Medicare Supplement Plans in Wyoming

What Are Medicare Supplement Plans in Wyoming?

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 policies are sold by Medicare-approved private insurers and are standardized by letter (Plans A–N). That means Plan A from one company offers the same benefits as Plan A from another—though premiums may differ.

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’re both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurance companies cannot deny coverage or increase premiums based on your health history.

Guaranteed issue rights allow you to apply for a Medigap plan outside of your Open Enrollment Period without penalty. Common qualifying situations include:

• Your Medicare Advantage plan ends service in your area or you move out of its service area.
• You lose employer or union-based Medicare coverage.
• You tried a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time and want to return to Original Medicare within the first year.
• Your Medigap insurance company goes bankrupt or misleads you.

Outside of this period and without guaranteed issue rights, insurers may deny your application or charge more due to pre-existing conditions.

What Are the Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans?

Nationwide, the most common Medigap plans include:

• Plan F – Offers the most comprehensive coverage, including Part A and B deductibles and excess charges. Only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
• Plan G – Covers everything Plan F does except the Medicare Part B deductible. Popular among those new to Medicare.
• Plan N – Covers most out-of-pocket costs, but includes copayments for some office and ER visits and does not cover Part B excess charges.

Each of these plans helps pay for expenses like coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles, and may also offer coverage for emergency care while traveling abroad.

How Do You Choose a Medicare Supplement Plan?

When selecting a Medigap plan in Wyoming:

1. Decide on a plan letter (such as G or N) based on your medical needs and budget.
2. Compare pricing across insurers offering the same plan. Benefits are identical for a given plan letter, but premiums may vary.
3. Understand how insurers price their plans, which impacts long-term affordability:
   • Community-rated: Premiums are the same regardless of age.
   • Issue-age-rated: Premiums are based on your age when you buy the plan and don’t increase as you age.
   • Attained-age-rated: Premiums are based on your current age and rise as you get older.

Always compare the same plan (e.g., Plan G vs. Plan G) between insurers to make a fair comparison.

How Much Do Medigap Policies Cost?

Medigap premiums in Wyoming vary depending on:

• Your age and gender
• Whether you use tobacco
• The plan you choose
• The pricing method the insurer uses

Each insurer sets its own rates, so shopping around is essential for getting a competitive premium.

What If You Want to Change Your Medicare Supplement Plan?

You can apply to change your Medigap plan at any time. However, unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right, your application may be subject to medical underwriting. That means the insurance company can deny coverage or charge more based on your health status.

Common reasons people switch plans include:

• Needing more or fewer benefits
• Wanting to work with a different insurer
• Seeking more affordable premiums

If you’re still in your Open Enrollment Period, you can change plans without penalty or health screening.

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 combine Part A and Part B, and many also include Part D prescription drug coverage. They often provide additional benefits like vision, dental, hearing, and fitness programs.

Instead of buying a Medigap and Part D plan separately, some beneficiaries choose the convenience of an all-in-one Medicare Advantage plan.

Learn more about Wyoming Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D plans offer standalone prescription drug coverage.

Who needs it: Anyone with Original Medicare who wants help covering the cost of prescription medications.
What it covers: Prescription drugs, with specific coverage and costs varying 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 plans do not include prescription drug coverage. If you want help paying for medications, you’ll need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.

Medicare Resources in Wyoming

Wyoming residents can access personalized Medicare help through these local resources:

• Wyoming State Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP): Offers free, unbiased counseling about Medicare and Medigap plans. Call 1-800-856-4398.
• Wyoming Department of Insurance: Oversees complaints and Medigap regulations. Call 307-777-7402 or visit their website to file a complaint.
• Wyoming Medicaid: Provides free or low-cost healthcare for qualifying low-income residents. Apply online or by calling 1-855-294-2127.

Next Steps

If a Medicare Supplement plan in Wyoming meets your needs, begin by comparing plan types (e.g., Plan G vs. Plan N) and insurers. Be sure to compare identical plan letters to make an “apples-to-apples” comparison.

You can browse options online or speak with a licensed insurance agent for expert, personalized guidance.