Medigap Plan B
Not to be confused with Medicare Part B, which is the part of Original Medicare that covers doctors’ visits, medical treatments, and preventative care, Medigap Plan B is a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy.
Next to Medigap Plan A, Plan B is one of the most basic Medicare Supplement plans out there. That means it doesn’t cover many of the benefits that other plans offer. Consequently, it is a relatively unpopular plan option, with only 2% of Medigap enrollees choosing Plan B in 2019.
However, it can be an appropriate plan for people who are in relatively good health, don’t plan on traveling much outside of the United States, and are looking to pay a lower premium.
What does Medigap Plan B cover?
Medigap Plan B covers all of the benefits that Plan A covers:
- Medicare Part A coinsurance payments for inpatient hospital care up to an additional year after your Medicare benefits have been expended
- Medicare Part A hospice care copayments/coinsurance expenses
- Medicare Part B copayments/coinsurance expenses
- Your first three pints of blood (necessary for a medical procedure)
It also covers one additional benefit:
- Medicare Part A deductible ($1,556 in 2022)
If you have Medigap Plan B and you are admitted to the hospital, your Supplement Insurance will cover the entire Part A deductible and the 20% coinsurance that you would be required to pay under Original Medicare. Additionally, your 20% Part B coinsurance expenses are covered when you visit a doctor.
Like Medigap Plan A, Plan B doesn’t cover:
- Medicare Part B deductible
- Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) care coinsurance
- Medicare Part B excess charges
- Emergency costs incurred from foreign travel
If you want coverage for SNF care or plan to do significant out-of-country travel, Medigap Plan B may not be the best option for you. However, it may come with lower premiums than many other plans, so depending on your health situation, it could end up saving you money in the long run.
Plus, Plan B is one of the few Medigap plans offered to Medigap enrollees under the age of 65 in certain states, like California and Connecticut.
At any rate, we recommend consulting with a licensed insurance agent specializing in Medicare before choosing a plan to ensure that you are getting the right coverage for your individual circumstances. Speak with an experienced insurance agent today to find out if Medigap Plan B is right for you.
