Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap Plans) are issued by private insurance companies, however the Government dictates the coverages the companies must provide. The Plans are designated by letters A through N. The only difference you will find from one company to another is the cost. So a Medigap Plan A from company A will have the same coverage as that purchased through company B.
Let's examine Medigap Plans A, B, and C and look at what they cover. Bear in mind that plans offered and the companies that offer them will vary by state, so the specific plan might not be offered where you live. This is current for 2011:
Plan A Covers:
Medicare Part A Coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after your Medicare benefits are used up
Medicare Part B Coinsurance or Copayment
Blood - first 3 pints
Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance or Copayment
Plan B Covers:
The same as Plan A above, plus:
Medicare Part A Deductible
Plan C Covers:
The same as Plan A and Plan B above, plus:
Skilled Nursing Facility Care Coinsurance
Medicare Part B Deductible
Foreign Travel Emergency - up to plan limits
Let's examine Medigap Plans A, B, and C and look at what they cover. Bear in mind that plans offered and the companies that offer them will vary by state, so the specific plan might not be offered where you live. This is current for 2011:
Plan A Covers:
Medicare Part A Coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after your Medicare benefits are used up
Medicare Part B Coinsurance or Copayment
Blood - first 3 pints
Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance or Copayment
Plan B Covers:
The same as Plan A above, plus:
Medicare Part A Deductible
Plan C Covers:
The same as Plan A and Plan B above, plus:
Skilled Nursing Facility Care Coinsurance
Medicare Part B Deductible
Foreign Travel Emergency - up to plan limits