Best Montana Medigap Medicare Supplement Plans
Table of Contents
What Are Medigap Plans?
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 Montana 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 Supplement plans in Montana are offered by private insurance companies and are designed to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.
- Plans are standardized, meaning each plan letter offers the same basic benefits regardless of the insurer.
- Medicare Supplements are available to Montana residents at age 65 and over who have enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.
- 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 cover the Medicare Part A deductible and Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance.
- Supplements do not cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, or private-duty nursing.
- Supplements are available in 10 different plan options, labeled A through N.
- Medicare SELECT plans require enrollees to use a local Montana provider network.
- Some Medicare Supplement insurers offer a household discount when both you and your spouse have a policy.
Do You Need Supplemental Insurance in Montana?
Even though Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) will pay about 80% of all medically necessary healthcare costs, you are responsible for the remaining 20%. These health bills come to you as deductibles, coinsurance, and copays, and they can add up fast.
Each time you use a Medicare-approved healthcare service, you pay a deductible, co-payment, or coinsurance. Due to the sky-high healthcare costs in Montana, if you are hospitalized, these costs are considerable.
To illustrate, Medicare Part A's benefit period deductible is $1,600. You pay this each time you are hospitalized unless you're readmitted within 60 days for the same issue. Plus, you're responsible for 20% of all Part B medical costs while you're an inpatient.
This is where Montana Medicare Supplement plan coverage comes in. Supplements, also called Medigap plans, pay many of the out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare. So, if you're wondering, "What is Medigap?", it's gap coverage.
More Info: 7 Reasons You Need Supplemental Insurance with Medicare
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, retiree benefits, or other coverage options 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.
What Does a Medigap Plan Cover?
Every Medigap insurance company in Montana is required to follow both federal and state insurance laws. Carriers must offer the standardized Medicare plans identified by letters A through N.
For instance, a Plan F from Aetna Medicare has the same coverage and benefits as a Plan F from Mutual of Omaha, AARP Medicare, United Healthcare, Humana, Cigna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield. This is why Medigap plans are easier to compare than Medicare Advantage plans.
Medigap 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
The plan comparison chart below is the best way to compare Medicare Supplement coverage options.
There are two high-deductible plan types, Plan F and G. If you enroll in a high-deductible plan, you pay all Part A and Part B out-of-pocket costs up to the annual deductible amount.
Related: How High Deductible Plan G Works
Insurance carriers are free to choose their plans, although Montana state laws might affect which ones they can offer. For more information, visit the Montana Department of Insurance website at http://csimt.gov/.
Most Popular Medigap Plans in Montana
The three most popular Medicare supplemental insurance plans in Montana are Medigap Plan F, Medigap Plan G, and Medigap Plan N, the latest plan option. Their comprehensive coverage is what makes them so popular.
Getting one of the top 3 Medicare Supplement plans in Montana is the best way to cover these out-of-pocket expenses. A Medigap policy is additional coverage from a private insurance company that will reduce or eliminate your Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Medicare Part B (medical coverage) expenses.
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).
Looking for a different Medigap plan? Ask us for free quotes on the top Medigap plans that interest you in your location.
Top 10 Plan F in Montana
Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most popular Medigap plan available in Montana. Here are the 10 best Plan F policies available in Montana based on our reviews (click for details):
Top 10 Plan G in Montana
Medicare Supplement Plan G is rapidly gaining popularity with Montana 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 Montana based on our reviews (click for details):
Top 10 Plan N in Montana
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 Montana seniors. Here are the 10 best Medigap Plan N policies available in Montana based on our reviews (click for details):
Cost of Medigap Plans in Montana
The Medicare.gov website has a plan finder tool. It shows the average cost of Medicare Supplement plans in Montana. What the government tool doesn't provide is the exact premium, rate increase history, AM Best rating score, and household discounts.
Our FREE Medicare Supplement Plan Rate Quote Service provides rates for all insurers, household discounts, AM Best ratings, Medigap rate increases by company, 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 Medicare Supplement For You
The cost of healthcare in Montana continues to rise and everyone's needs are different. Age, sex, zip code, use of medical services, providers, emergency care, supplies, and durable medical equipment all play a part in what you need to consider.
Let's explore how to find the best coverage 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 Montana. 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 Montana 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 Montana 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.
It is more difficult to get Medicare supplemental insurance after your Medigap open enrollment period is finished. It's one of the disadvantages of Medigap plans.
An insurance company may ask you questions about your health and charge you higher premiums. They might also reject your application because of your past health. A six-month waiting period may be offered by the carrier before coverage starts.
NOTE: If You take early retirement, Medicare eligibility does not change. Unless you have Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, the Medicare eligibility age is 65.
Montana Enrollment Process for Medicare Supplements
Montana 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 Montana 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. Montana's SHIP is available by phone (1-800-551-3191) or through their website.
Adding a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
In the past, Medicare Supplements sold in Montana 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 Montana Medicare Part D plan. In most areas of Montana, basic prescription drug plans start at less than $20 per month.
Montana Medicare Supplements vs. Medicare Advantage
It's natural to compare the best Medigap insurance 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 Montana Medicare Advantage plans are as much or more than Original Medicare.
Original Medicare does not have an out-of-pocket maximum. However, all health insurance companies offering Medicare Advantage plans are required to set an annual out-of-pocket limit, up to the annual limit set by CMS. A Medigap plan's coverage creates an out-of-pocket limit for Original Medicare.
Can I Get a Policy If I'm On Medicaid in Montana?
It is not legal for a health insurance company or insurance agents licensed in Montana 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 Medicare Advantage policies, there is a third option. Many areas of Montana have access to dual-eligible Medicare Special Needs Plans (D-SNP). If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, a Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana 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's a list of top carriers by cost in Montana:
- MassMutual
- Reserve National
- Transamerica
- Globe Life
- Americo Life
Citations & References
medicare.gov- Costs of Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 2, 2023
- What's Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 2, 2023
- Find a Medigap policy that works for you, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 3, 2023
- How to compare Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 3, 2023
- How Original Medicare works, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 3, 2023
- Your Medicare coverage choices, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 5, 2023
- 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 .