Medicare Supplement Plans in North Dakota

What Are Medicare Supplement Plans in North Dakota?

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

Original Medicare includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), but it doesn’t cover all healthcare expenses. Beneficiaries are still responsible for costs such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Medicare Supplement plans, or Medigap policies, help fill these coverage gaps.

Medigap plans are standardized by letter (A through N), meaning Plan G from one insurance company offers the same benefits as Plan G from another. However, pricing may differ.

Learn how these plans work and how they benefit residents of North Dakota.

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 review your health history and could deny coverage or charge more.

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins the month you are both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. This six-month period is the best time to enroll. During this time, insurance companies must accept your application and can’t charge you more based on health status.

You may qualify for guaranteed issue rights if you lose other health coverage or leave a Medicare Advantage plan under specific circumstances. These rights allow you to purchase a Medigap policy without medical underwriting, meaning insurers can’t deny coverage or increase premiums based on your health.

What Are the Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans?

The most commonly selected Medigap plans in North Dakota include:

• Plan F: Offers the most comprehensive coverage, including coverage for all Medicare-approved out-of-pocket costs. This plan is only available to individuals who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
• Plan G: Similar to Plan F but does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible. It’s often chosen by those who became eligible for Medicare after January 2020.
• Plan N: Covers many key costs but requires copayments for some doctor visits and emergency room visits. It does not cover Part B excess charges.

Each of these plans is standardized and provides the same core benefits across different insurance providers.

How Do You Choose a Medicare Supplement Plan?

To choose the right Medigap plan:

• Determine which plan letter best fits your medical needs and budget.
• Use comparison tools or consult a licensed insurance agent to review available options.
• Compare premiums for the same plan letter across different insurers—benefits are the same, but costs can vary due to:
  • Attained age rating: Premiums increase as you age.
  • Issue age rating: Premiums are based on your age when you buy the plan and do not increase due to age.
  • Community rating: Everyone pays the same premium, regardless of age.

Always compare the same plan across insurers—for example, Plan G with one company versus Plan G with another.

How Much Do Medigap Policies Cost?

Medigap premiums in North Dakota vary depending on several factors:

• Your age and gender
• Whether you use tobacco
• The Medigap plan type you select
• The pricing method used by the insurer

Premiums are also influenced by discounts, rating systems, and regional availability.

What If You Want to Change Your Medicare Supplement Plan?

You can apply to change your Medigap policy at any time. However, unless you qualify for guaranteed issue rights, your application may be subject to medical underwriting. This means an insurer could deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health history.

If you’re accepted, you can cancel your current plan. Many plans offer a 30-day “free look” period, allowing you to test the new policy before committing.

What Are Alternatives to Medicare Supplement Plans?

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, are an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans include:

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

Instead of pairing Medigap with a separate drug plan, many North Dakotans choose a bundled Medicare Advantage plan for simplified coverage.

Learn more about North Dakota Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D plans provide standalone prescription drug coverage.

• Who needs it: Individuals with Original Medicare who want drug coverage.
• What it covers: Prescription medications (coverage varies by plan).
• How it’s offered: Through Medicare-approved private insurers.
• Not needed if: You have a Medicare Advantage plan that already includes 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 North Dakota

Residents of North Dakota can get free, personalized help through these state-based resources:

• North Dakota State Health Insurance Counseling (SHIC): Offers confidential, no-cost Medicare counseling via trained volunteers.
• North Dakota Insurance Department: Helps with plan selection, complaints, and appeals.
• North Dakota Medicaid Program: Offers health coverage for low-income individuals and may coordinate with Medicare for dual-eligible residents.
• Comprehensive Health Association of North Dakota (CHAND): Provides coverage options for residents who cannot get traditional insurance due to preexisting conditions or loss of employer coverage.

Next Steps

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

Compare plans online or speak with a licensed insurance agent to find the right coverage and get personalized assistance.