Missouri's Best Medicare Supplement Plans & Companies
Missouri residents on Original Medicare can supplement their Part A and Part B coverage with Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap plans). There are ten different plan options available in Missouri. Each plan pays different out-of-pocket costs.
This article breaks down the best Medigap plans and insurance companies in Missouri for 2024.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Know
- Private insurance companies offer supplemental Medicare insurance in Missouri, not the government.
- Supplemental Medicare insurance is available in 10 different plan options, labeled A through N, each providing a different level of Medicare coverage.
- Missouri residents become eligible for supplemental Medicare insurance at age 65.
- All plans offer coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Medicare Part B copayments or coinsurance, and the first three pints of blood.
- Most plans also cover the Medicare Part A deductible and Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance.
- It's important to note that Medicare Supplement Insurance does not cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, or private-duty nursing.
- The average costs for a 65-year-old can vary significantly based on factors such as gender, tobacco use, your location in Missouri, and the level of coverage you select.
- A Medicare Supplement Plan is not classified as health insurance; it falls under indemnity insurance and operates under its own set of rules.
The 5 Best Medicare Supplement Plans Sold in Missouri
There are ten distinct Medigap plans, A through N, all of which adhere to federal Medicare program standards.
For the 2024 plan year in Missouri, the top-rated plans are Medicare Supplement Plan F, Plan C, Plan D, Plan G, and Plan N. These plans are considered the best because they provide the most comprehensive coverage.
However, the key question is, which one of these plans is the most suitable choice for you?
RELATED: What is the Difference Between Medicare Plan G and Plan N?
An effective way to gain insights into each of these ten plans is to refer to a Medicare Supplement Plan chart. This chart shows how each plan covers expenses such as Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
NOTE: Medicare Part A and Medigap Plan A can be confusing, as are Medicare Part D and Medigap Plan D. Medicare benefits come in “parts,” whereas insurance companies sell “plans.”
Comparing Medicare Supplement Plans in Missouri
Individuals covered by Medicare have unique requirements. Your age, gender, Missouri zip code, utilization of medical services, choice of healthcare providers, emergency care needs, as well as your requirements for supplies and durable medical equipment all contribute to the factors you should take into account.
These elements are essential as they significantly impact your available plan choices. It's crucial to thoroughly evaluate your outpatient and inpatient care needs as part of this consideration.
When Best = Most Coverage Available in Missouri
Most insurance experts agree that Plan G is the best option in Missouri if you are signing up for Medicare with one or more chronic health issues. It offers the most coverage you can buy if you qualify for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
NOTE: Plan F offers more coverage than Medicare Supplement Plan G, but it costs significantly more, and it is only available if you qualify for Medicare before 2020.
- Get Plan F and Plan G Quotes in Your Zip Code
- See All Companies Offering Plan F in Missouri
- See All Companies Offering Plan G in Missouri
When Best = Excellent Protection & Cost-Effective Premiums
If you're enrolling in Medicare and find yourself in excellent health or in need of solid coverage but are concerned about the cost of Plan G, consider Medicare Supplement Plan N as a viable option. Plan N provides comprehensive coverage everywhere in Missouri for inpatient hospital stays and most medical expenses.
Plan N is a suitable choice for healthy individuals due to its cost-sharing feature. In exchange for lower monthly premiums, beneficiaries in this plan are responsible for a modest copayment for doctor's office visits (up to $20) or emergency room visits (up to $50).
When Best = Cheapest Plan Available in Missouri
Not everyone in Missouri needs or can afford comprehensive coverage. When your monthly premium amount is a concern, ask your insurance agent to advise you on Medicare Supplement Plan K and High Deductible Plan G (HDG).
These are the two lowest-cost plans available. Many savvy Missouri seniors prefer these plan options over a Medicare Advantage plan.
Are Plan A, B, C, D, L and M Available in Missouri?
Medicare Supplement Plan A represents the most fundamental coverage available. Surprisingly, in many areas of Missouri, its cost exceeds that of Plan N. Why pay more for less?
Medicare Supplement Plan C and Plan D provide coverage similar to Plan G but come at a higher cost. Additionally, similar to Plan F, Plan C is exclusively accessible to Missouri beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare prior to 2020.
It's worth noting that only a select few insurance companies in Missouri offer Plan L or Plan M.
Health Insurance Company vs. Life Insurance Company: Which is Best?
Every Medicare Supplement Insurance provider operating in Missouri is bound by federal and state insurance regulations. They are required to offer the standardized Medigap plans identified by letters A through N.
For example, a Plan F policy from Aetna Medicare covers the same out-of-pocket costs as a Plan F policy from Mutual of Omaha, United Healthcare, Humana, Cigna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield. This standardization simplifies the comparison of Medigap plans, setting them apart from the variability often found in Medicare Advantage plans.
The crucial difference is the financial strength and quality of the carrier and how they rate their plan for annual premium increases. It's critical to do your research and get the rate increase history on the company you're considering.
Missouri state laws may influence the plans offers, rating methods available, and enrollment qualification. Visit the Missouri Department of Insurance website at http://www.insurance.mo.gov/ for more information.
Medicare Supplement Plan F Companies in Missouri
Medicare Supplement Plan F (Medigap Plan F) is Missouri’s most popular Medigap plan. Here are the 10 best companies that offer Plan F policies in Missouri based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan F in Missouri
Medigap Plan F is standardized like all Medicare Supplement Plans in Missouri. Insurance carriers are required to cover certain benefits. Plan F is the most comprehensive plan because it covers all gaps in Original Medicare.
