Medicare Supplement Plans in Connecticut

What Are Medicare Supplement Plans in Connecticut?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as younger people with qualifying disabilities or health conditions (e.g., end-stage renal disease).

Original Medicare, which includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), covers many healthcare services. However, it still leaves you with out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Medicare Supplement plans help pay for these expenses.

In Connecticut, you can choose from 12 Medigap policies, including two high-deductible options. Medigap plans are standardized by letter (A through N). That means Plan A from one company offers the same benefits as Plan A from another, though premiums may differ.

Learn how these plans work and how they benefit residents of Connecticut.

When Can You Enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Policy?

You can apply for a Medigap plan at any time. However, outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period—or without guaranteed issue rights—insurers may use your health history to deny coverage or charge higher premiums.

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period lasts for six months. It begins automatically when you are both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, insurance companies must offer you any plan they sell at standard rates, regardless of your health.

This is the ideal time to enroll because it gives you the widest choice of plans and the best rates.

Certain life events can also trigger guaranteed issue rights, such as losing employer coverage or your Medicare Advantage plan ending. In those cases, insurance providers must offer you coverage and cannot charge more due to your health.

Unlimited Open Enrollment: Medicare supplement plans are not underwritten year-round. All plans are available in guaranteed issue situations.

What Are the Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans?

Nationwide and in Connecticut, the most commonly selected Medigap plans are:

• Plan F – Offers the most comprehensive coverage, but is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
• Plan G – Offers nearly the same coverage as Plan F, excluding the Medicare Part B deductible.
• Plan N – Covers many core benefits but includes copayments for some doctor and ER visits, and does not cover Part B excess charges.

All Medigap plans with the same letter offer identical benefits, regardless of the insurer. The difference lies in the premiums and company reputation.

How Do You Choose a Medicare Supplement Plan?

To choose the right Medigap plan, consider:

• Your healthcare usage: Look at how often you visit doctors or specialists and what services you typically use.
• Your budget: Decide whether you prefer higher monthly premiums with fewer out-of-pocket costs (like Plan G), or lower premiums with more cost-sharing (like Plan N).
• Future needs: Choose a plan that supports your long-term health goals and anticipated expenses.

You can compare plans online or speak with a licensed insurance agent for personalized guidance.

When comparing, be sure to look at:

• The plan letter (e.g., G or N)
• Pricing methods used by insurers (attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated)
• Customer service reputation of the insurer

How Much Do Medigap Policies Cost?

Medigap premiums in Connecticut vary based on several factors:

• Age and gender
• Tobacco use
• Plan type
• Pricing method used by the insurer

While benefits are standardized, the monthly premium can differ significantly between companies and locations. Always compare the same plan (e.g., Plan G vs. Plan G) across different insurers for a true cost comparison.

What If You Want to Change Your Medicare Supplement Plan?

You can apply to change Medigap policies at any time. However, unless you have guaranteed issue rights or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, insurers may review your medical history and deny you coverage or increase your rates.

That’s why it’s crucial to choose the right plan during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. If you do need to make changes later, speak with an agent to understand your options and whether you qualify for special protections.

What Are Alternatives to Medicare Supplement Plan?

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and bundle Medicare Part A and Part B, often with Part D (prescription drug coverage) included.

Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer extra benefits like:

• Dental
• Vision
• Hearing
• Fitness memberships

Instead of paying for a Medigap plan and a separate drug plan, you can enroll in an all-in-one Medicare Advantage plan. However, Advantage plans typically use provider networks and may have higher cost-sharing if you go out of network.

Learn more about Connecticut Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D plans offer standalone prescription drug coverage. Here’s what to know:

• Who needs it: If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare and want drug coverage, you need a separate Part D plan.
• What it covers: Prescription medications; specific drugs and prices vary by plan.
• How it’s offered: Through private insurers approved by Medicare.
• Not needed if: You’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.

Do Medigap Plans Cover Prescription Drugs?

No. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. If you have Original Medicare and want drug benefits, you’ll need to purchase a separate Part D plan.

Medicare Resources in Connecticut

Connecticut residents have access to several helpful programs:

• CHOICES (Connecticut’s SHIP program): Offers free, personalized counseling and educational outreach to Medicare beneficiaries and their families.
• Connecticut Insurance Department: Provides consumer assistance, complaint resolution, and information on approved insurers.
• HUSKY Health (Connecticut’s Medicaid program): Includes Medicaid and CHIP. It offers healthcare coverage for qualifying low-income residents and can coordinate with Medicare benefits.

Next Steps

If a Medicare Supplement plan in Connecticut fits your needs, take the next step by comparing plan options in your area. You can browse plans online or speak with a licensed insurance agent to get help selecting the right coverage for your health and financial goals.