Medigap Plan D is supplementary insurance that fills some gaps in coverage left by Original Medicare.
This plan includes more coverage than Plans A and B, but doesn’t offer the extra benefits covered by Plan C and Plan F.
Medigap Plan D differs from Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage), though their names are similar. Remember that Medigap plans don’t cover prescription drugs.
Medigap Plan D Coverage
Plan D’s amount of coverage falls in the middle of the pack, providing these benefits:
- Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Original Medicare benefits are used up
- Part A deductible
- Part A hospice care copayment
- Part B copayment
- First three pints of blood for a medical procedure
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- 80% of foreign travel emergency costs (up to plan limits)
What Medigap Plan D Doesn’t Cover
Unlike some other plans, Plan D doesn’t cover Medicare Part B deductible or Part B excess charges. Medicare Part B excess charges may ensue if a doctor charges you above what Medicare will pay for the service. When you subtract the Medicare-approved amount from what your doctor charges, you have the “excess charge.”
Physicians who don’t accept assignments are permitted to charge up to 15% over the Medicare-approved amount. It’s usually your responsibility to pay these charges out of pocket. While Plan D doesn’t cover excess charges, Plans F and G do cover them.
Keep in mind that not all insurance carriers may sell Plan D, and availability might depend on your location.
Learn More About Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
At Cornerstone Senior Advisors, we help many clients compare the benefits of Medigap Plan D to other Medigap options. If you have any questions about Medigap Plan D or other Medicare Supplement policies, call (316) 260-3331. A licensed insurance agent can help you identify coverage solutions that could work for your particular needs.
