Best Idaho 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 Idaho 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
- Medicare supplemental insurance policies in Idaho are offered by private insurance companies and are designed to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.
- Idaho supplemental insurance policies are standardized, meaning each plan letter offers the same basic benefits regardless of the insurer.
- Medicare supplemental insurance is available to Idaho residents at age 65 and over who have enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.
- All supplemental plans offer coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Medicare Part B copayments and/or coinsurance, and the first three pints of blood.
- All but two supplements cover the Medicare Part A deductible and Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance.
- Supplemental insurance policies do not cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, or private-duty nursing.
- Policies are available in 10 different plan options, labeled A through N.
- Medicare SELECT plans require enrollees to use a local Idaho provider network.
- Some insurers offer a household discount when both you and your spouse have a policy.
Do You Need a Medicare Supplement in Idaho?
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 Idaho 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 Idaho 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 a Medigap Plan in Idaho
All Medicare Supplement insurance carriers in Idaho are required to follow both federal and state laws designed to protect you. Insurers must offer the standardized Medigap plans identified by letters A through N.
For example, a Plan F from Aetna Medicare has exactly the same health 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 Supplement 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 a Medicare Supplement plans comparison.
There are two plan types with a high-deductible option, Plan F and Plan G. 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: 9 Facts About High Deductible Plan G and How it Works
Insurance companies are free to choose their plans, although Idaho state laws might affect which ones they can offer. For more information, visit the Idaho Department of Insurance website at http://www.doi.idaho.gov/.
Most Popular Medigap Plans in Idaho
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 Idaho 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 Idaho seniors ensure they are covered and won't be strapped with excessive medical bills.
Plan F covers all gaps in Original Medicare. Plan G covers all gaps except the Part B deductible. And Plan N doesn't cover the Part B deductible or Part B excess charges. It also has a small copay when you see your doctor or use the emergency room.
NOTE: You do not qualify for Plan F if you became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Plan G is the most comprehensive coverage new Medicare beneficiaries can buy. The good news is that Medicare G plans cost less than F, even when you factor in the deductible Plan G does not cover.
- Best Medicare Supplement Plan F in Idaho
- Best Medicare Supplement Plan G in Idaho
- Best Medicare Supplement Plan N in Idaho
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 Idaho
Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most popular Medigap plan available in Idaho. Here are the 10 best Plan F policies available in Idaho based on our reviews (click for details):
Top 10 Plan G in Idaho
Medicare Supplement Plan G is rapidly gaining popularity with Idaho 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 Idaho based on our reviews (click for details):
Top 10 Plan N in Idaho
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 Idaho seniors. Here are the 10 best Medigap Plan N policies available in Idaho based on our reviews (click for details):
Cost of Medicare Supplement Plans in Idaho
The Medicare.gov website shows the average cost of Medicare supplemental insurance in Idaho on the plan finder page. What the tool does not show is the exact price, the rate increase history for Medigap plans, AM Best rating score, and household discounts.
Our FREE Medicare Supplement Plan Rate Quote Service gives you your exact cost on all carriers, discounts, ratings, 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 Right Medicare Supplemental Insurance
Idaho is a diverse state and individuals on Medicare in Idaho have diverse needs. Age, gender, zip code, use of medical services, providers, emergency care, supplies, and durable medical equipment are all factors consumers need to consider.
All of these things play a role in the plan types you should consider. Let's explore how to find the best plan for you.
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 Idaho. 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 Idaho 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 Supplement Eligibility Requirements
You can apply for a Medicare Supplement plan in Idaho during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Your OEP is a six-month period of time that starts when you initially sign up for Medicare Part B at age 65.
During your OEP, federal law gives you guaranteed issue rights. This Medigap protection allows you to get the Medicare Supplement plan of your choice, regardless of any chronic health conditions you might have.
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.
Idaho Enrollment Process for Medicare Supplements
Idaho 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 Idaho 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. Idaho's SHIP is available by phone (1-800-247-4422) or through their website.
Adding a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
In the past, Medicare Supplements sold in Idaho 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 Idaho Medicare Part D plan. In most areas of Idaho, basic prescription drug plans start at less than $20 per month.
Idaho 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 Idaho 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 Idaho?
It is not legal for a health insurance company or insurance agents licensed in Idaho 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 Idaho have access to dual-eligible Medicare Special Needs Plans (D-SNP). If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, a Idaho 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 Idaho 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's different for everyone who applies. Monthly premiums on Idaho Medigap plans are based on your age, gender, zip code, tobacco use, and more. Use our Free Medigap Quote Service to find the lowest price Plan G and discounts in your area.
Here are your top choices in Idaho:
- Transamerica
- Cigna
- Americo Life
- Reserve National
- AARP
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 .