Medicare Supplement Overview
Medicare Supplement Plan A
Medicare Supplement Plan A offers foundational protection for those seeking basic coverage to fill gaps in Original Medicare. While it’s the most minimal Medigap plan available, Plan A provides essential benefits that can help reduce your out-of-pocket medical expenses. Understanding what Plan A covers—and what it doesn’t—is crucial for making an informed decision about your Medicare supplemental insurance needs.
Keep reading or jump to our Highlights and Frequently Asked Questions.
What Medicare Supplement Plan A Covers
Medicare Supplement Plan A is designed to provide basic coverage for some of the most fundamental gaps in Original Medicare. This plan serves as an entry-level option for those who want some additional protection without the comprehensive coverage of higher-lettered plans.
Core Benefits Included
- Part A Coinsurance and Hospital Costs: Plan A covers your share of costs for hospital stays after Medicare pays its portion. This includes coverage for days 61-90 of your hospital stay, where you would otherwise pay $408 per day in 2024, as well as your lifetime reserve days.
- Part B Coinsurance or Copayment: After you meet Medicare Part B’s annual deductible, Plan A helps cover the typical 20% coinsurance you would pay for doctor visits, outpatient services, and medical equipment.
- Blood Coverage: If you need blood transfusions, Plan A covers the cost of the first three pints of blood each year, which Medicare doesn’t cover.
- Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance or Copayment: This benefit helps cover your portion of costs for hospice care services when you’re enrolled in Medicare-certified hospice care.
What Plan A Doesn’t Cover
It’s important to understand that Medicare Supplement Plan A has significant limitations compared to other Medigap plans. Plan A does not cover:
- Medicare Part A deductible ($1,632 per benefit period in 2024)
- Medicare Part B deductible ($240 in 2024)
- Part B excess charges
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency coverage
Who Should Consider Plan A
Medicare Supplement Plan A works best for individuals who are generally healthy, have limited healthcare needs, and want basic protection at a lower premium cost. If you’re comfortable paying Medicare’s deductibles out-of-pocket and don’t anticipate frequent medical services, Plan A might provide the right balance of coverage and cost.
This plan can also serve as a stepping stone for those who want some Medigap protection but aren’t ready to commit to more comprehensive coverage. However, keep in mind that you may face medical underwriting if you try to upgrade to a different Medigap plan later, depending on your state’s regulations.
For detailed information about Medicare Supplement plans and enrollment requirements, visit the official Medicare.gov Medigap page, which provides comprehensive guidance on all available supplement options.
Medicare Can Be Confusing
We understand. That's why we wrote a simple guide to help you decipher the terms, makes sense of the options and gain enough insight to make an informed decision.
If you're not ready to reach out to Bob and the Insurance Connection team, please grab your free copy of The ABC’s & D of Medicare. Learn More
Medicare Supplement Plan A
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medicare Supplement Plan A available in all states?
Plan A is available in most states, but some states have their own standardized Medigap plans. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have different Medigap programs with unique benefit structures.
Can I upgrade from Plan A to a more comprehensive plan later?
While you can apply to switch plans, you may need to go through medical underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right. This means your health status could affect your ability to get coverage or influence your premium rates.
How much does Medicare Supplement Plan A typically cost?
Premiums vary significantly based on your location, age, insurance company, and the pricing method used (community-rated, issue-age-rated, or attained-age-rated). It’s important to compare quotes from multiple insurers in your area to find the best rate.
Insurance Connection USA is a division of Garrison Enterprises a licensed Insurance agency and not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
Important Highlights
Medicare Supplement Plan A provides basic coverage for hospital coinsurance, Part B coinsurance, blood costs, and hospice care coinsurance.
This plan works best for healthy individuals who want minimal supplemental coverage at a lower premium cost.
Contact Medicare Support
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 5:00pm CST
Click to Call:
940-382-4700