Medicare Supplement Plans in Indiana (2024)

Summary: Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans in Indiana are standardized to provide the same benefits as Medigap plans nationwide. There are multiple options for which Medigap plan will help with costs not covered by Original Medicare. Working with a licensed Medicare agent can help provide the right information and point you in the direction of getting the right coverage for your healthcare needs. Estimated Read Time: 9 min

Table of Contents:

1. Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Indiana
2. Who is Eligible for Medigap in Indiana?
3. How Much Do Medigap Plans in Indiana Cost?
4. Medicare Supplement Plan Carriers in Indiana
5. Medicare Supplement Plans in Indiana for Disabled Persons Under 65
6. Medicare Supplement Rating Method In Indiana
7. Indiana Medicare Supplement Guaranteed Issue Protections
8. Does Indiana Allow Excess Charges?
9. Alternative Medicare Coverage Options in Indiana

Medicare Supplement (also known as Medigap) plans in Indiana follow the standard federal guidelines as Medicare Supplement plans in most other states. Medigap plans are not replacements for Original Medicare (Parts A and B), and as the name suggests, are only meant to fill any gaps in Original Medicare coverage and help you with the out-of-pocket costs you would otherwise need to pay.

These plans also let you see any doctor nationwide that accepts Original Medicare, regardless of which insurance company/carrier you use. This means, you will never be restricted by a network, require a referral, or pay more for care when traveling outside of your state.

Below, we review Medicare Supplement plans in Indiana and how you can benefit from enrolling in extra coverage.

Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Indiana

Medicare Supplement plans offer identical coverage across the nation. So, the best Medicare Supplement plans in Indiana are the same nationwide.

Medicare Supplement Plan F in Indiana

First on the list of best Medicare Supplement plans in Indiana is Medicare Supplement Plan F. Medigap Plan F covers all the costs Original Medicare leaves behind. So, you pay $0 out-of-pocket for any medical treatment or service you require.

In the past, Medicare Supplement Plan F had more enrollees than any other plan. But, with the recent change in eligibility, not all Medicare enrollees are flocking toward this plan. You are only eligible to enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan F if you received Medicare Part A prior to January 1, 2020. If not, you cannot enroll in the plan.

Medicare Supplement Plan G in Indiana

While Medigap Plan F is unavailable for new beneficiaries, Medigap Plan G is the next best option.

While Medigap Plan G does not provide identical coverage, it offers comparable benefits. The main difference is that you will be responsible for the Medicare Part B annual deductible. Apart from that, you can expect the same level of coverage as with Medigap Plan F.

Despite the need to pay the Medicare Part B deductible, many individuals recognize that Medicare Supplement Plan G is a cost-effective choice. However, considering the extensive benefits it offers, it may not always be the most budget-friendly option. Fortunately, there are alternative plans available that can help cover healthcare expenses while keeping monthly premium costs lower.

Medicare Supplement Plan N in Indiana

Lastly, if you are looking for a plan to give you comprehensive benefits, low out-of-pocket copayments, and a low monthly premium, Medicare Supplement Plan N may be best for you. Medigap Plan N requires you to pay the Medicare Part B deductible, $20 copayments when you see a doctor or specialist, and $50 copayments if you go to the emergency room (and are not admitted). Further, this coverage will require you to pay excess charges in areas where they are applicable.

By enrolling in any one of these top three plans, you will receive comprehensive benefits. The right plan for you ultimately depends on your healthcare needs and budget.

Who is Eligible for Medigap in Indiana?

Eligibility for Medigap plans in Indiana works the same as eligibility across the nation. Once you turn 65 and enroll in Original Medicare, you will get a Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period. During this window, you can sign up for a Medigap plan without medical underwriting.

If you delay your Medicare Part B coverage after age 65 due to employer coverage, Indiana allows you to leave employer coverage that is primary to Medicare and receive guaranteed issue rights. Those over 65 leaving employer coverage have a 63-day window to get Medigap without underwriting.

When you enroll in Medicare Supplement coverage without underwriting, you cannot be denied coverage due to pre-existing health conditions. Outside of guaranteed enrollment, you can apply for Medicare Supplement plans in Indiana anytime. However, you must go through underwriting, and the carrier can deny you a policy for any reason.

How Much Do Medigap Plans in Indiana Cost?

The cost of Medigap plans in Indiana will vary between enrollees based on several different factors. Someone in their Medigap Open Enrollment Period will pay a lower premium than someone who may be older and needs to answer underwriting health questions.

Your premium also depends on your location, plan letter, carrier, gender, tobacco use, and more.

Below is an example of the premium range for a 65-year-old male and female in a prominent Indiana ZIP Code.

The chart above provides an example of what you could pay if you fall into this age category. However, please keep in mind it is only an example, and your actual costs may vary.