Although Original Medicare does not cover foreign travel medical emergencies, Plan F does (up to 89%). In addition to this extra benefit, companies may offer limited additional features. One example is Physician Mutual’s Preventive Care and Hearing Loss Testing benefits.
Medicare Supplement Plan G Companies in Missouri
Medicare Supplement Plan G (Medigap Plan G) is rapidly gaining popularity with Missouri seniors. With Plan F no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries, Plan G is the new gold standard. Here are the 10 best insurance companies that offer Medigap Plan G policies in Missouri based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan G in Missouri
All Medigap plans in Missouri, including Medigap Plan G, are standardized. Insurance companies must provide the standard coverage. Plan G covers all gaps in Original Medicare except the Part B deductible. And it only covers 80% of foreign travel medical emergencies that fall within your policy’s limits.
Companies may offer additional features like UnitedHealthcare’s fitness program, Renew Active, or the Silver Sneakers fitness program.
Medicare Supplement Plan N Companies in Missouri
Medicare Supplement Plan N is similar to Plan D (not to be confused with Medicare Part D) but covers Medicare Part B coinsurance costs differently. Due to its lower cost and good coverage, it's catching the attention of many Arizona seniors. Here are the 10 best insurance companies that offer Medigap Plan N policies in Missouri based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan N in Missouri
All Medicare Supplement Plans in Missouri are standardized, including Medigap Plan N. Like Plan G, Plan N does not cover the Part B deductible. It also does not cover Part B excess charges. But it does cover 80% of foreign travel medical emergencies up to the policy’s limits.
Medicare limits the types of extra benefits companies can offer. One excellent additional benefit is UnitedHealthcare’s NurseLine, which lets you talk to an experienced nurse, day or night.
Medcare Eligibility for Medigap Plans
You can apply for Medigap coverage in Missouri during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Your OEP is a six-month period that begins when you enroll in Medicare Part B. Your Medicare eligibility date will determine which plan types are available to you.
Federal law grants you guaranteed issue rights during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. You can get a Medicare Supplement Plan during this period, regardless of your health history and chronic health conditions. You cannot be turned down, and you can go with the company of your choice, so long as they sell policies in Missouri.
Missouri Medigap plan enrollees require the assistance of a licensed insurance agent. If you don't have an insurance agent, we recommend HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Call them at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711). They work with all of the top Missouri insurance companies. There's no obligation.
Is a Medicare Supplement Right for You?
When a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan May Be a Good Fit:
- You anticipate needing frequent healthcare services now or in the future and prefer to limit your deductibles and co-pays.
- You have the financial means to comfortably afford the monthly premiums associated with Medicare Supplement Insurance and do not qualify for Medicaid.
- You value the freedom to choose your healthcare providers and doctors without the constraints of network restrictions.
- You require nationwide coverage and/or plan to travel abroad.
- You are in your Initial Enrollment Period, granting you guaranteed issue rights to enroll in a Medigap plan, regardless of your current health condition.
- You want to avoid the constraints, referrals, and pre-authorization requirements associated with Medicare Advantage plans.
When You May Want to Consider Alternatives to a Medicare Supplement:
- You do not anticipate the need for frequent healthcare services now or in the future.
- You missed your Medigap open enrollment period and cannot pass medical underwriting to obtain your preferred Medigap policy.
- You prefer a Medicare Advantage plan with low or no monthly premiums.
- You already have Medicaid, TRICARE, VA benefits, retiree benefits, or other coverage options that cover most of your Medicare out-of-pocket expenses.
- You are interested in an HMO or PPO plan with a Part D prescription drug plan, Silver Sneakers, and routine dental, vision, and hearing care.
- You are comfortable adhering to the rules and limitations of a Medicare Advantage plan.
Alternatives to Missouri Medicare Supplement Plans
If you have determined that a Missouri Medicare Supplement Plan is not the right fit for your needs, or if none of the 10 plan types align with your budget, there are several alternative options:
- Opt to stay with Original Medicare, add a Medicare Part D plan to get prescription drug coverage, and cover all Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments out-of-pocket. Please note: This approach carries significant financial risk, regardless of your current health status.
- If you meet the qualifications for both Medicare and Medicaid or have a serious health condition, consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan.
- If you are enrolled in the VA health system, you can receive all your healthcare services from your nearest VA hospital. In such cases, the VA will bill Medicare and cover the remaining costs.
- Explore the option of enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan featuring a low maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit and reasonable copayments.
As you explore these Medicare coverage alternatives, remember that the choice you make can have a significant impact on your healthcare and financial well-being. Take the time to assess your unique needs and preferences. Should you require further clarity or assistance in navigating the options available to you in Missouri, don't hesitate to reach out to our preferred agency, HealthCompare, at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).
Next Steps
The next step is to get a FREE Medigap Rate Comparison Report. It will arm you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
Get Your Free Medicare Supplement Rate Comparison
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If you would prefer to speak with an agent, our preferred, nationwide agency is HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Give them a call at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).
Citations & References
- Costs of Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- What's Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- Find a Medigap policy that works for you, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- How to compare Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- How Original Medicare works, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- Your Medicare coverage choices, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023