Hamm: Medicare supplement policies still effective despite program changes Posted on 5/27/2010
BISMARCK, N.D.-North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm alerted consumers today that Medicare supplement insurance plans are undergoing changes effective June 1. Medicare supplement insurance (also called Medigap or Med Sup) is a private insurance that helps pay health care expenses that Medicare covers in part or not at all.
Plans E, H, I, J and high-deductible Plan J are being eliminated, along with preventive care and at-home recovery benefits. Most of these changes came about due to Medicare's increased coverage of preventive services and updated health care options.
"If you currently have Medigap insurance, your plan is still effective," Hamm said. "It will stay in effect as long as you pay your premiums."
Medigap will include two new plans, M and N. Plan M covers: • 50 percent of the Part A inpatient hospital deductible • The core benefit and SNF daily coinsurance charges • Foreign travel emergency benefits • Does not cover the Part B deductible
Plan N covers: • 100 percent of the Part A inpatient hospital deductible • Part B coinsurance charge-subject to a new copayment structure with co-pays of up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits • Does not cover the Part B deductible
Consumers should note that these changes were underway prior to the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act March 23, 2010. Additional Med sup and Medicare changes are expected under the new law.
For more information about Medicare supplement insurance, call the Department's State Health Insurance Counseling program at 1-888-575-6611.
