Medicare Supplement Changes- Rumor Control!

Upcoming changes in the federal laws will affect the availability of certain Medicare Supplement Plans for certain Medicare beneficiaries. A new federal law, called the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), will affect the availability of certain Medicare Supplement Plans issued to newly-eligible Medicare beneficiaries on or after January 1, 2020. The Medicare Supplement Plans affected by MACRA are ones that cover the Medicare Part B deductible.

Here are a few key points:

  • Existing Policyholders on Plans C, F, and HDF/F+ are NOT affected by this change. Their existing coverage continues so long as premiums are paid on time.
  • Medicare Supplement Plans C, F, and HDF/F+ will not be available beginning January 1, 2020, for newly-eligible Medicare Beneficiaries.
  • Newly-eligible Medicare beneficiaries are defined as anyone who: (a) attains age 65 on or after January 1, 2020, or (b) who first becomes eligible for Medicare benefits due to age, disability, or end-stage renal disease on or after January 1, 2020.
  • New High Deductible Plan G to be introduced January 1, 2020.