Medigap plan K: Overview
Medigap Plan K is one of the 10 standardized Medigap plans offered in most states, and it can provide some great benefits for those who are enrolled.
Enrolling in a Medigap plan is a great way to supplement your Original Medicare coverage and help you cover some of the out-of-pocket costs associated with healthcare. Some of the key benefits of Plan K include coverage of the Original Medicare hospital deductible, as well as 50% of coinsurance and copayment expenses. Additionally, Plan K also offers coverage for Skilled Nursing Facility care after a hospital stay of 3 days or more.
Medigap plan K Enrollment
If you are interested in enrolling in Plan K, be sure to do so within 6 months of your 65th birthday, or the month you become eligible for Medicare Part B.
If you are covered by Medicare Part A and are interested in enrolling in Medicare Supplement Plan K, be sure to do so within 6 months of your 65th birthday, the month you become eligible for Medicare Part B.
Plan K is a standardized Medigap plan, meaning that it is offered by private insurance companies and the benefits are regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Medigap plan K Coverage
While Plan K has some great coverage options, it does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible or any of the coinsurance or copayment expenses for doctor visits.
Medicare Supplement Plan K also covers 50% of these expenses left over from Original Medicare:
- Medicare Part A deductible
- Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance or copay
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Medicare Part B copayment or coinsurance
- First three pints of blood for a covered medical procedure
It does not cover Part B’s deductible, excess charges, or a foreign travel emergency.
If you are looking for a plan that offers more comprehensive coverage, you may want to consider enrolling in Plan G, which covers the Part B deductible as well as coinsurance and copayment expenses for doctor visits.
FOOTNOTES:
1. HDF and HDG are deductible versions of the F and G, respectively. If you choose one of these options, this means that you must pay for Medicare-covered costs up to the deductible amount of $2,490 (2022) before your Medigap plan pays anything.
2. Plan N pays 100% of the Part B coinsurance, except for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 copayment for emergency room visits that don’t result in an inpatient admission.
3. Plan F, High Deductible Plan F (HDF) & Plan C are ONLY available to those who were considered Medicare-eligible prior to 2020.
4. Out-of-pocket limits for Plan K are $6,620 (2022) and $3,310 (2022).
