Medicare Supplement Plans in Nebraska

What Are Medicare Supplement Plans in Nebraska?

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, also known as Medigap policies, help cover these additional costs.

Medigap plans are standardized by letter (A through N), meaning Plan A from one company offers the same benefits as Plan A from another—though premiums may vary.

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

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 and begins when you’re both age 65 (or older) and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, 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.

Guaranteed issue rights occur in specific situations—like when you lose other health coverage—and allow you to purchase a plan without underwriting or increased premiums based on your health status.

What Are the Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans?

The most common Medigap plans in Nebraska and nationwide are:

• Plan F: Offers the most comprehensive coverage, but is only available to those who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
• Plan G: Provides nearly identical coverage to Plan F, except it does not pay the Medicare Part B deductible.
• Plan N: Covers many core expenses but includes copayments for doctor and ER visits and does not cover Medicare Part B excess charges.

How Do You Choose a Medicare Supplement Plan?

To find the right plan:

• Choose a plan letter based on your healthcare needs and budget.
• Compare insurers once you’ve selected a plan type. The coverage is the same, but the monthly premiums may differ.
• Consider how insurers price plans:
  • Attained age: Premiums increase with age.
  • Issue age: Premiums are based on your age when you first enroll and won’t rise due to age.
  • Community-rated: Premiums are the same for everyone, regardless of age.

Always compare the same lettered plan (e.g., Plan G vs. Plan G) across different insurers.

How Much Do Medigap Policies Cost?

Medigap premiums in Nebraska vary based on several factors, including:

• Your age and gender
• Tobacco use
• The specific plan you choose
• The insurer’s pricing method

What If You Want to Change Your Medicare Supplement Plan?

You can apply to change Medigap plans at any time. However, if you’re outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period and don’t have guaranteed issue rights, your application may be subject to underwriting. This means insurers could deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health.

What Are Alternatives to Medicare Supplement Plans?

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, are a popular alternative. These are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and typically bundle:

• Part A (hospital insurance)
• Part B (medical insurance)
• Often Part D (prescription drug coverage)
• Plus extras like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits

These plans replace Original Medicare and often include drug coverage and additional services.

Learn more about Nebraska Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D plans offer standalone prescription drug coverage.

• Who needs it: Anyone on Original Medicare who also wants 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’re 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. If you need coverage for medications, you’ll need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.

Medicare Resources in Nebraska

Nebraska residents can access free support and information through the following programs:

• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Personalized Medicare counseling and education.
• Nebraska Department of Insurance: Helps resolve complaints and oversees Medigap insurers in the state.
• ACCESSNebraska (Medicaid Program): Assists low-income individuals with healthcare needs, sometimes working in coordination with Medicare.

Next Steps

If a Medicare Supplement plan in Nebraska fits your needs, the next step is to explore your options.

You can browse plans online or speak with a licensed insurance agent for personalized assistance. The right Medigap policy can offer peace of mind and help reduce your out-of-pocket healthcare costs.