Senior Listening

Turning 65 or already on Medicare? You may be wondering how to limit out of pocket medical bills. While Original Medicare helps cover hospital and doctor care, it doesn’t pay for everything. That’s where Medicare Supplement insurance, often called Medigap, comes in.

A Medicare Supplement policy helps pay the costs Medicare leaves behind such as deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. These plans work with Original Medicare, not instead of it, and they let you see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare.

Keep in mind supplemental insurance only covers charges for services that Medicare covers so things such as dental, vision and hearing would not be covered.

See your Medicare You & Me handbook for what are covered services in regards to dental, vision and hearing in order to avoid unexpected charges.

Understanding Your Choices Medicare Supplement plans go by letters – Plan G, Plan N, Plan F and others. The good news is that these plans are standardized. That means Plan G covers the same medical benefits no matter which company sells it. The difference comes down to the monthly premium, customer service and future rate increases.

For many Montanans, Plan G is the most popular option because it covers all Medicare gaps except the Part B annual deductible. Plan N can cost less each month but has modest copays for some visits. Plan F, which covers everything that Medicare doesn’t, is only available to those who were eligible for Medicare before 2020.

Timing Matters

Everyone gets a one time Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period. It lasts six months and begins when you are 65 or older and you start Part B. During this time, insurance companies must accept you — no health questions asked.

After that window closes, you can still apply, but companies may review your health history and can charge more or deny coverage. Montana does not currently have special annual switching protections, so choosing carefully early on is important.

Medigap plans are guaranteed to be renewable for life if premiums are paid. Prescription drugs are not included, so a separate Part D plan is needed. And remember — free help is available through Montana’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program at 1-800-551-3191, along with licensed professionals who can help compare options.

Making a thoughtful choice now can help bring peace of mind for years ahead.