Best Connecticut Medigap Medicare Supplement Plans
In this Article
A Medigap plan can help you pay some out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). In this article, you will discover what Medicare Supplement plans in Connecticut cost, which Medicare plans are available, the gaps each plan fills, when and how to enroll, how to avoid underwriting, and how to get discounts and premiums on Medicare supplemental insurance where you live.
What You Need to Know
- Medigap plans in Connecticut are offered by private insurance companies and are designed to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.
- Connecticut Medigap Plans are standardized, meaning each plan letter offers the same basic benefits regardless of the insurer.
- Medigap coverage is available to Connecticut residents at age 65 and over who have enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.
- All standard plans offer coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments, and the first three pints of blood.
- All but two Medigap plans cover the Medicare Part A deductible and Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance.
- Medigap insurance does not cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, or private-duty nursing.
- Medigap policies are available in 10 different plan options, labeled A through N.
- Medicare SELECT plans require enrollees to use a local Connecticut provider network.
- Some insurers offer a household discount when both you and your spouse have a policy.
Do You Need a Medicare Supplement in Connecticut?
The way Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is designed, it pays about 80% of medically necessary healthcare costs. That leaves the remaining 20% for the Medicare beneficiary to pay through deductibles, coinsurance, and co-payments. Without additional coverage, these out-of-pocket costs can add up quickly.
Most Medicare-approved health services have a deductible and/or a copayment or coinsurance. If you need hospital inpatient care, out-of-pocket expenses are considerable, creating bills most Connecticut seniors simply can't afford.
For instance, the Medicare Part A deductible is $1,600 per benefit period. Plus, you are responsible for 20% of all Part B medical costs.
That's where supplemental Medicare coverage in Connecticut comes in. Supplemental insurance, or Medigap, helps you with these Medicare coverage expenses. It's called Medigap because it fills many of the cost gaps in Original Medicare.
Also See: Is Supplemental Medicare Insurance a Waste of Money?
Is a Medicare Supplement Right for You?
Yes, if you:
- Expect the need for frequent healthcare services now and/or in the future and want to limit your deductibles and co-pays.
- Can afford the monthly premiums of Medicare Supplement insurance and don't qualify for Medicaid.
- Want the freedom to choose your doctors and other Medicare providers without network restrictions.
- Need nationwide coverage and/or travel abroad and need coverage for emergency care.
- Are in your initial enrollment period and have guaranteed issue rights to join a plan regardless of your health condition.
- Don’t want a Medicare Advantage plan and the hassle of referrals and pre-authorization to receive services.
No, if you:
- Don’t expect the need for frequent healthcare now or in the future.
- Missed your Medigap open enrollment period and can't pass medical underwriting to get the Medigap policy you want.
- Want a Medicare Advantage plan with low or no monthly premiums.
- Have Medicaid, VA, or retiree benefits that will pay for most of your Medicare out-of-pocket expenses.
- Prefer an all-in-one HMO or PPO plan that includes a Part D prescription drug plan, SilverSneakers, and routine care for dental, vision, and hearing.
- Can adhere to the rules and restrictions of a Medicare Advantage.
Benefits of Medicare Supplemental Insurance in Connecticut
All Medicare supplemental insurance companies in Connecticut are required to follow both federal and state laws designed to protect you. Insurers must offer the standardized Medicare Plans identified by letters A through N.
What this means is a Plan F policy from Aetna Medicare has exactly the same coverage as a Plan F from Mutual of Omaha, AARP Medicare, United Healthcare, Humana, Cigna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield. This is what makes Medigap plans easier to compare vs. an HMO or PPO style plan through Medicare Advantage.
Medicare supplemental insurance policies may include the following benefits:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up
- Part A inpatient deductible
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- Skilled nursing facility care and hospice care coinsurance
- Part B deductible
- Part B coinsurance or copayment
- Part B excess charges
- The first three pints of blood
- Foreign travel emergency services
- Out-of-pocket limits
By looking at the chart below you can easily make Medigap plan comparisons.
