Delaware's Best Medicare Supplement Plans & Companies
If you're a resident of Delaware currently enrolled in Original Medicare, you have the option to bolster your Part A and Part B coverage with Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap plans). In Delaware, there are ten distinct plan options, each designed to cover various out-of-pocket expenses.
In this article, we delve into the top Delaware Medigap plans and insurance companies for plan year 2024.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Know
- Delaware Medigap plans are offered by private insurance companies, not the government.
- There are 10 different plan options available, labeled A through N, each providing a different level of Medicare coverage.
- Delaware residents become eligible for Medigap coverage at age 65.
- All plans offer coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Medicare Part B copayments or coinsurance, and the first three pints of blood.
- Most plans also cover the Medicare Part A deductible and Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance.
- It's important to note that Medigap does not cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, or private-duty nursing.
- The average costs for a 65-year-old can vary significantly based on factors such as gender, tobacco use, your location in Delaware, and the level of coverage you select.
- Medigap policies are not classified as health insurance; they fall under indemnity insurance and operate under their own set of rules.
The Top 5 Medicare Supplement Plans in Delaware
There are 10 different Medigap plans. Plans are labeled A through N and standardized by the federal Medicare program.
The best plans in Delaware for the 2024 plan year are Medicare Supplement Plan F, Plan C, Plan D, Plan G, and Plan N. They are the best because they offer the most coverage.
But is one of these plans the best for you?
A good way to understand each of the 10 plans is to look at a Medigap plan chart, which shows how each plan helps Delaware residents pay their Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
NOTE: Medicare Part A and Medigap Plan A sound similar. However, they are different, as are Medicare Part D and Medigap Plan D. Medicare organizes its benefits in “parts,” whereas private insurance companies sell “plans.” The topics are easily confused.
Comparing Medicare Supplement Plans in Delaware
Individuals covered by Medicare have unique requirements. Your age, gender, Delaware zip code, utilization of medical services, choice of healthcare providers, emergency care needs, as well as your requirements for supplies and durable medical equipment all contribute to the factors you should take into account.
These elements are essential as they significantly impact your available plan choices. It's crucial to thoroughly evaluate your outpatient and inpatient care needs as part of this consideration.
When Best = Maximum Coverage Throughout Delaware
Most insurance experts agree that Plan G is the best option in Delaware if you are signing up for Medicare with one or more chronic health issues. It offers the most coverage you can buy if you qualify for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
NOTE: Plan F offers more coverage than Medicare Supplement Plan G, but it costs significantly more, and it is only available if you qualify for Medicare before 2020.
- Get Plan F and Plan G Quotes in Your Zip Code
- See All Companies Offering Plan F in Delaware
- See All Companies Offering Plan G in Delaware
When Best = Excellent Protection & Cost-Effective Premiums
If you are enrolling in Medicare and find yourself in excellent health or require solid coverage but have budget constraints that prevent you from considering Plan G, Medicare Supplement Plan N presents a viable alternative. Plan N provides comprehensive coverage throughout Delaware for inpatient hospital stays and most medical expenses.
Plan N is particularly suitable for individuals in good health because it involves cost-sharing. In return for lower monthly premiums, participants in this plan contribute a nominal copayment. For doctor office visits there's a $20 copay. If you use the emergency room you'll pay up to $50.
When Best = Most Affordable Coverage in Delaware
Many Delaware beneficiaries don't require comprehensive coverage or simply can't manage it in their budget. If you're concerned about the monthly premium burden, consult with your insurance agent regarding Medicare Supplement Plan K and the High Deductible Plan G (HDG).
RELATED: How Does High Deductible Plan G Work?
These two plan options represent the most economical choices available. Many well-informed Delaware seniors prefer these plans over a Medicare Advantage plan.
Are Plan A, B, C, D, L, and M Offered in Delaware?
In Delaware, Medicare Supplement Plan A is the most basic coverage option available. Interestingly, in many areas, its cost surpasses that of Plan N. Would you pay more to get less coverage?
While Medicare Supplement Plan C and Plan D offer coverage similar to Plan G, they come with a higher price tag. Furthermore, akin to Plan F, Plan C is exclusively available to Delaware beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare prior to 2020.
It's important to note that only a handful of insurance companies in Delaware offer Plan L or Plan M. They rarely pan out as a good option.
Health Insurance Company vs. Life Insurance Company: Which is Best?
Every Medigap insurance carrier operating in Delaware must adhere to federal and state insurance regulations. They can't deviate from the standardized plans designated by letters A through N.
To give an example, a Plan F policy from Aetna Medicare provides identical coverage and benefits (same out-of-pocket costs covered) as a Plan F policy from Mutual of Omaha, United Healthcare, Humana, Cigna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield. This standardization simplifies the process of comparing Medigap plans.
The most important difference is the strength and quality of insurance company standing behind the plan and how they rate their plan for premium increases. It's crucial to research a company's Medicare Supplement rate increase history before making a final decision.
Delaware state laws may impose enrollment and rating limitations on carrier. For detailed information, refer to the Delaware Department of Insurance website at http://www.delawareinsurance.gov/.
Medicare Supplement Plan F Companies in Delaware
Medicare Supplement Plan F (Medigap Plan F) is Delaware’s most popular Medigap plan. Here are the 10 best companies that offer Plan F policies in Delaware based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan F in Delaware
Medigap Plan F is standardized like all Medicare Supplement Plans in Delaware. Insurance carriers are required to cover certain benefits. Plan F is the most comprehensive plan because it covers all gaps in Original Medicare.
