Medigap Plan G high deductible

[a60dan]

Just want to clarify my understanding.

Medicare has deductibles for Part A & B that I must pay before any Medicare plan G HD coverage kicks in.

After Medicare deductible is met, I must pay 20% coinsurance for part B

When the amount I’ve paid in total reaches $2800 (for 2024), my Plan G pays everything else as long as the provider participates in Medicare.

I’m leaning toward community rated plans (all pay same premium) or issue age plans (premiums not increased solely due to age) from a company with a good history of rate increases.

Part D prescription coverage is a separate topic.

Have I missed anything?

 

[Dash man]

Did you check out Plan N? High deductible G is great when you’re healthy, but not so much if you develop a chronic problem or disease. Get sick late in the year and you can be hit with deductibles back to back. Plus the deductible increases each year.

 

[a60dan]

Yes.

N: $431 /month

G: $404/month

G: HD $71/month community rated too

 

[Dash man]

Yes.

N: $431 /month

G: $404/month

G: HD $71/month community rated too

Wow, that makes no sense since Plan G covers more. I’ve never heard of a Plan N being more expensive. I’d shop around. Our Plan N for both of us is only $244/month.

 

[audreyh1]

DH started with plan G around $108 just a few years ago. Your prices seem very high.

 

[a60dan]

I’m guessing you don’t live in NY state?

I think it’s related to the fact that we are one of four states that prohibit underwriting on supplement plans. Even after initial enrollment, you can switch plans each year without medical questions……

Only 6 plans offered by Excellus. They clearly want to sell Medicare Advantage.

I checked my son’s zip code in Florida. They have 30 plans ��*

I will continue my shopping in 2024 as I need to enroll in December.

 

[RetMD21]

I’m guessing you don’t live in NY state?

I think it’s related to the fact that we are one of four states that prohibit underwriting on supplement plans. Even after initial enrollment, you can switch plans each year without medical questions……

Only 6 plans offered by Excellus. They clearly want to sell Medicare Advantage.

I checked my son’s zip code in Florida. They have 30 plans ��*

I will continue my shopping in 2024 as I need to enroll in December.

G-HD looks like a bargain. Probably the other folks in the pool are young and healthy. You can switch to G before leaving NY if you ever move, right?

 

[a60dan]

G-HD looks like a bargain. Probably the other folks in the pool are young and healthy. You can switch to G before leaving NY if you ever move, right?

I think that we can only switch at open enrollment, but yes I could switch prior to moving.

I’d be locking in those high premiums.

From what I’ve learned over the years, community rating with diverse age groups have historically had the best premiums.

Medicare is new to me, so I still have more to learn.

 

[RetMD21]

I think that we can only switch at open enrollment, but yes I could switch prior to moving.

I’d be locking in those high premiums.

From what I’ve learned over the years, community rating with diverse age groups have historically had the best premiums.

Medicare is new to me, so I still have more to learn.

Although it depends on the insurance company you may just be able to continue the same supplement with a new rate after switching states. Of course, if you move anywhere outside NY that would likely be much lower.

 

[jim584672]

Since NY has a pure community rating the way to handle it is do the high deductible G when you are "young" 65ish and as you get older or sicker move to the regular G or N.

I see a range of $67 to $103 for the High-D G in my area.

https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumer_health_insurance/supplement_plans_rates/plans

 

[a60dan]

Wow, that makes no sense since Plan G covers more. I’ve never heard of a Plan N being more expensive. I’d shop around. Our Plan N for both of us is only $244/month.

Yesterday I met with a volunteer representing the NY State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

I’m glad I’ve been educating myself because she went over all the supplemental and advantage plans.

Although she didn’t know why, she mentioned that the Excellus Plan G had increased significantly last year.

When she got to their “really good” new Advantage plan, and went over all the things they are “giving you” I said “ Now I know why they jacked up the Plan G premium ”

The PPO Advantage plan is extremely tempting at $14/month, $1000 dental/vision on top of 2 cleanings, gym, etc.

She did counsel that our travel throughout the US would be better served by traditional Medicare.

My gut is still telling me to consider Plan G HD ($71/month Excellus) or Plan G at UHC AARP ($283/month).

The annual premium difference is~ $2550, close to the $2800 high deductible.

She also pointed out that she was glossing over the Advantage plans accepted by only one of the 2 hospital networks.

I’m intending to speak with a broker (recommended by former boss) at the end of the month.

REF

Medicare Monthly Premiums - Guest Applications - DFS Portal

myportal.dfs.ny.gov

 

[RetMD21]

The good thing about NY is that if the fees go up with one plan you can just switch, right?

 

[Dash man]

Yesterday I met with a volunteer representing the NY State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

I’m glad I’ve been educating myself because she went over all the supplemental and advantage plans.

Although she didn’t know why, she mentioned that the Excellus Plan G had increased significantly last year.

When she got to their “really good” new Advantage plan, and went over all the things they are “giving you” I said “ Now I know why they jacked up the Plan G premium ”

The PPO Advantage plan is extremely tempting at $14/month, $1000 dental/vision on top of 2 cleanings, gym, etc.

She did counsel that our travel throughout the US would be better served by traditional Medicare.

My gut is still telling me to consider Plan G HD ($71/month Excellus) or Plan G at UHC AARP ($283/month).

The annual premium difference is~ $2550, close to the $2800 high deductible.

She also pointed out that she was glossing over the Advantage plans accepted by only one of the 2 hospital networks.

I’m intending to speak with a broker (recommended by former boss) at the end of the month.

REF

Medicare Monthly Premiums - Guest Applications - DFS Portal

myportal.dfs.ny.gov

Keep in mind the broker gets a much higher commission with Advantage plans. Make sure cancer drugs are fully covered after the deductible. Read all the fine print.