Medicare Supplement Plans in Georgia

What Are Medicare Supplement Plans in Georgia?

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

Original Medicare includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). While it covers a wide range of healthcare services, it still leaves you responsible for costs like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, help cover these out-of-pocket expenses.

Medigap plans are standardized by letter (A through N), meaning that a Plan G from one insurer offers the same benefits as a Plan G from another. However, premiums may vary depending on the insurer.

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

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 deny coverage or charge more based on your health.

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period lasts six months and begins the month you’re both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurance companies must offer you any Medigap plan they sell at their standard rate, regardless of your health history.

This is the best time to enroll because it gives you access to the widest selection of plans at the most competitive rates.

Guaranteed issue rights apply in certain situations, such as when you lose other health coverage. If you qualify, insurers must sell you a policy and cannot charge more or deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions.

What Are the Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans?

Nationwide and in Georgia, the most commonly selected Medigap plans include:

• Plan F: Offers the most comprehensive coverage. Only available to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
• Plan G: Covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs except the Medicare Part B deductible.
• Plan N: Covers many essential costs but includes copayments for some doctor visits and ER services. It does not cover Part B excess charges.

How Do You Choose a Medicare Supplement Plan?

Start by selecting a plan letter—such as G or N—based on your typical healthcare needs and budget preferences.

Compare plan options online or speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help you navigate your choices. Remember:

• All plans with the same letter offer the same benefits, no matter which company offers them.
• Premiums vary, depending on the insurer and how they price their plans.

Insurers use three main pricing methods:

• Attained-age rated: Premiums increase as you get older.
• Issue-age rated: Premiums are based on your age when you first purchase the policy.
• Community-rated: Everyone pays the same premium, regardless of age.

Always compare the same plan across multiple insurers to ensure you’re getting the best value.

How Much Do Medigap Policies Cost?

Medigap premiums in Georgia vary based on factors such as:

• Your age and gender
• Tobacco use
• The plan you choose
• The pricing method used by the insurance company

What If You Want to Change Your Medicare Supplement Plan?

You can apply to change your Medigap policy at any time. However, unless you have guaranteed issue rights, insurers may review your health history and either deny your application or charge higher premiums.

What Are Alternatives to Medicare Supplement Plan?

Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans include Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical), and most include Part D (prescription drug coverage). Many plans offer extra benefits, such as vision, dental, hearing, and wellness programs.

Learn more about Georgia Medicare Advantage plans.

Instead of buying a Medigap policy and a standalone Part D plan, you may find it more convenient to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that combines coverage.

Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D plans provide standalone prescription drug coverage.

• Who needs it: If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare and want drug coverage.
• What it covers: Prescription medications (coverage varies by plan).
• How it’s offered: Through private insurers approved by Medicare.
• Not needed if: You have a Medicare Advantage plan with built-in drug coverage (MAPD).

Do Medigap Plans Cover Prescription Drugs?

No. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. If you need medication coverage, you’ll need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.

Medicare Resources in Georgia

Residents of Georgia can access free and personalized Medicare guidance from:

• GeorgiaCares (SHIP): Offers one-on-one Medicare counseling to help you understand and evaluate your options.
• Georgia Department of Insurance: Helps with insurance-related questions, complaints, and regulatory issues.
• Georgia Medicaid: Provides healthcare assistance for low-income individuals and may coordinate with Medicare benefits.

Next Steps

If a Medicare Supplement plan in Georgia fits your needs, the next step is to compare available plans in your area. You can browse options online or speak with a licensed insurance agent for expert help and tailored recommendations.