Nebraska Medigap plans present a comprehensive array of coverage options for residents. Navigating these options effectively requires a clear understanding of the rules that govern them. In NE, Medigap works similarly to most states, and we’ve got all the info you need right here.
Nebraska Med Supp Basics
Medicare Supplement Insurance, known as Medigap or Med Supp, is provided by private companies to help cover healthcare expenses not paid by Original Medicare. This coverage includes copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
When you have Original Medicare and a Medigap policy, Medicare covers its portion of approved healthcare costs, and your Medigap policy handles its share. The rule of thumb “if it is not covered by Medicare, then it will not be covered by Medigap” typically applies. Certain Medigap policies, however, extend coverage to one service not included in Original Medicare: international travel emergency. Medicare has no coverage if you need medical help abroad but some Medigap plans do.
Key points:
- You must have Medicare Part A and Part B before buying a Medicare Supplement.
- MedSups don’t include drug coverage; a separate Part D policy is needed.
- Monthly premiums for Medigap are paid to the insurance company directly
- Medigap covers only one person; spouses need separate policies for coverage.
Comparing Nebraska Medigap Plans
Here are the Medigap plans available in NE if you qualified for Medicare after January 1, 2020:
| Benefits | A | B | D | G** | K | L | M | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part A Deductible ($1,632) | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 50% | 100% | |
| Part B Deductible ($240) | ||||||||
| Medicare Part A Hospital Coinsurance and 365 additional hospital days | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Medicare Part B Coinsurance | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| First 3 Pints of Blood for a Transfusion | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Medicare Part A Hospice Coinsurance or Copay | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% | ||
| Medicare Part B Excess Charges | 100% | |||||||
| Foreign Emergency Healthcare | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | ||||
| Max Out-of-Pocket | $7,060 | $3,530 |
**Medigap Plan G High Deductible is identical coverage with a high deductible of $2,800.
If you were Part B eligible before January 1, 2020, you may be able to enroll plan in F or C
Switching Medigap Plans in Nebraska
Switching plans outside your initial enrollment can be difficult. Some states, however, have added additional rules to assist their residents. The biggest state law that some states offer is called the Medigap Birthday Rule. Nebraska currently does not offer easy-switching laws like the birthday rule.
Moreover, Medigap plans in Nebraska aren’t part of AEP Open Enrollment (Oct 15 to Dec 7). Your state allows anytime switching, though it typically requires medical underwriting. Expect around 20 health questions in the Med Supp application. Your answers will determine the rate you’re approved at, and some may lead to a higher rate or even a decline if there are pre-existing conditions.
Don’t stress, there are still options. If you need to switch plans or insurance, give us a call at 800-930-7956 or check out our super helpful guide, ‘Medicare Insurance Switching: Ultimate Guide‘.
When can I sign up for a Medigap plan in NE?
Every new Medicare Part B recipient aged 65 or older enjoys the privilege of guaranteed Medigap approval to a Medicare Supplement policy during their “Open Enrollment Period.” During this period, insurers must accept your application and charge you the same premiums as others your age.
Your open enrollment window kicks off when you enroll in Medicare Part B, typically at age 65, and spans six months. During these six months, your health history cannot be used to deny you coverage. However, if you apply for a policy after this period, insurers may refuse coverage based on your health.
If you had Medicare Part B coverage before turning 65, like due to disability or End-Stage Renal Disease, you’ll receive another open enrollment opportunity when you reach 65. In this case, your open enrollment window spans six months, starting the month of your 65th birthday.
Medigap for Nebraska Residents Under 65
In Nebraska, insurers aren’t obligated to offer Medicare Supplement policies to individuals under 65. They can assess your health through medical questions and may decline coverage based on your health status (Source).
However, if you meet their specific requirements, they might extend a policy offer to you. For additional information, check out our article about Medigap for under65.
Medicare Excess Charges in Nebraska
Excess charges can be a surprise for many Medicare beneficiaries. Doctors are allowed to charge more than Medicare’s approved rates, which can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket costs. This is known as a Part B excess charge. Medigap Plan G is your solution. Unlike other Medigap plans, Plan G covers 100% of these excess charges. This means you won’t have to pay a single penny extra, even if your doctor charges more than Medicare allows.
Want to learn more? Check out our article, “How to Avoid Medicare Excess Charges,” for a detailed explanation of Part B excess charges and how Medigap Plan G can protect you.
Get a Medigap Quote Enroll in Medigap
Are Nebraska Medigap Discounts Available?
They sure are! Check out:
Discounts can vary by location and provider, so call us for options specific to your area.
What to do now, Nebraska
What’s the next step? To obtain a Nebraska Medigap quote, simply give one of our licensed agents a call at 800-930-7956. It’s as easy as that!
And just a reminder, our team at Senior65.com provide their services to you free of charge!