Medigap Plan B
| Medigap Plan B Policy Coverage | |
|---|---|
| Basic Benefits |  |
| Part A Deductible | |
| Part B Deductible |  |
| Part B Excess | |
| Skilled Nursing Coinsurance | |
| Foreign Travel Emergency | |
| At Home Recovery | |
| Additional Preventative Care | |
Quick Introduction to Medigap Plans
Medigap is a private health insurance policy that is designed to cover medical costs not covered by Medicare programs. It covers many of the costs that people would otherwise have to pay individually such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. There are twelve different Medigap plans ranging from A to L. Any insurance company offering Medigap plans is required to offer Plan A, other plan availability will vary by insurance company and by state. Medigap policies do not cover long-term care such as nursing homes, vision or dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses or private-duty nursing. This article will deal exclusively with Medigap Plan B covering some of the benefits and other considerations.
More on Medigap Plan B
The Medigap Plan B offers slightly more coverage than the basic Plan A policy. This guide will discuss what Medigap plan B users can expect to receive when signing up. Details will be provided about what's covered and what isn't covered to demonstrate how Medigap Plan B operates in various personal situations.
Medigap Plan B - The Benefits
First, Plan B policies provide all the Basic Coverage of Plan A - covering Medicare Part A & B coinsurance and the first three pints of blood.
- Medicare Part A Coinsurance, and all costs after hospital benefits are exhausted
- Medicare Part B Coinsurance or Copayment for other than preventative services
- Blood (first 3 pints). Medicare typically covers all costs associated with blood after the first 3 pints.
- Medicare Preventative Care Part B Coinsurance
Plan B policies then also cover Medicare Part A deductible payments. This can be as much as $1,068 for extended hospital stays. Note this amount can change each year.
Medigap Plan B Considerations
There are a few areas that a Plan B policy does not cover, with their significance illustrated below.
Hospice Care Coinsurance or Copayment
For terminally ill patients, a hospice may be used as an alternative to hospitals or staying at home. There can be significant fees associated with hospice and end-of-life care and treatment. Medigap Plan B does not pay for any coinsurance or copayments related to hospice stay.
Foreign Travel Emergency (Medicare coverage outside the U.S.)
Medicare does not cover healthcare coverage for its beneficiaries outside of the United States. Medigap Plan B does not provide any assistance in this area either. Medical emergencies in foreign countries requiring treatment or travel by patients must be paid in full out of pocket.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People With Medicare (2009).
These may or may not be important expenses and limitations, depending on your situation. If Medigap Plan B doesn't meet your needs, consider Medigap Plan C.