Oregon's Best Medicare Supplement Plans & Companies
Oregon 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 Oregon. Each plan pays different out-of-pocket costs.
This article breaks down the best Medigap plans and insurance companies in Oregon for 2024.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Know
- Private insurance companies offer Medicare Supplement Plans in Oregon, not the government.
- Medicare Supplements are available in 10 different plan options, labeled A through N. Each plan offers a different level of Medicare coverage.
- Medicare Supplements are available to Oregon residents 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 cover the Medicare Part A deductible and Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance.
- Medicare Supplements do not cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, or private-duty nursing.
- Average costs for a 65-year-old vary widely based on gender, tobacco use, where you live in Oregon, and the coverage you choose.
- Medicare Supplements are not health insurance. They are indemnity insurance and have their own rules.
The 5 Best Medicare Supplement Plans Sold in Oregon
There are 10 different Medigap plans. Plans are labeled A through N and standardized by the federal Medicare program.
The best plans in Oregon for the 2024 plan year are Medicare Supplement Plan F, Plan C, Plan D, Plan G, and Plan N. They are the best because they offer the most coverage.
But is one of these plans the best for you?
A good way to understand each of the 10 plans is to look at a Medigap plan chart, which shows how each plan helps Oregon residents pay their Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
NOTE: Medicare Part A and Medigap Plan A sound similar. However, they are different, as are Medicare Part D and Medigap Plan D. Medicare organizes its benefits in “parts,” whereas private insurance companies sell “plans.” The topics are easily confused.
How to Choose the Best Medicare Supplement Plan in Oregon
Every Medicare beneficiary has unique requirements. Your age, gender, Oregon zip code, utilization of medical services, preferred healthcare providers, emergency care needs, and necessities for medical supplies and durable equipment all contribute to the factors you must consider.
These factors play a significant role in determining your available plan options. It's essential to carefully assess your needs for outpatient and inpatient care when deciding.
When Best = Maximum Coverage Throughout Oregon
Most insurance experts agree that Plan G is the best option in Oregon if you are signing up for Medicare with one or more chronic health issues. It offers the most coverage you can buy if you qualify for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
NOTE: Plan F offers more coverage than Medicare Supplement Plan G, but it costs significantly more, and it is only available if you qualify for Medicare before 2020.
- Get Plan F and Plan G Quotes in Your Zip Code
- See All Companies Offering Plan F in Oregon
- See All Companies Offering Plan G in Oregon
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 Oregon 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 = Most Affordable Coverage in Oregon
Not everyone in Oregon needs or can afford comprehensive coverage. When your monthly premium amount is a concern, ask your insurance agent to advise you on Medicare Supplement Plan K and High Deductible Plan G (HDG).
These are the two lowest-cost plans available. Many savvy Oregon seniors prefer these plan options over a Medicare Advantage plan.
Are Plan A, B, C, D, L, and M Offered in Oregon?
Medicare Supplement Plan A is the most basic plan sold in Oregon. 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 Oregon beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare before 2020.
Only a few Oregon insurance companies offer Plan L or Plan M.
What Makes One Insurance Company Better than Another?
Every Medigap insurance company in Oregon must follow 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 out-of-pocket cost coverage and benefits as a Plan F policy from Mutual of Omaha, United Healthcare, Humana, Cigna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield. This is why Medigap plans are easier to compare than Medicare Advantage plans.
The big difference is the company standing behind the plan and how the company rates their plan for future premium increases. It's important to get a company's Medigap rate increase history before making a decision.
In some cases Oregon state laws affect enrollment rules and how carriers can rate their plans. For more information, visit the Oregon Department of Insurance website at http://www.insurance.oregon.gov/.
Medicare Supplement Plan F Companies in Oregon
Medicare Supplement Plan F (Medigap Plan F) is Oregon’s most popular Medigap plan. Here are the 10 best companies that offer Plan F policies in Oregon based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan F in Oregon
Medigap Plan F is standardized like all Medicare Supplement Plans in Oregon. 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 Oregon
Medicare Supplement Plan G (Medigap 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 insurance companies that offer Medigap Plan G policies in Oregon based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan G in Oregon
All Medigap plans in Oregon, 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 Oregon
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 Oregon based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan N in Oregon
All Medicare Supplement Plans in Oregon 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.
Medcare Eligibility for Medigap Plans
In Oregon, 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 Oregon that sells Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Enrolling in a Medicare Supplement Plan in Oregon 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 Insurance Plan 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 Oregon Medicare Supplement Plans
If you have determined that a Oregon Medicare Supplement Plan is not the right fit for your needs, or if none of the 10 plan types align with your budget, there are several alternative options:
- Opt to stay with Original Medicare, add a Medicare Part D plan to get prescription drug coverage, and cover all Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments out-of-pocket. Please note: This approach carries significant financial risk, regardless of your current health status.
- If you meet the qualifications for both Medicare and Medicaid or have a serious health condition, consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan.
- If you are enrolled in the VA health system, you can receive all your healthcare services from your nearest VA hospital. In such cases, the VA will bill Medicare and cover the remaining costs.
- Explore the option of enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan featuring a low maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit and reasonable copayments.
As you explore these Medicare coverage alternatives, remember that the choice you make can have a significant impact on your healthcare and financial well-being. Take the time to assess your unique needs and preferences. Should you require further clarity or assistance in navigating the options available to you in Oregon, don't hesitate to reach out to our preferred agency, HealthCompare, at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).
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