Best Rhode Island Medigap Medicare Supplement Plans
Table of Contents
What Are Medicare Supplements?
Medicare supplemental insurance can help you pay some out-of-pocket costs in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B (Original Medicare). In this article, we'll explore how much Medicare Supplement plans in Rhode Island cost, the cost gaps each plan fills, which plans are available, when and how to enroll without underwriting, and how you can get premiums and discounts on all Medicare plans in your zip code.
What You Need to Know
- Medigap plans in Rhode Island are offered by private insurance companies and are designed to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.
- Medigap Plans are standardized. Each plan letter offers the same core benefits regardless of the insurer.
- Medigap coverage is available to Rhode Island residents at age 65 and over who have enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.
- All standard plans offer coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments, and the first three pints of blood.
- All but two Medigap plans cover the Medicare Part A deductible and Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance.
- Medigap insurance does not cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, or private-duty nursing.
- Medigap policies are available in 10 different plan options, labeled A through N.
- Medicare SELECT plans require enrollees to use a local Rhode Island provider network.
- Some insurers offer a household discount when both you and your spouse have a policy.
Do You Need a Supplement in Rhode Island?
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.
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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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, 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?
All Medicare Supplement insurance carriers in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island state laws might affect which ones they can offer. For more information, visit the Rhode Island Department of Insurance website at http://www.dbr.state.ri.us/.
Three Best Selling Plans in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island seniors ensure they are covered and won't be strapped with excessive medical bills.
Plan F has the most complete coverage. It covers all deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. It is not available to anyone who qualified for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
Plan G covers all deductibles, copays, and coinsurance except the Part B deductible. It has the best coverage you can get if you qualify for Medicare this year. If you're evaluating Medicare Plan G pros and cons vs. Plan F, consider that G costs less F, even when you factor in the Part B deductible Plan G does not cover.
Plan N does not cover the Part B deductible or Medicare excess charges. Plus, beneficiaries have a small copayment on some doctor visits and emergency room visits that don’t result in inpatient admission.
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 Rhode Island
Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most popular Medigap plan available in Rhode Island. Here are the 10 best Plan F policies available in Rhode Island based on our reviews (click for details):
Top 10 Plan G in Rhode Island
Medicare Supplement Plan G is rapidly gaining popularity with Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island based on our reviews (click for details):
Top 10 Plan N in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island seniors. Here are the 10 best Medigap Plan N policies available in Rhode Island based on our reviews (click for details):
Cost of Medigap Plans in Rhode Island
The Medicare.gov website has a plan finder tool. It shows the average cost of Medicare Supplement plans in Rhode Island. 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
Everyone on Medicare has different needs. Your age, gender, Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island 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 a Medicare Supplement plan in Rhode Island 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.
Rhode Island Enrollment Process for Medicare Supplements
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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. Rhode Island's SHIP is available by phone ((401) 462-0510) or through their website.
Adding a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
In the past, Medicare Supplements sold in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Medicare Part D plan. In most areas of Rhode Island, basic prescription drug plans start at less than $20 per month.
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
It is not legal for a health insurance company or insurance agents licensed in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island have access to dual-eligible Medicare Special Needs Plans (D-SNP). If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, a Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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)
Medicare Supplement Plan G premiums vary per. Premiums are based on things like your age, gender, zip code, use of tobacco, and more. We offer a Free Medicare Plan Quote Service to help you find the lowest price available on Plan G in Rhode Island.
You have many options in Rhode Island. Here are some of the best:
- AARP
- Globe Life
- United American
- Mutual of Omaha
- Colonial Penn
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 .