The F and G plan types are available with a high-deductible option. If you choose this option, this means you pay all Medicare-covered out-of-pocket costs up to the annual deductible amount before your Medigap plan pays anything.
Related: How a High-Deductible Medigap Plan Works
Insurers can choose the plans they offer in Connecticut, however, state laws may affect which ones they can offer. For more information, or to file a complaint, visit the Connecticut Department of Insurance website at http://www.ct.gov/cid.
Three Best Selling Plans in Connecticut
Medicare Supplement Insurance is additional coverage sold by private insurance companies. Each lettered plan is designed to cover different Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) out-of-pocket costs.
The best-selling Medicare Supplements in Connecticut are Plans F, G, N. Their comprehensive coverage is what makes them the best-sellers. Enrolling in one of these three plans is how most Connecticut seniors ensure they are covered and won't be strapped with excessive medical bills.
Although Plan F covers all gaps in Original Medicare, it is only available to individuals who qualified for Medicare prior to January 1, 2020.
Plan G is the best coverage you can get if you qualify for Medicare this year. It covers all gaps except the Part B annual deductible.
Plan N is the best coverage for healthy individuals. That's because it doesn't cover the Part B deductible or Medicare Part B excess charges. If you enroll in this plan, you'll pay a small $20 copayment for some doctor office visits and a $50 copayment for emergency room visits (unless admitted as an inpatient).
- Best Medicare Supplement Plan F in Connecticut
- Best Medicare Supplement Plan G in Connecticut
- Best Medicare Supplement Plan N in Connecticut
Also See: Medicare Plan F vs Plan G: Which is Better in 2023?
Looking for a different Medicare Supplement plan? Ask us for a free Medigap Rate Comparison Report in Your Area on the plans that interest you.
Top 10 Plan F in Connecticut
Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most popular Medigap plan available in Connecticut. Here are the 10 best Plan F policies available in Connecticut based on our reviews (click for details):
Top 10 Plan G in Connecticut
Medicare Supplement Plan G is rapidly gaining popularity with Connecticut seniors. With Plan F no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries, Plan G is the new gold standard. Here are the 10 best Medigap Plan G policies available in Connecticut based on our reviews (click for details):
Top 10 Plan N in Connecticut
Medicare Supplement Plan N is similar to Plan D, but covers Medicare Part B coinsurance costs differently. Due to its lower cost and good coverage, it's catching the attention of many Connecticut seniors. Here are the 10 best Medigap Plan N policies available in Connecticut based on our reviews (click for details):
Cost of Medicare Supplemental Insurance in Connecticut
The official Medicare website has a Medicare Supplement plan finder tool that shows you the cost of supplemental Medicare insurance in Connecticut. But it's just a range. What the tool does not give you is the exact premium, rate increase history, rating scores, and household discounts.
Our FREE Medicare Supplement Plan Rate Quote Service is the best way to get the exact monthly premium for all carriers, household discounts, AM Best ratings, Medicare Supplement rate increase history, and more.
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
MedicareWire is a Medicare consulting agency. We are not insurance agents. Our job is to help people navigate Medicare without marketing interference.
Our free report will show you rates from all carriers without a sales pitch. No Calls. No Email Spam. No Kidding!
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).
How to Choose the Best Medigap Plan
Everyone on Medicare has different needs. Your age, gender, Connecticut zip code, use of medical services, providers, emergency care, supplies, and durable medical equipment are all factors you need to consider. That's because all of these things play a role in your plan options.
When "Best" Means "Most Coverage Available"
If you are signing up for Medicare with chronic health issues, or if you have done a good job saving for your retirement, most experts agree that Plan G is the best option in Connecticut. It offers the most coverage you can buy if you're getting your Medicare benefits in 2023.
When "Best" Means "Good Coverage and Monthly Savings"
If you are signing up for Medicare in excellent health, or if you need good coverage but can't handle the cost of Plan G, Plan N is a good option. Plan N offers comprehensive inpatient coverage for hospital stays, while also covering most medical care expenses.
