Types of Medicare Plans In Maryland
There are three main types of Maryland Medicare Plans available with each type of plan having many options within each category. These Medicare Plans can be organized into three simple categories to choose from:
- ORIGINAL MEDICARE with a Supplement Medigap plan to fill in the gaps
- MEDICARE ADVANTAGE also known as Medicare Part C
- PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS also known as PDP or Rx Plans
UnitedHealthcare® is a good example of a company in Maryland that offers supplement plans, Medicare Advantage Plans and Prescription Drug Plans for seniors.
You cannot mix 1 & 2 above, you must pick one or the other in order for Medicare to work properly. Number 3 can be used all the time with number 1, but is only available with number 2 based on what type of Medicare Advantage Plan you select. More on this later.
Let's take a closer look at the Medicare plans in Maryland by category.
Original Medicare With A Supplement Plan
Typically you start with Original Medicare once you turn 65 as shown above, this is simply Part A and Part B. However, Part B only covers 80% of your costs, you are responsible for the remaining 20% no matter how big the bill is (think MILLIONS of dollars). In order to prevent financial ruins, you can buy an insurance policy to cover this 20%, it's called a Medicare Supplement Plan, also known as a MediGap plan.
These Supplement Plans are given letters to designate what they cover. In most recent years, Plan F was the highest level of coverage available, and it still is if your Medicare A or B went effective (started) prior to January 1st, 2020. If your Part A or B started on or after January 1st, 2020, then Plan G is the highest level of coverage you can purchase.
Here's a simple chart to help explain what each Medicare Supplement Plan covers:
Some of the rules that surround these types of Maryland Medicare Plans are:
- You must have both Medicare A & B to purchase a Supplement Plan
- You have 6 months after Medicare Part B starts to enroll without any medical questions
- If you turned 65 prior to 1/1/2020 you can access Plan F, G, N, A
- If you turned 65 after 1/1/2020 you can access Plans G, N, A
- If you turned 65 prior to 1/1/2020 and kept working with workplace insurance, and later decided to enter Medicare then you cannot obtain Plan G without medical questions
- Medicare Supplement Plans in Maryland are monthly contracts
- You cannot be dropped for any health reasons or if you use the plan too much
- You can only be dropped if you stop paying your monthly premiums
- Premiums will increase yearly, typically 3 to 5%
Please contact me to formulate a game plan for your particular situation and more rules govern Maryland Medicare Plans than listed above.
Medicare Advantage Plans In Maryland
The next option is Advantage Plans, otherwise called Medicare Part C and there are several Maryland Medicare Plans based on the county in which you live. Advantage plans are made up of 3 parts as shown below:
The Medicare Advantage Plans in Maryland are offered by Humana, CareFirst (BC/BS), Johns Hopkins, Lasso, United Healthcare, Cigna and Kaiser Permanente. Please note some of these plans are not available in certain counties, so it's best to call me directly at 410-896-1212 to discuss which plans are available and which ones would work with your doctors.
Medicare Advantage Plans are a great way to help manage your budget and keep your monthly premiums low. Starting at $0 per month*, they offer comprehensive coverage such as Doctors visits, specialists, ER care, Urgent care, outpatient and inpatient services. Additionally, some plans even offer free basic or comprehensive dental coverage, money for eyewear, free gym memberships through SilverSneakers and 24hr nurse hotlines. Because of so many extra benefits, Advantage plans are extremely popular Maryland Medicare Plans for those comfortable with an HMO, PPO or MSA plan.
A benefit of Advantage Plans is they have no pre-existing condition questions, so you can never be denied coverage when you apply. However, there are many rules around when you can apply, and when you can switch or drop coverage.
Remember, you can only pick between a Medicare Supplement Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan and you cannot have both at the same time.
*You are still required to pay your Medicare Part B monthly premium, unless the state pays this for you through the Medicaid program.
Help get in enrolled into a Maryland drug plan quick and easy. Licensed and specializing in Medicare since 2011.
Maryland Medicare Drug Plans (PDP)
The final piece of the Maryland Medicare Plans puzzle is an insurance policy to cover your prescription drugs. Known as Rx or PDP plans, these types of insurance policies help reduce or eliminate the cost of your prescription medications.
Medicare drug plans vary by state, so if you move in or out of Maryland, you will need to change your drug plan. However, if you move from one county to the next within Maryland, you can keep your current drug plan coverage.
Because these plans change every year, it's a good idea to connect with a Medicare Broker in the fall and double check your prescriptions to match them up with the best plan for then coming year.
There are more than 20 different Maryland Medicare Plans that specialize in prescription coverage and vary by monthly premium. Since 2011 I've sold 1,000's of drug plans and 90% of my clients spend less than $20 per month on drug plan premiums.
To Summarize Your Insurance Options
You have three main options to choose from, and multiple choices within each type of option. Your decisions should be made based on your situation, not that of your neighbor's or family members. I can help you through an "apples-to-apples" comparison, but I cannot make the final decision for you.
There's many rules surrounding the purchasing, changing or moving of your Maryland Medicare Plans, so it's best to speak with a experienced licensed Medicare insurance broker prior to finalizing your choices.
You can learn more about Maryland Medicare Options or call me for a no-obligation and no-cost phone call at 410-986-1212. I licensed in MD, PA, VA, DE and currently reside in Annapolis, MD but handle clients all across the state.
