Medicare Plan G and Medigap insurance are two very different types of medical insurance. The point of Medicare plans is to assist with medical expenses that Medicare doesn’t normally cover so that every member of the family has access to quality health care.
However, the point of Medicare plans isn’t just to assist with medical expenses. They also provide prescription coverage for seniors that may not otherwise have it. As a result, Medicare Plan G and Medigap insurance can often be more expensive than traditional Medicare.
For example, Medicare Plan F doesn’t normally require prescriptions. Medicare Plan G does, however, but the former doesn’t cover all the same items and has different deductibles and co-pays.
While seniors can sometimes lessen their out-of-pocket expenses by opting for supplementary plans like Medicare Part D, it is important to note that some insurers only offer plans with specific benefits. For example, there are only a select few insurers that will allow a senior to see a psychiatrist for depression without a referral from a primary care physician.
What’s the difference between Medicare Plan G and Medigap Insurance Plans? Medicare Plan G offers the same type of coverage as supplemental Medicare. It provides coverage for emergencies, like broken bones, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, and cancer surgery.
As long as they are paid for in full, Medicare Plan G does provide relief for those with pre-existing conditions. Unlike Medicare Part D, Medicare Plan G does not require any additional premium payments for these benefits.
Medicare Plan F requires a premium payment if you choose to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. The advantage of Medicare Plan F is the monthly benefit amount, which is based on the same scale used in Medicare Parts A and B, and the absence of a deductible or co-pay for medications.
Unlike Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare Plan F does not restrict the number of medications that you can take each month and you do not need a referral to see a psychiatrist if you need one. However, there are some differences between Medicare Plan F and Medicare Part A and the premiums for these two plans can be quite different.
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans offer additional coverage options than Medicare Plan G does. They can cover dental care, hearing aids, vision care, and hospitalization costs not covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
Although most of these additional coverage options are not available on a Medicare Advantage, they are available on some Medigap insurance plans. However, because they are not standardized, it is important to make sure that your coverage includes the items that you need.
Medicare is a great program for seniors who are not near the end of their life. It provides basic benefits to help them stay comfortable and independent. But Medicare doesn’t do much for you if you need extra help financially. You can add extra protection to your Medicare by getting Medicare supplement insurance plans.
