Best Oregon Medigap Medicare Supplement Plans
Table of Contents
What Are Medicare Supplements?
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 Oregon 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 Oregon are offered by private insurance companies and are designed to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.
- Supplemental insurance policies are standardized, meaning each plan letter offers the same basic benefits regardless of the insurer.
- Medicare supplemental insurance is available to Oregon 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 Oregon provider network.
- Some insurers offer a household discount when both you and your spouse have a policy.
Do You Need Medigap in Oregon?
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 Oregon, 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 Oregon 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 Supplemental Medicare Insurance Cover?
All Medicare Supplement insurance carriers in Oregon 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 Oregon state laws might affect which ones they can offer. For more information, visit the Oregon Department of Insurance website at http://www.insurance.oregon.gov/.
Top 3 Medigap Plans Sold in Oregon
The three most popular Medicare supplemental insurance plans in Oregon 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 Oregon 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.
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.
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 Oregon
Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most popular Medigap plan available in Oregon. Here are the 10 best Plan F policies available in Oregon based on our reviews (click for details):
Top 10 Plan G in Oregon
Medicare Supplement Plan G is rapidly gaining popularity with Oregon 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 Oregon based on our reviews (click for details):
Top 10 Plan N in Oregon
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 Oregon seniors. Here are the 10 best Medigap Plan N policies available in Oregon based on our reviews (click for details):
Cost of Medicare Supplements in Oregon
The Medicare.gov website shows the average cost of Medicare supplemental insurance in Oregon 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 Best Medigap Plan
Everyone on Medicare has different needs. Your age, gender, Oregon 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 Oregon. 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 Oregon 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 Oregon 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.
Oregon Enrollment Process for Medicare Supplements
Oregon 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 Oregon 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. Oregon's SHIP is available by phone (1-800-722-4134) or through their website.
Adding a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
In the past, Medicare Supplements sold in Oregon 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 Oregon Medicare Part D plan. In most areas of Oregon, basic prescription drug plans start at less than $20 per month.
Oregon 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 Oregon 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 Oregon?
It is not legal for a health insurance company or insurance agents licensed in Oregon 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 Oregon have access to dual-eligible Medicare Special Needs Plans (D-SNP). If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, a Oregon 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 Oregon 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 Oregon:
- AARP
- Thrivent
- USAA Life
- United American
- Standard 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 .