Idaho Medigap Plans: Easy Guide and New Rules

Idaho Medigap Plans, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, is specifically designed to complement Original Medicare coverage. Starting in 2022, Idaho introduced new regulations that include the Birthday Rule and the use of Community Rating to set premium amounts.

ID Medicare Supplement Basics

Medigap policies are offered in ten standardized plans, each identified by a letter from “A” to “N.” These plans provide consistent benefits, regardless of the insurance company selling them. However, the premium prices can vary among different companies.

Starting January 1, 2020, Med Supp plans for new Medicare beneficiaries no longer cover the Part B deductible. As a result, Plans C and F are not available to individuals who become eligible for Medicare on or after that date. If you already have one of these plans or the high deductible version of Plan F, or if you were covered by one of these plans before January 1, 2020, you can keep your plan.

Side-by-side Idaho Medigap Plans comparison chart

Plans available for those Medicare-eligible after January 1, 2020:

Get a Medigap Quote Enroll in Medigap

*Medigap Plan G High deductible ($2,870) is also available.  Innovative plans may also be available in ID. Give Senior65.com a call for more info.

Idaho Medigap Plans: When To Enroll

Enrolling in a Medigap plan during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is highly recommended. This enrollment period begins when you turn 65 or older and have Medicare Part B coverage. During this period, which lasts for six months, you have guaranteed issue rights. This means that insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you higher premiums based on your health condition. It’s an opportune time to select a MedSup plan that suits your needs and provides the necessary financial protection.

Senior65.com can help you compare costs and help you apply so you do not miss your limited enrollment period.

How much does a Medigap plan cost in Idaho?: Community Rating

One common question we get at Senior65.com is about the monthly cost of a Medicare Supplement plan. The price varies depending on the plan you select, but ID has a unique rule that impact the pricing.

Idaho uses a Community Rating system, which means everyone pays the same premium, regardless of age or health. This helps keep premiums stable for all policyholders. If you’re considering a Medicare Supplement plan, you can quickly get an Medigap online quote here. Prices are regulated, so you won’t find a better deal for the same plan from the same provider anywhere else.

Get a Medigap Quote Enroll in Medigap

Can I switch plans in Idaho?: Medigap Birthay Rule

Starting March 1, 2022, Idaho’s new birthday rule allows Medigap policyholders to switch plans without going through medical underwriting. Previously, people with Medigap coverage couldn’t switch to another plan without facing health evaluations, which could result in denial if they had pre-existing conditions.

Now, starting on their birthday, policyholders have a 63-day window to switch to a new plan with equal or lesser benefits. They can choose a plan from a different insurer or opt for a lower-tier plan with their current provider. For instance, if you currently have a Plan G, you can purchase a Plan G from another company or any plan (with fewer benefits) with no health questions asked – as long as you do so using the Birthday Rule explained above. You cannot, however, upgrade or increase your benefits.  (Source)

If you need assistance with switching Medigap plans in Idaho (with or without the Birthday Rule), feel free to call us at 800-930-7956 or leave a comment in the box below.

Idaho Household Discounts for Medigap 

When two policies are issued by the same company to two people living in the same house, the company can provide a premium discount. This is called the Idaho Medigap Household Discount. These can range from 5% to 12%+ for each member. Contact Senior65.com to learn more or click on the household discount button on the Medigap quote results page. 

A great alternative is the Roommate Discount, which has just a few requirements. Get the full details in our article: “What is the Medigap Roommate Discount and How do I get it?“.

Idaho Medicare Part B Excess Charges

Part B Excess charges occur when doctors bill above Medicare-approved amounts. If doctors opt out of Medicare assignment, they can bill you extra, up to 15%. Luckily, Medigap Plan G covers 100% of excess charges, sparing you from paying these fees. Explore further in our article “How to Avoid Medicare Excess Charges.”

Medigap Under 65 in Idaho

According to the Idaho Department of Insurance rule 18.04.10, Medicare Supplement insurance policies in Idaho must be offered to individuals under 65 during their Medicare Initial Enrollment Period or any applicable guaranteed issue periods. Companies are allowed to charge premiums up to 150% of the rates for those aged 65. Higher rates can be reduced when you turn 65. Learn about Under65 Medigap rules here.

ID Most Popular Plan

You may already know that there have been recent changes in Medigap plans, resulting in a shift in the plans that are worth considering. In Idaho, the landscape has changed significantly, with Plan G emerging as the new preferred Medigap plan.

In the past, Plan F held the top spot in popularity, but since 2020, Plan G has gained traction, attracting over 46,000 enrollees among individuals who turned 65 after January 1, 2020. It’s important to stay informed about these changes and consider Plan G as a viable option for your Medigap coverage in ID. Get an instant quote for Plan G here.

What to do now for Medigap in Idaho

Now, simply give one of our licensed agents a call at 800-930-7956 to obtain an Idaho Medigap quote. It’s as simple as that!

And remember, our Senior65.com agents provide their services free of charge, so you won’t be charged extra fees!