Although Original Medicare does not cover foreign travel medical emergencies, Plan F does (up to 89%). In addition to this extra benefit, companies may offer limited additional features. One example is Physician Mutual’s Preventive Care and Hearing Loss Testing benefits.
Medicare Supplement Plan G Companies in Delaware
Medicare Supplement Plan G (Medigap Plan G) is rapidly gaining popularity with Delaware seniors. With Plan F no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries, Plan G is the new gold standard. Here are the 10 best insurance companies that offer Medigap Plan G policies in Delaware based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan G in Delaware
All Medigap plans in Delaware, including Medigap Plan G, are standardized. Insurance companies must provide the standard coverage. Plan G covers all gaps in Original Medicare except the Part B deductible. And it only covers 80% of foreign travel medical emergencies that fall within your policy’s limits.
Companies may offer additional features like UnitedHealthcare’s fitness program, Renew Active, or the Silver Sneakers fitness program.
Medicare Supplement Plan N Companies in Delaware
Medicare Supplement Plan N is similar to Plan D (not to be confused with Medicare Part D) but covers Medicare Part B coinsurance costs differently. Due to its lower cost and good coverage, it's catching the attention of many Arizona seniors. Here are the 10 best insurance companies that offer Medigap Plan N policies in Delaware based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan N in Delaware
All Medicare Supplement Plans in Delaware are standardized, including Medigap Plan N. Like Plan G, Plan N does not cover the Part B deductible. It also does not cover Part B excess charges. But it does cover 80% of foreign travel medical emergencies up to the policy’s limits.
Medicare limits the types of extra benefits companies can offer. One excellent additional benefit is UnitedHealthcare’s NurseLine, which lets you talk to an experienced nurse, day or night.
Medicare Eligibility and Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period
You can apply for Medigap coverage in Delaware during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Your OEP is a six-month period that begins when you enroll in Medicare Part B. Your Medicare eligibility date will determine which plan types are available to you.
Federal law grants you guaranteed issue rights during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. You can get a Medicare Supplement Plan during this period, regardless of your health history and chronic health conditions. You cannot be turned down, and you can go with the company of your choice, so long as they sell policies in Delaware.
Delaware Medigap plan enrollees require the assistance of a licensed insurance agent. If you don't have an insurance agent, we recommend HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Call them at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711). They work with all of the top Delaware insurance companies. There's no obligation.
Is a Medicare Supplement Right for You?
When a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan May Be a Good Fit:
- You anticipate needing frequent healthcare services now or in the future and prefer to limit your deductibles and co-pays.
- You have the financial means to comfortably afford the monthly premiums associated with Medicare Supplement Insurance and do not qualify for Medicaid.
- You value the freedom to choose your healthcare providers and doctors without the constraints of network restrictions.
- You require nationwide coverage and/or plan to travel abroad.
- You are in your Initial Enrollment Period, granting you guaranteed issue rights to enroll in a Medigap plan, regardless of your current health condition.
- You want to avoid the constraints, referrals, and pre-authorization requirements associated with Medicare Advantage plans.
When You May Want to Consider Alternatives to a Medicare Supplement:
- You do not anticipate the need for frequent healthcare services now or in the future.
- You missed your Medigap open enrollment period and cannot pass medical underwriting to obtain your preferred Medigap policy.
- You prefer a Medicare Advantage plan with low or no monthly premiums.
- You already have Medicaid, TRICARE, VA benefits, retiree benefits, or other coverage options that cover most of your Medicare out-of-pocket expenses.
- You are interested in an HMO or PPO plan with a Part D prescription drug plan, Silver Sneakers, and routine dental, vision, and hearing care.
- You are comfortable adhering to the rules and limitations of a Medicare Advantage plan.
Alternatives to Delaware Medicare Supplement Plans
If you have determined that a Delaware Medicare Supplement Plan is not the right fit for your needs, or if none of the 10 plan types align with your budget, there are several alternative options:
- Opt to stay with Original Medicare, add a Medicare Part D plan to get prescription drug coverage, and cover all Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments out-of-pocket. Please note: This approach carries significant financial risk, regardless of your current health status.
- If you meet the qualifications for both Medicare and Medicaid or have a serious health condition, consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan.
- If you are enrolled in the VA health system, you can receive all your healthcare services from your nearest VA hospital. In such cases, the VA will bill Medicare and cover the remaining costs.
- Explore the option of enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan featuring a low maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit and reasonable copayments.
As you explore these Medicare coverage alternatives, remember that the choice you make can have a significant impact on your healthcare and financial well-being. Take the time to assess your unique needs and preferences. Should you require further clarity or assistance in navigating the options available to you in Delaware, don't hesitate to reach out to our preferred agency, HealthCompare, at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).
Next Steps
The next step is to get a FREE Medigap Rate Comparison Report. It will arm you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
Get Your Free Medicare Supplement Rate Comparison
MedicareWire is a Medicare consulting agency. We are not insurance agents. Our job is to help people navigate Medicare without marketing interference.
Our free report will show you rates from all carriers without a sales pitch. No Calls. No Email Spam. No Kidding!
If you would prefer to speak with an agent, our preferred, nationwide agency is HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Give them a call at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).
Citations & References
- Costs of Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- What's Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- Find a Medigap policy that works for you, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- How to compare Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- How Original Medicare works, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- Your Medicare coverage choices, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023