Medicare Supplement Plan Carriers in Indiana

Indiana has several reputable companies offering Medicare Supplement plans. When choosing coverage, it’s important to review your options as your costs will vary from company to company.

While comparing premiums is important when selecting a Medicare Supplement plan, it’s not the only factor to consider when choosing a carrier. Credit agencies like S&P or A.M. Best independently assess the financial health of carriers, providing valuable insights. Additionally, consumer agencies such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) evaluate the customer experience with these companies.

The top carriers in Indiana include:

• Aetna
• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna
• UnitedHealthCare
• Bankers Fidelity

Medicare Supplement Plans in Indiana for Disabled Persons Under 65

Federal law does not work in favor of Medicare recipients under 65. There is no obligation for insurance companies offering Medigap to provide a Medicare Supplement policy for those on Medicare under 65 due to disability. Yet, each state can decide if it wants to mandate the companies to offer at least one plan option.

In Indiana, if a company offers Medigap to those over 65, they must offer at least one Medicare Supplement plan to those under 65. Additionally, the carrier will likely charge higher monthly premiums to those on disability. So, Medicare recipients collecting Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits will often benefit from having Medicare Advantage coverage before they turn 65.

Some Medicare Advantage plans are available for people with disabilities. These policies are called Special Needs Plans. If one of these plans is available in your zip code, then you can get a Special Enrollment Period to apply.

Medicare Supplement Rating Method In Indiana

In Indiana, Medicare supplement plans utilize a rating method known as “attained age” to determine premiums.

With the attained age rating method, the premiums for Medigap plans are based on your current age. Initially, when you enroll in the plan, the premiums are typically lower and gradually increase as you age. This increase in premiums is generally due to the higher healthcare costs associated with advancing age, as individuals tend to require more medical services.

It’s important to understand that the rating method affects the premiums you pay for your Medigap plan but does not impact the standardized benefits provided by each plan. Medigap plans are standardized nationwide, meaning that the coverage offered by a specific plan, such as Plan G or Plan N, remains the same regardless of the insurance company offering it.

Indiana Medicare Supplement Guaranteed Issue Protections

Federal law requires Medigap plans in Indiana to provide certain guaranteed issue protections, ensuring that individuals can enroll in a plan without being denied coverage or charged higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions. These protections are designed to ensure access to Medigap coverage when it is needed.

A significant guaranteed issue right is the Medigap trial period. If you initially enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan when you first became eligible for Medicare and within the first year of joining but decide to disenroll from that Medicare Advantage plan, you have a one-time guaranteed issue right to enroll in a Medigap plan. This allows you to obtain Medigap coverage without undergoing medical underwriting.

Additional rights include protections for losing coverage. If you lose employer-based retirement coverage or if your current Medigap plan terminates, discontinues, or is no longer offered in your area, you have a guaranteed issue right to enroll in another Medigap plan. To qualify for this protection, you must apply for a new Medigap plan within 63 days of your existing plan’s termination.

Lastly, if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, and it is terminated, you move out of the plan’s service area, or you lose your coverage due to circ*mstances beyond your control, you have a guaranteed issue right to enroll in a Medigap plan. To be eligible, you must apply for a Medigap plan within 63 days of your Medicare Advantage plan’s termination.

These guaranteed issue rights ensure that individuals in Indiana have access to Medigap coverage under specific circ*mstances, offering them important protections and opportunities to secure the coverage they need.

Does Indiana Allow Excess Charges?

Indiana allows physicians to bill for Medicare excess charges if they do not accept Medicare assignment. When a physician accepts Medicare assignment, they agree to the price Medicare is willing to pay for services and treatments.

Should your physician not agree to this price, they can charge up to 15% more for the service, and you would be responsible for covering 100% of that additional cost.

While Indiana allows physicians to bill for excess charges, excess charges are not common. Most doctors who accept Medicare also accept Medicare assignment.

Additionally, if you receive care in a state that does not allow excess charges, the fact that you live in Indiana will not affect you. To avoid excess charges, it is essential to speak to your doctor before receiving a service to be sure they accept Medicare assignment.

Alternative Medicare Coverage Options in Indiana

In addition to Medicare Supplement plans in Indiana, Medicare Part D plans are essential coverage for your healthcare. Medicare Part D plans help with prescription drug coverage. You do not need to have a Medicare Supplement plan to enroll in Medicare Part D, but it helps to round out your coverage and avoid the Medicare Part D penalty.

Medicare Advantage plans are also available for those who want an all-in-one plan with additional benefits. However, it is essential to understand the high out-of-pocket costs when compared to a Medicare Supplement plan. These policies may be the right option for some, but each person’s needs are different.

To understand which Medicare plans are best for you, it is essential to speak with a licensed agent.