Medicare Supplements: Plan N Is Great Alternative To Advantage Plans

By Author: Tyra Phillips
Total Articles: 78
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Thousands of seniors have received letters from their insurance carriers over the past few weeks notifying them their coverage will be terminated on January 1st, 2011. These people are struggling to find the best insurance plan after getting this unpleasant surprise. The plethora of options available can make this quite a difficult task, especially for individuals in rural areas. Medicare Supplement Plans N should be considered if you are in this situation due to its great benefits and low cost.

Medicare Supplements are superior to Medicare Advantage Plans because there are no provider networks. If you purchase Medicare Supplement Plan N, you can visit any doctor, hospital, or specialist that accepts original Medicare. You do not have to worry if your doctor or hospital is in the provider network. This is a huge benefit for seniors who live in rural areas or who need care from specialists. Medicare Advantage Plans often come in the form of PPO's and HMO's, which means you need to visit providers who participate in the plan network in order get the benefits offered by your plan.

Medicare Supplement Plan ...
... N has very similar benefits to Medicare Advantage Plans, with a few major exceptions. First, if you purchase plan N, you will never pay for any hospital services. As with most Medicare Supplements, this plan covers the Part A deductible as well as the 20% coinsurance not covered by original Medicare. This provides great peace of mind knowing you will never have huge hospital bills, which can add up rather quickly. Most Medicare Advantage Plans have a daily co-payment, which can be quite high.

Medicare Supplements almost always offer superior physician benefits when compared to Medicare Advantage Plans, and Plan N is no exception. With Medicare Supplement Plan N, you will pay the annual Part B deductible, which is $155 for 2010, as well as $20 co-payments for physician benefits and $50 co-payments for visits to the emergency room. While this might sound like a lot, it is likely much better coverage than any Medicare Advantage Plan offered in your area. Sometimes it is possible to find an HMO that offers lower co-payments, but keep in mind you will have to visit their doctors.

Medicare Supplements can be more expensive than Medicare Advantage Plans, especially if you purchase Plan F. However, Plan N is often very affordable compared to alternative plans. This is due to the share of cost you assume when purchasing this option. Plan N can be as low as $60 in some areas, and is almost always available for under $100 per month. This price can vary greatly depending on your location and age.

When comparing Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans it is easy to see that supplemental insurance is far superior when it comes to coverage. Furthermore, you can visit any provider you choose. Plan N is the perfect mix of affordability, great coverage, and freedom of choice. Many seniors who are losing their advantage plans may qualify for guaranteed issue during the upcoming annual enrollment period. Call a national insurance broker who specializes in these types of plans to learn about your options.