Written by Janice Domke
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.
- Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
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 Louisiana.
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 begins the month 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.
Birthday Rule: Effective 8/1/2022, individuals may switch to a Medicare supplement plan with equal or lesser benefits from the same insurer or affiliate, without medical underwriting. Enrollment is open for 63 days after their birthday, with notice provided at application.
You may also qualify for guaranteed issue rights if you lose other coverage or experience qualifying changes—such as moving out of a Medicare Advantage plan’s service area or your insurer ending your plan. In these cases, insurers must accept your application and cannot charge more based on your health.
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.
Louisiana residents can choose from multiple standardized Medigap options (Plans A through N), each with varying coverage levels to meet different needs.
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 Louisiana 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. But unless you have guaranteed issue rights, insurers may use medical underwriting to evaluate your health history.
If accepted, you can switch to a new plan, and you’ll have a 30-day “free look period” to decide whether to keep it—during which you may need to pay both premiums temporarily.
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana
Residents of Louisiana can get free, personalized help through the following programs:
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Offers one-on-one Medicare counseling.
- Louisiana Department of Insurance: Handles consumer education and complaints related to insurance providers.
- Louisiana Medicaid Program: Provides coverage for eligible low-income residents and may coordinate with Medicare benefits.
Next Steps
If a Medicare Supplement plan in Louisiana 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!
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “Medicare Enrollment Dashboard: Louisiana.” cms.gov (accessed October 2020).
Kaiser Family Foundation. “Medigap Enrollment and Consumer Protections Vary Across States.” kff.org (accessed October 2020).
U.S. Government Website for Medicare. “Find a Medigap policy that works for you.” medicare.gov (accessed October 2020).
U.S. Government Website for Medicare. “Switching Medigap policies.” medicare.gov (accessed October 2020).
“Switching Medigap policies.”