When "Best" Means "Lowest Cost Coverage"
Not everyone in Connecticut can afford or needs the comprehensive coverage provided by Plans F, G, and N. When the amount of your monthly premium is a concern, ask your insurance agent to give you advice about Plan K and High Deductible Plan G (HDG). These are the two lowest-cost plans available.
Medicare Supplemental Insurance Eligibility
You can apply for supplemental Medicare insurance in Connecticut during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Your OEP is a six-month window of time that begins at age 65 when you enroll in Medicare Part B.
Federal law guarantees your right to buy insurance during your OEP. This Medigap protection will allow you to choose the Medicare Supplement plan that best suits your needs, regardless of your health history or chronic health conditions.
After your Medigap open enrollment period has ended, it is harder to get a Medicare Supplement policy. It's one of the few disadvantages of Medicare Supplement plans.
Insurance companies can ask questions about your health, charge you higher premiums, reject your application, or refuse to cover you due to your medical history. They can also make you accept a waiting period of six months before coverage starts.
NOTE: Unless you have Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, the earliest age to get Medicare is age 65.
Connecticut Enrollment Process for Medicare Supplements
Connecticut Medigap plan enrollees require the assistance of a licensed insurance agent. Before you can apply, you need to be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. You can do this through the Social Security Administration website, or by calling them directly at 800-772-1213.
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 major Connecticut plans. There's no obligation.
Another option is your local SHIP. The State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide free, one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries. Connecticut's SHIP is available by phone (1-800-994-9422 (in state only); (860) 424-5274 (out of state)) or through their website.
Adding a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
In the past, Medicare Supplements sold in Connecticut were allowed to add extra benefits, including prescription drug coverage. This is no longer the case.
The only way to get coverage on prescriptions with a Medigap policy now is to get a Connecticut Medicare Part D plan. In most areas of Connecticut, basic prescription drug plans start at less than $20 per month.
Connecticut Medicare Supplements vs. Medicare Advantage
It's natural to compare Medicare supplemental insurance products with other health insurance plans, like Medicare Advantage. On the surface, Medicare Advantage plans appear to cost less. And, in some cases, they do save money. However, the out-of-pocket expenses in most Connecticut Medicare Advantage plans are as much or more than Original Medicare. The difference is that Medicare Advantage plans have an out-of-pocket maximum.
Can I Get a Policy If I'm On Medicaid in Connecticut?
It is not legal for a health insurance company or insurance agents licensed in Connecticut to sell individuals a Medigap policy if you have Medicaid benefits.
If you can't afford a Medigap plan or the co-insurance costs in a Medicare Advantage plan, there is a third option. Many areas of Connecticut have access to dual-eligible Medicare Special Needs Plans (D-SNP). If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, a Connecticut Special Needs Plan plan might be your best option.
What About Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefits?
We all need routine dental care and dental restoration work as we age, but it's not covered by Original Medicare or a Medigap plan. For coverage, you'll need a stand-alone Connecticut dental insurance policy.
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
MedicareWire is a Medicare consulting agency. We are not insurance agents. Our job is to help people navigate Medicare without marketing interference.
Our free report will show you rates from all carriers without a sales pitch. No Calls. No Email Spam. No Kidding!
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).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It all depends. Your age, gender, {state_code} zip code, and tobacco use all need to be factored in. You can take advantage of our Free Plan G Quote Service to find the lowest prices and discounts in your area.
Here are your top choices in Connecticut:
- AARP
- Globe Life
- United American
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Cigna
Citations & References
medicare.gov- Medicare.gov: the official U.S. government site for Medicare | Medicare https://www.medicare.gov/
- Medicare costs at a glance | Medicare https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/medicare-costs-at-a-glance
- Find a Medigap policy that works for you https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/medigap-home.aspx
- Drug coverage (Part D) | Medicare http://www.medicare.gov/part-d/index.html
- The United States Social Security Administration https://www.ssa.gov/
- Medicare Benefits | SSA https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/
The Medicare insurance plans and Medicare Supplement companies on this page originate from CMS Data Files. Content is maintained by David Bynon, and was last updated on .