Alabama Medigap Plans, casually called Medicare Supplement Insurance, are like the superheroes of healthcare, filling in the blanks that Original Medicare leaves behind. Understanding the basics to Alabama Medigap insurance, which operates similarly to most of the country, is key to making smart choices for your health and wallet.
Alabama Medigap Plans Essentials
To start your journey for an Alabama Medigap Plan, get the basics down first. You have to be in the Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) to qualify. The best thing is, Medigap plans across the state follow a script, offering the same key benefits. Whether you go with Company A or B, or live in Birmingham or Mobile, you’ve got the same 10 plans (A through N) with the same benefits to pick from.
Medigap plays by the rules – federal and state rules, to be precise. They make sure every plan, no matter who you pick, sticks to the same core benefits.
What are the differences between AL Medigap plans?
Below is a chart that compares coverage of standardized Medigap plans in Alabama.
| 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 as Plan G but requires a high deductible of $2,800.
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When to Enroll in an Alabama Medigap Plan
The best time to jump on board with an AL Medigap plan is during your initial “Medigap Open Enrollment” phase, a six-month window commencing from the first month you acquire Medicare Part B at 65 or older. In this span, you can pick any Medigap policy, no questions asked about your health history. Once this window closes, getting a Medigap plan might be trickier or costlier. Unlike the yearly Medicare Open Enrollment Party, your Medigap Open Enrollment is a one-time event.
But hey, if you missed the boat, you have options. Check out our article “Help! I’ve Missed My Medigap Initial Enrollment Period.” Or drop a comment below, and our agents will follow up to lend a hand.
Medigap Under 65 in AL
For those under 65 rocking Medicare Disability in Alabama, Medigap isn’t a sure thing. They play by the company’s rules when it comes to approval. But, there’s a golden ticket—a guarantee for six months kicking in at 65, even for those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Read our article about all the rules at Medigap Under 65.
How much does a Medigap plan cost in Alabama?
Plans are more or less “clones,” but the price tag can vary between insurers with the same letter. The Alabama Department of Insurance helps regulate pricing, but each insurance company can set its own rates. Hit the button below for an instant quote on Alabama Medigap plan costs.
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Alabama Household Discount
Save money on Med Supp bills with the Household Discount (HHD). The HHD can save you 14% a month depending on the insurer. You can see the HHD price by hitting the House Hold Discount radio button on our instant Medigap quote result page. The HHD might even give discounts to roommates without a legal union. Learn the details in our deep dive into Medigap Household Discounts. Each company has its own way of doing things, so contact our team at Senior65.com to learn more.
The Roommate Discount is another great choice with simple requirements. Find out more in our article, “What is the Medigap Roommate Discount and How Can You Get It?”.
Switching Alabama Medigap Plans
The AEP Open Enrollment (Oct 15 to Dec 7) isn’t for Medigap plans in your state. If you’re a Medigap plan holder considering a switch to another plan, know that you have the flexibility to do so whenever you like. Keep in mind, though, that you may need to reapply and go through some health questions before getting approved. Certain pre-existing conditions might result in a higher rate or denial. This is part of what’s called “medical underwriting.”
For a deeper dive into your rights and the regulations, we suggest reading our article, “Navigating Medicare Insurance Changes: A Comprehensive Guide.” Feel free to contact us if you need help switching your Medicare Supplement plan.
Medicare Excess Charges in Alabama
Excess Charges happen when doctors charge more than what Medicare allows. Medicare typically covers 80%, leaving you with 20%. But some doctors don’t accept Medicare’s full payment, so they charge you the difference. These additional costs are Excess Charges. Several Medigap plans, like Plan G, handle these charges for you. Learn more in our article “How To Avoid Medicare Excess Charges.“
What Now, Alabamians?
Now that you’re the Alabama Medigap Plan guru, questions might still pop up. Fire away in the comments or call us at 800-930-7956.
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