Medicare Supplement Plans in Missouri

What Are Medicare Supplement Plans in Missouri?

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

Medigap plans are standardized by letter (A through N). That means a Plan G from one company offers the same benefits as Plan G from another, although prices may differ.

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

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 consider your health status and either deny coverage or charge higher premiums.

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period lasts for six months. It begins the month you are both 65 (or older) and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, insurance companies must offer you any Medigap policy they sell, regardless of your health.

This period is the best time to enroll, as it offers the greatest plan access and most favorable terms.

You may also qualify for guaranteed issue rights if you’re switching from a Medicare Advantage plan, leaving group coverage, or moving out of your current plan’s service area. In these situations, insurers must accept your application and cannot adjust rates based on your health.

Anniversary Rule: Individuals may switch to the same Medicare supplement plan letter from any carrier without medical underwriting. To qualify, they must terminate their current plan within 30 days before or after their policy anniversary, triggering a 63-day guaranteed issue window.

What Are the Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans?

Nationwide, the most common Medigap plans are:

• Plan F – Offers the most comprehensive benefits, including Medicare Part A and B deductibles. Only available to individuals who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
• Plan G – Covers nearly everything Plan F does, except for the Medicare Part B deductible.
• Plan N – Provides coverage for most Medicare Part A and B costs, but includes copayments for some services and does not cover Part B excess charges.

These plans are widely available in Missouri and commonly selected by residents for their broad coverage.

How Do You Choose a Medicare Supplement Plan?

Because Medigap plans are standardized, the benefits for each plan letter are the same no matter which insurer you choose. This makes it easier to compare options and focus on pricing, customer service, and added features.

When choosing a Medigap plan:

• Select a plan letter (such as G or N) based on your medical and financial needs.
• Compare plan premiums and offerings from different insurers.
• Use an online comparison tool or consult a licensed insurance agent for personalized advice.

Insurers use different pricing models, which may affect your premiums over time:

• Attained age rating: Premiums increase as you age.
• Issue age rating: Premiums are based on your age when you purchase the plan and do not increase as you get older.
• Community rating: Premiums are the same for everyone, regardless of age.

Be sure to compare “like with like” — for example, Plan G with one provider vs. Plan G with another.

How Much Do Medigap Policies Cost?

Medigap premiums in Missouri can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Your age and gender
• Whether or not you use tobacco
• The plan you choose
• The insurer’s pricing method

Since benefits are standardized, comparing premiums across insurers is essential to find the best value.

What If You Want to Change Your Medicare Supplement Plan?

You may apply to switch Medigap plans at any time. However, if you’re outside your Open Enrollment Period and don’t qualify for guaranteed issue rights, insurance companies may deny your application, charge higher premiums, or impose a waiting period based on your health history.

If approved for a new policy, make sure to cancel your existing coverage through your insurer to avoid duplicate payments.

What Are Alternatives to Medicare Supplement Plans?

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

Medicare Advantage plans often use provider networks like HMOs or PPOs to manage costs and may include added benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and wellness services.
If you want a single, bundled plan that may include more services, Medicare Advantage could be a good fit.

Learn more about Missouri Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D plans offer standalone prescription drug coverage.

• Who needs it: People enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and/or B) who want drug coverage.
• What it covers: A range of prescription medications, with coverage details varying by plan.
• How it’s offered: Through private insurers approved by Medicare.
• Not needed if: You are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage (MAPD).

Do Medigap Plans Cover Prescription Drugs?

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

Medicare Resources in Missouri

Missouri residents can access free Medicare assistance from the following programs:

• CLAIM (State Health Insurance Assistance Program – SHIP): Offers unbiased, one-on-one Medicare counseling to help you compare and choose plans.
• Missouri Department of Insurance: Provides consumer protection and support with insurance-related questions or issues.
• MO HealthNet (Medicaid): Offers health coverage to low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities who qualify for additional assistance.

Next Steps

If a Medicare Supplement plan in Missouri aligns with your healthcare needs, the best time to act is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.

Start comparing plans today, or connect with a licensed insurance agent to receive expert guidance tailored to your situation.