by Russell Noga | Updated September 11th, 2023
As an Original Medicare beneficiary, you get assistance with the costs associated with medical consultations, treatments, and hospitalization as you age. It’s a vital policy for any senior who wants to reduce their healthcare expenses during their golden years.
However, Original Medicare doesn’t cover you for all your healthcare expenses associated with Parts A & B of your Medicare policies. You’ll have additional out-of-pocket expenses to pay, especially in the event of a medical emergency.
Medicare Supplement Plan A, also known as “Medigap” Plan A, can assist you with covering some of the out-of-pocket costs associated with the healthcare expenses not covered by Original Medicare Parts A & B.
This post gives you everything you need to know about Plan A so you can make an informed decision if it’s the right supplemental policy for you.
We’ll also make recommendations on other Medigap plans offering you a more comprehensive level of coverage.
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What Is Medicare Supplement Plan A?
Medigap supplement Plan A is a policy offered by private insurers providing Medigap schemes in America.
Plan A offers basic coverage for the out-of-pocket healthcare expenses incurred in Original Medicare Parts A & B.
The Federal government mandates that all private healthcare insurers offering Medigap plans must include Plan A in their offering. It’s not a very popular plan due to its limited coverage, and many other options provide better supplemental coverage.
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan A Cover?
Medigap Plan A offers you the following coverage for healthcare expenses associated with Original Medicare Parts A & B.
- 100% of your Medicare Part A hospitalization and coinsurance costs
- 100% of your Medicare Part B coinsurance and copays.
- The first three pints of blood for transfusions or medical procedures.
- 100% of Part A hospice care costs.
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan A Not Cover?
Medigap Plan A doesn’t offer coverage for the following with Original Medicare Parts A & B.
- Care in a skilled nursing facility.
- Your Part A & B deductibles
- Excess charges incurred for Original Medicare Part B services. (Some doctors charge above the Medicare-approved amount by up to 15%. If it’s more than the “Medicare Assignment” rate, you’ll have to pay the excess).
- Emergency care during foreign travel
You also don’t get any coverage for preventative care services, such as vision, hearing, and dental. There’s no coverage for long-term care in unskilled nursing homes or private nursing care.
However, that’s pretty standard across all Medigap policies.
What Are the Other Choices for Medigap? – Comparing Costs and Cover
Medigap Plan A
Medigap Plan A is one of the most basic plans, offering you the lowest level of coverage possible. It’s a good choice for seniors, but you don’t get full coverage of many Original Medicare Part A & B services.
Considering what you pay for the plan, you should consider enrolling in another Medigap policy, like one of the plans listed below.
Average Premium Range: $85 to $115
Medigap Plan G
Medigap Plan G is currently the most popular option for new Medigap enrollees. With Plan G, you get the most comprehensive level of coverage available in Medigap policies.
Only Plan F offers more because it covers the Part B deductible. However, Plan F is no longer available to seniors eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020.
So, Plan G is the next best option to Plan F. However, it has the most expensive premiums. Many providers also offer the “high-deductible” version of Plan G to compensate for this.
HD Plan G reduces your monthly payments but also increases the Part A deductible for Original Medicare from $1,600 to $2,700. However, HD Plan G isn’t available in all states or from all insurers.
Speak to us, and we’ll let you know if a provider in your state offers this policy.
Average Standard Plan G Premium Range: $96 to $341.
High-deductible Medigap Plan G Average Premium Range: $30 to $67.
Medigap Plan N
Plan N is the second-most-popular Medigap plan after Plan G. It offers low monthly premiums, but you must make copays on some services.
For instance, there’s a $20 copayment responsibility for visiting the doctor and a $50 copayment for a trip to the emergency room where you aren’t admitted into the hospital.
Plan N also doesn’t cover excess charges if you see a doctor charging more than the Medicare-approved rate. There’s also no coverage for the Part B deductible.
However, if you don’t incur many medical expenses during the year, Plan N is an affordable alternative to Plan A.
Average Premium Range: $72 to $310.
Medigap Plan K
Plan K is one of the lowest-cost Medigap policies, offering a slightly better level of coverage than Plan A.
It’s popular with low-income seniors who want more financial assistance from their Medigap plan in the event of a medical emergency.
You get 50% coverage for most Part A & B benefits, so consider it carefully before enrolling in this policy.
Average Premium Range: $47 to $112.
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Who Offers Medicare Supplement Plan A Polices?
Medigap Plan A and all Medigap policies are available from private healthcare insurers in the United States.
The Federal government regulates the Part A & B benefits in these plans, ensuring consistent coverage across the industry.
However, providers can charge more or less for their policies, depending on their risk assessment of you and the state.
They can also offer additional perks and benefits to members who take more comprehensive policies.
Speak to our team, and we’ll give you the best options for Medigap plans in your state.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medicare Supplement Plan A?
Medicare Supplement Plan A is a standardized insurance plan that helps cover certain healthcare costs not covered by Original Medicare. It is one of the ten Medigap plans available in most states.
What does Medicare Supplement Plan A cover?
Medicare Supplement Plan A covers the Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted. It also covers the Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment.
Does Medicare Supplement Plan A cover the Medicare Part A deductible?
No, Medicare Supplement Plan A does not cover the Medicare Part A deductible. However, other Medigap plans provide coverage for this deductible.
Can I use Medicare Supplement Plan A with a Medicare Advantage plan?
No, you cannot use a Medicare Supplement Plan A with a Medicare Advantage plan. Medigap plans are not compatible with Medicare Advantage plans.
Is Medicare Supplement Plan A available to everyone?
Yes, Medicare Supplement Plan A is available to anyone who is enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), regardless of pre-existing conditions. However, eligibility and availability may vary depending on your state.
Can I choose any insurance company to purchase Medicare Supplement Plan A?
Yes, you can choose any insurance company that offers Medicare Supplement Plan A in your state. Prices and benefits may vary, so it’s important to compare different insurance companies before making a decision.
Will Medicare Supplement Plan A cover prescription drugs?
No, Medicare Supplement Plan A does not provide coverage for prescription drugs. You may need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to get prescription drug coverage.
Does Medicare Supplement Plan A cover medical services outside the United States?
No, Medicare Supplement Plan A does not cover medical services received outside of the United States. If you frequently travel abroad, you may want to consider other Medigap plans that offer coverage for foreign travel emergencies.
Are premiums for Medicare Supplement Plan A the same across all insurance companies?
No, premiums for Medicare Supplement Plan A can vary depending on the insurance company, location, and other factors. It’s important to compare prices and consider the reputation and stability of the insurance company before choosing a plan.
Can I switch from Medicare Supplement Plan A to a different plan?
Yes, in most cases, you can switch from Medicare Supplement Plan A to a different Medigap plan. However, you may need to go through medical underwriting, and there is no guarantee that you will be accepted or offered the same premium rates. It’s advisable to review your options and consult with an insurance professional before making any changes.
Find the Right Medicare Plan for You
Finding the most suitable Medicare plan doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether it’s a Medigap plan, or you have questions about Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D, we can help.
Call us today at 1-888-891-0229 and one of our knowledgeable, licensed insurance agents will be happy to assist you!
Russell Noga is the CEO and Medicare editor of Medisupps.com. His 15 years of experience in the Medicare insurance market includes being a licensed Medicare insurance broker in all 50 states. He is frequently featured as a featured as a keynote Medicare event speaker, has authored hundreds of Medicare content pages, and hosts the very popular Medisupps.com Medicare Youtube channel. His expertise includes Medicare, Medigap insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Part D.