Best Medicare Supplement Plan in 2025
Choosing a Medicare Supplement Plan in 2025
Key Points
- A Medicare Supplement plan is a secondary plan that helps pick up the remaining costs after Medicare.
- Medicare Supplement plan premiums vary by zip code, age, gender, and tobacco use, so they will be different for each enrollee.
- The best time to apply for a Medicare Supplement plan is during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment window to avoid answering health questions.
Many seniors will become eligible for Medicare in 2025. Transitioning from employer or private insurance to Medicare can be quite the adjustment. With employer or private coverage, you typically have a couple of plan options. However, when it comes to Medicare, you have numerous paths you can take.
After you apply for Medicare, you have two choices: apply for a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan. Once you choose one of these, you have many options to consider.
Supplement plans pay secondary to Medicare and provide you with fewer out-of-pocket costs during the year. These plans can give you comprehensive medical coverage that is easy to make sense of. Still, you want to make sure you understand all the elements involved and what Medicare Supplements can provide for you. You also want to consider the top Medicare Supplement companies in your area because the premiums will vary. Before going down the research rabbit hole, let’s go over some key things about Supplement plans.
What are Medicare Supplements?
Medicare Supplements, also referred to as Medigap plans, are secondary insurance that helps beneficiaries with the out-of-pocket expenses they are left with under Medicare. For example, Medicare Part B pays 80% of your approved outpatient services, leaving you to pay the remaining 20%. This is where Medigap plans come in. You receive full or partial help with copays, deductibles, and coinsurance in exchange for a monthly premium.
Supplemental plans do not have networks, so you can visit any doctor across the United States who accepts Original Medicare and receive healthcare services.
What is the most popular Medicare Supplement plan in 2025?
The right plan for you comes down to your personal preferences and individual needs. However, two of the most popular supplements are Plan G and Plan N.
Medicare Supplement Plan G
Plan G has risen in popularity over the years due to its comprehensive medical coverage. Beneficiaries with Plan G pay the annual Part B deductible and have 100% of the rest of their Medicare-approved services covered for the year.
Medicare Supplement Plan N
Plan N is another popular Medigap plan, similar to Plan G. Plan N tends to have lowermonthly premiums than Plan G but with more out-of-pocket expenses. With Plan N, you pay the yearly Part B deductible, excess charges, and copays for doctor and emergency room visits. Besides these few differences, Plan N and Plan G function similarly.
Medicare beneficiaries need to note that a Medigap plan such as Plan G offered by one insurance company will have the same medical benefits no matter which carrier they select. So, a Plan G through Aetna will provide the same coverage as a Plan G through Mutual of Omaha. The only difference will be the price.
How much do Supplement plans cost?
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While the medical coverage is straightforward, the cost of a Supplement plan is less cut and dry. Monthly premiums vary based on factors like your gender, age, zip code, tobacco use, and insurance carrier.
Due to all these elements, the cost of a Supplement plan can be different for everyone. Plan costs will also fluctuate depending on the coverage. If you have a Plan G and want to go down in coverage to a Plan N, you will probably find lower premiums than your Plan G.
When can I apply for a Medicare Supplement plan in 2025?
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering a Supplement.
If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Supplement plan in 2025 and want to switch to a more cost-effective carrier, you can shop for premium rates any time of the year. Most people shop their premium rates around their policy’s anniversary date.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan and want to change to a Supplement, it’s not as simple. You will need to enroll in a Part D plan to help kick you out of your Advantage plan, and you can only enroll in a Part D plan when you have an available election period. Therefore, making this switch requires a little more planning.
Open Enrollment
If you are new to Medicare, your open enrollment period is the best time to apply for a Medicare Supplement. Medicare beneficiaries receive a one-time, six-month open enrollment period based on their Part B effective date. You can apply for a Medicare Supplement during this window with no health questions asked.
If you are transitioning to Medicare in 2025, you want to make sure you make a note of when your open enrollment period ends so that you don’t miss it.
Underwriting
Once you are outside your one-time open enrollment period, you will likely need to undergo health underwriting when applying for a Supplement plan.
Some states have exceptions to this rule, but if you are thinking about switching plans or insurance carriers, know that underwriting may be a requirement before getting approved. If you need to pass underwriting, you can either be approved, denied or charged a higher premium due to your pre-existing conditions.
Compare your options
Medicare Supplements are offered in all 50 states, but the plans you can pick from depend on what the insurance carriers in your area choose to provide. You want to compare your plan options and decide based on what works best for your healthcare needs and budget.
It’s important to know what to expect regarding your Medicare coverage. Here at Emergent Financial Group, we can help you evaluate things like a carrier’s financial ratings and average rate increases, so you can narrow down the choice most suitable for you.
Key Takeaways
- Beneficiaries enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan to help with their hospital and medical costs after Medicare.
- The popular Medicare Supplement plans in 2025 are Plan G and Plan N.
- You will want to apply for a Supplement plan during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment window because if you miss this window, you may need to answer health questions to apply for a Supplement plan.
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