Written by Paige Cerulli
HealthCare Writer
We aim to help you make informed healthcare decisions. While this post may contain links to lead generation forms, this won’t influence our writing. We follow strict editorial standards to give you the most accurate and unbiased information.
What You Need to Know
- Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, help pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Medicare Part A and Part B.
- Kentucky insurance companies must accept your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan application if you’re in your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or have guaranteed issue rights.
- The three most popular Medigap policies are typically Plans F, G, and N.
What Are Medicare Supplement Plans in Kentucky?
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.
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 Kentucky.
Compare options HERE & start your health plan journey.
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 starts the month you’re 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.
You may also qualify for guaranteed issue rights outside of this window. These rights arise in specific circumstances, such as moving outside of your Medicare Advantage plan’s service area or losing other coverage. Insurers must sell you a policy and cannot deny you due to preexisting conditions or charge more based on your health.
Birthday Rule: Effective 1/1/2024 in Kentucky, individuals can switch to the same Medicare supplement plan letter from any carrier without medical underwriting. Enrollment is allowed within 60 days of their birthday.
What Are the Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans?
Nationwide, the most common Medigap plans are:
- Plan F: Offers the most comprehensive coverage, but is only available to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
- Plan G: Covers almost everything Plan F does, except the Medicare Part B deductible.
- Plan N: Covers most major costs but has copayments for some doctor and ER visits, and does not cover Part B excess charges.
Kentucky residents can choose from 10 standard Medigap plans, with Plans F and G also available in high-deductible versions.
How Do You Choose a Medicare Supplement Plan?
Decide on a plan letter (e.g., G or N) based on your healthcare needs and budget.
Explore plan options online or call a licensed insurance agent for guided assistance.
Compare premiums for the same plan across insurers. The benefits are identical, but pricing differs due to:
- Attained age rating: Premiums increase as you age.
- Issue age rating: Premiums are based on your age when you first buy the plan.
- Community rating: Everyone pays the same premium regardless of age.
Always compare “apples to apples” — for example, Plan G with one insurer vs. Plan G with another.
How Much Do Medigap Policies Cost?
Medigap premiums in Kentucky vary based on:
- Your age and gender
- Tobacco use
- Plan type
- Pricing method used by the insurer
Compare options HERE & start your health plan journey.
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, insurance companies can use medical underwriting to determine eligibility and pricing. That’s why it’s important to choose the right plan during your initial enrollment period if possible.
What Are Alternatives to Medicare Supplement Plans?
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, are an alternative to Original Medicare, offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies.
These plans include Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical), and most also include Part D (prescription drug coverage). Many plans offer added benefits like routine dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs.
Instead of buying a Medigap and a Part D plan separately, you may consider an all-in-one Medicare Advantage plan.
Learn more about Kentucky Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Part D?
Medicare Part D plans offer standalone prescription drug coverage.
Who needs it: If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and/or B) and want drug coverage, you typically buy a separate Part D plan.
What it covers: Prescription medications. Coverage and cost vary by plan.
How it’s offered: Through private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
Not needed if: You’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that already includes drug coverage (MAPD).
Shop for a Medicare plan with additional benefits!
Do Medigap Plans Cover Prescription Drugs?
No. Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs. You’ll need a separate Medicare Part D plan for that.
Medicare Resources in Kentucky
Residents of Kentucky can get free, personalized help through the following programs:
- Kentucky State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Offers one-on-one Medicare counseling.
- Kentucky Department of Insurance: Provides consumer education and handles complaints related to insurance companies.
- Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services: Helps eligible residents apply for Medicaid and understand available benefits.
Next Steps
If a Medicare Supplement plan in Kentucky fits your needs, take the next step by comparing plans available in your area. You can browse options online or connect with a licensed insurance agent for expert guidance and personalized support.
Thank you for your feedback!
Medicare.gov. “What’s Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?” medicare.gov. (accessed October 31, 2020).
Medicare.gov. Medicare. “When Can I Buy Medigap?” medicare.gov. (accessed October 31, 2020).
Medicare.gov. “Guaranteed Issue Rights.” medicare.gov. (accessed October 31, 2020).
Medicare.gov. “Special Circumstances (Special Enrollment Periods).” medicare.gov. (accessed October 31, 2020).
Medicare.gov. “Benefits Offered by Each Medigap Plan.” medicare.gov. (accessed October 31, 2020).
Medicare.gov. “Medicare Advantage Plans.” medicare.gov (accessed October 31, 2020).
