Which Humana Medigap Plan Is Right for Me?
Let's take a look at the different Medigap plans and who they're best for so you can decide which Humana plan might be the right fit for you.
Seniors Who Need Basic Coverage but Not Extensive Healthcare Services
Humana's Medigap plans A and B are designed to help cover costs for basic needs not paid by Medicare Parts A and B, such as unexpected medical expenses or extended hospital care. You save money with these plans, as you are not paying for coverage you do not use, but you may have to deal with a few unexpected expenses. Plan B adds a bit more coverage for hospitalization.
Seniors Who Travel and Have the Budget to Pay for More Comprehensive Coverage
Opting for Plan C means your monthly expenses will stay constant, as it covers most Medicare-approved medical expenses. It has all the benefits of Plans A and B plus skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, Part A deductible for hospitalization and Medicare Part B deductible for medical, medical and hospital outpatient expenses, and medical emergency help (up to plan limits) when you're traveling out of the country. Plan G, a very popular choice, covers all the supplements of Plans A, B, and C, with the exception of the Medicare Part B deductible. It's worth doing the math to see if your rate generated for Plan G will save you money.
Pro Tip: Medicare Supplement insurance plans A through G provide benefits at higher premiums with limited out-of-pocket costs. Plans K through N are cost-sharing plans offering similar benefits at lower premiums with greater out-of-pocket costs.
Seniors Looking for the Most Complete Coverage Available
Plan F is one of only two Medigap plans that cover 100 percent of Medicare Part B excess charges. This protects you from additional expenses for treatments that exceed Medicare approval. Plans A, B, and C benefits are covered plus skilled nursing facility care, Medicare Part A and B deductibles, and international travel emergency help. Plan F also has a high-deductible option with a lower premium, but note that the deductible is not fixed and can go up each year.
Seniors on Tight Budgets Who Don't Need Frequent Doctor Visits
Plans K and L offer lower premiums for less coverage. You get the same basic benefits but with less coinsurance and copayment coverage. On the other hand, you are protected by out-of-pocket maximums that limit the amount you may pay each year. After that maximum is reached, the plan pays 100 percent of Medicare-approved costs for the remainder of the year. These plans give peace of mind in case of a serious illness or accident.
Plan K offers a lower premium than Plan L, but it has higher coinsurance amounts and annual out-of-pocket maximums. Plan N is similar to plans K and L in that it maintains a lower premium than other plans, but it offers more coverage than K and L. Plan N covers 100 percent of your Medicare Part B coinsurance costs, but you will have a $20 copay for office visits and a $50 copay for ER visits.
FYI: If a Healthy Living version of your chosen plan is available, it adds on vision and dental coverage.
