Alaska Medigap Plans, AKA “Medicare Supplement Insurance”, are private insurance policies that patch up the holes in Medicare coverage. While heavily regulated, you purchased them from different companies, not the government. See below how Medigap works in AK and the special rule for Under 65.
Alaska Medigap Plans Basics
If you’re considering purchasing a Medigap plan in Alaska, you should keep these points in mind:
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) is extra insurance you can buy from a private health insurance company. It helps cover your out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare.
- You typically need to enroll in Original Medicare — Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) — before you are able to purchase a Medigap policy.
- After December 1, 1990, Medicare Supplement plans are Guaranteed Renewable unless premiums go unpaid.
- In Alaska, insurers can only sell “Standardized Policies” (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). After January 2020, they must offer Plan A, with either Plan D or G. No changes are allowed to these plans’ benefits. For help selecting a Medigap plan, click here.
- With Medigap, you can choose from any Medicare-accepting doctor. This gives you access to the largest network of doctors and facilities in the nation. Need a doctor in Anchorage? No referral is needed if they accept Medicare!
AK Medigap Plans Compared
What happened to the 10 Medigap plans we mentioned above? New regulations! Due to a new federal law, only those who are Medicare Part B eligible before 2020 can enroll in Medigap Plan C and Plan F. Those who because medicare-eligible after Jan 1 2020 can select from the 8 plans below.
| Benefits | A | B | D | G* | K | L | M | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part A Deductible ($1,676) | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 50% | 100% | |
| Part B Deductible ($257) | ||||||||
| 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 | $7,200 | $3,610 |
Get a Medigap Quote Enroll in Medigap
*Medigap Plan G High deductible ($2,870) is also available.
Alaska Open Enrollment
Anyone 65 or older who is enrolled in Medicare Part B has a guaranteed opportunity to buy a Medicare supplement plan in a six-month initial “Open Enrollment Period“. Insurers can’t say no or charge more based on age during this time.
Your open enrollment begins when you sign up for Medicare Part B at 65 and lasts six months. Applying later might mean coverage denial based on a review of your health. To make sure you do not miss your deadline please contact our team here at Senior65.com. There are no fees involved and no one can sell you the same Medigap plan for less than we do.
Switching Medigap Plans in Alaska
Alaska’s Medigap plans aren’t limited by AEP Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7). If you have a Medigap plan and are thinking about switching to a different one, you can make the change whenever you want. However, keep in mind that you might need to reapply and answer some health questions before getting approved. Your rate and approval will depend on responses, with some pre-existing conditions leading to denial. This process is known as “medical underwriting.”
Our experts will guide you step by step to find the best option for you. Call 800-930-7956 and that’s it! One tip: don’t cancel your old plan until you have a new one secured. To fully understand your rights and the rules involved, check out our detailed article, “Navigating Medicare Insurance Changes: A Comprehensive Guide.”
Alaska Medigap Most Popular Plans
According to recent data from America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), more than 20,000 Alaskans have picked a MedSup policy. Plan F remains the most enrolled, but new seniors can’t join it anymore. This has made Plan G the second favorite, with over 7,000 new enrollees since January 1, 2020. Plan G stands out for its good balance of benefits and cost.
All the details you need about Alaska Medigap Plan G are one click away. Don’t miss our full guide!
Alaska Medigap for Under 65
While many states have rules allowing earlier access to Medigap, Alaska isn’t one of them. If you’re under 65 and have Medicare Part B due to disability or end-stage renal disease, you won’t have an open enrollment period until you turn 65. (Source)
AK Medigap Discounts
All Medigap plans adhere to the standardized coverage, but some companies provide “Household Discounts” (HH Discounts). These discounts typically reduce your monthly Medicare Supplement premium when two individuals at the same address are enrolled with the same Medigap insurance company. Some providers don’t need both residents to be on the plan for the HH discount. Call us for details. This discount works for any dwelling and applies even if your spouse is already enrolled, and you’re a new enrollee.
One more solid option is the Roommate Discount because it’s easy to qualify for. You can learn all about it in our article: “What is the Medigap Roommate Discount and How do I get it?“.
Note: HH discounts aren’t automatically shown in our Medigap quoting system. Click the “show household discount” button on the results page. Call us at 800-930-7956 for more info on HH discounts in your area.
Alaska Medicare Excess Charges
On the other hand, here’s another key thing to remember: Excess Charges. Sometimes, doctors and hospitals can tack on an extra 15% to your bill, but with certain Medigap plans, like Plan G, those charges are covered for you. Check out our article “How To Avoid Medicare Excess Charges” for all the details!
Next Step, Alaskans
Don’t wait! Get an Alaska Medigap quote online now or call our team at 800-930-7956. It’s as easy as making a phone call!
Remember, at Senior65.com, we are here to assist you without charging any fees, so you have absolutely nothing to lose! If you have any questions or need support, feel free to leave a comment below.