIP for assistance. (Click the orange Find Local Medicare Help button below.)
SHIPs nationally are funded by the Administration for Community Living at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington DC. You can also learn more about Medigap supplemental insurance at www.medicare.gov.
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