Idaho's Best Medicare Supplement Plans & Companies
Idaho 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 Idaho. Each plan pays different out-of-pocket costs.
This article breaks down the best Medigap plans and insurance companies in Idaho for 2024.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Know
- Private insurance companies offer supplemental Medicare insurance in Idaho, 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.
- Idaho 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 Idaho, 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 Top 5 Medicare Supplement Plans in Idaho
There are ten different Medicare Supplement Plans. These plans are labeled A through N and are standardized by the federal Medicare program.
The top-rated plans in Idaho for 2024 include Medicare Supplement Plan F, Plan C, Plan D, Plan G, and Plan N. They are considered the best because they provide the most extensive coverage.
Which one of these plans is the best choice for you?
HELPFUL READING: Medicare Plan G vs Plan N: Which is Better?
An easy way to quickly understand the ten plans is to refer to a Medigap plan chart. This chart illustrates how each policy helps cover the Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments) for Idaho residents.
How to Choose the Best Medicare Supplement Plan in Idaho
Everyone on Medicare has different needs. Your age, gender, Idaho 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. Carefully consider your need for outpatient care and inpatient care.
When Best = Most Comprehensive Coverage in Idaho
Most Medicare experts agree Plan G is the optimal choice for Idaho beneficiaries enrolling in Medicare with one or more chronic health conditions. It provides the highest level of coverage available for those who become eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
IMPORTANT: While offering more extensive coverage than Medicare Supplement Plan G, Plan F comes with a notably higher cost and is exclusively available to those who qualified for Medicare before 2020.
- Get Plan F and Plan G Quotes in Your Zip Code
- See All Companies Offering Plan F in Idaho
- See All Companies Offering Plan G in Idaho
When Best = Good Coverage & Monthly Savings
If you are enrolling in Medicare and find yourself in excellent health or require solid coverage but have budget constraints that prevent you from considering Plan G, Medicare Supplement Plan N presents a viable alternative. Plan N provides comprehensive coverage throughout Idaho for inpatient hospital stays and most medical expenses.
Plan N is particularly suitable for individuals in good health because it involves cost-sharing. In return for lower monthly premiums, participants in this plan contribute a nominal copayment. For doctor office visits there's a $20 copay. If you use the emergency room you'll pay up to $50.
When Best = Cheapest Plan Available in Idaho
Many Idaho beneficiaries don't require comprehensive coverage or simply can't manage it in their budget. If you're concerned about the monthly premium burden, consult with your insurance agent regarding Medicare Supplement Plan K and the High Deductible Plan G (HDG).
RELATED: How Does High Deductible Plan G Work?
These two plan options represent the most economical choices available. Many well-informed Idaho seniors prefer these plans over a Medicare Advantage plan.
Are Plan A, B, C, D, L, and M Offered in Idaho?
Medicare Supplement Plan A is the most basic plan sold in Idaho. Even so, in many areas, it costs more than Plan N. Why would you pay more to get less?
Medicare Supplement Plan C and Plan D offer coverage similar to Plan G but also cost more. Plus, like Plan F, Plan C is only available to Idaho beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare before 2020.
Only a few Idaho insurance companies offer Plan L or Plan M.
What Makes One Insurance Company Better than Another?
Every Medigap insurance carrier operating in Idaho must adhere to federal and state insurance regulations. They can't deviate from the standardized plans designated by letters A through N.
To give an example, a Plan F policy from Aetna Medicare provides identical coverage and benefits (same out-of-pocket costs covered) as a Plan F policy from Mutual of Omaha, United Healthcare, Humana, Cigna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield. This standardization simplifies the process of comparing Medigap plans.
The most important difference is the strength and quality of insurance company standing behind the plan and how they rate their plan for premium increases. It's crucial to research a company's Medicare Supplement rate increase history before making a final decision.
Idaho state laws may impose enrollment and rating limitations on carrier. For detailed information, refer to the Idaho Department of Insurance website at http://www.doi.idaho.gov/.
Medicare Supplement Plan F Companies in Idaho
Medicare Supplement Plan F (Medigap Plan F) is Idaho’s most popular Medigap plan. Here are the 10 best companies that offer Plan F policies in Idaho based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan F in Idaho
Medigap Plan F is standardized like all Medicare Supplement Plans in Idaho. 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 Idaho
Medicare Supplement Plan G (Medigap 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 insurance companies that offer Medigap Plan G policies in Idaho based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan G in Idaho
All Medigap plans in Idaho, 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 Idaho
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 Idaho based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan N in Idaho
All Medicare Supplement Plans in Idaho 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.
Medicare Eligibility and Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period
In Idaho, you have the opportunity to apply for a Medicare Supplement Plan during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP). This six-month period commences upon your enrollment in Medicare Part B. Your Medicare eligibility date determines your available plan types.
Under federal law, you are granted guaranteed issue rights throughout your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This means you can secure a Medigap plan during this period, regardless of your health history or chronic health conditions. You can apply with any insurance company in Idaho that sells Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Enrolling in a Medicare Supplement Plan in Idaho typically involves assistance from a licensed insurance agent. If you don't have an insurance agent, we recommend HealthCompare, an Allstate company. You can reach them at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711). They sell policies from the leading insurance companies nationwide, and 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 Idaho Medicare Supplement Plans
If you've determined that a Idaho Medicare Supplement Plan isn't the best choice for your situation, or if none of the 10 plan types align with your budget, you have several alternative options to consider:
- You can choose to stick with Original Medicare, add a Medicare Part D plan to cover prescription drugs, and be responsible for all Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments out-of-pocket.
- If you meet the qualifications for both Medicare and Medicaid or have a serious health condition, enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan may be the best alternative.
- For individuals with VA health benefits, using healthcare services exclusively from the nearest VA hospital is an option. In such cases, the VA will bill Medicare and cover the remaining costs.
- Consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan with a low maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit and affordable deductibles and copayments.
Your Medicare coverage decision is a crucial one, and it can greatly influence your healthcare and financial stability. It's essential to evaluate your individual requirements and priorities carefully. If you find yourself seeking more information or guidance on the choices accessible to you in Idaho, don't hesitate to reach out to our preferred agency, HealthCompare, at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711). They can provide personalized support, ensuring that you make an informed choice that aligns with your unique healthcare needs and preferences.
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).
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