What percentage of Medicare beneficiaries have supplemental insurance?

Asked by: Travis Johnston  |  Last update: December 30, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (4 votes)

More Medicare beneficiaries are purchasing the additional coverage option, the report found. From 2017 to 2021, the share of Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare Supplement increased from 35.4 percent to 40.9 percent. This figure is also up from 38.7 percent in 2020.

What percent of Medicare patients have Medigap?

About 23% of Medicare's 65.1 million beneficiaries are enrolled in a Medigap plan. While these supplemental insurance policies either partially or fully cover cost-sharing associated with basic Medicare (Part A hospital coverage and Part B outpatient care), the monthly premiums can be pricey.

What percentage of Medicare recipients use Medicare Advantage plans?

However, these shares have diverged over time: in 2022, 44% of all Medicare enrollees were in enrolled in Medicare Advantage versus 48% with just Parts A and B.

Why do you think so many Medicare beneficiaries obtain some supplemental form of coverage?

Many traditional Medicare beneficiaries also rely on other sources of coverage to supplement their Medicare benefits. Supplemental insurance coverage typically covers some or all of Medicare Part A and Part B cost-sharing requirements and, in some instances, provides benefits not otherwise covered by Medicare.

What percentage of beneficiaries are in Medicare Advantage?

Dig Deeper. In the last five years, the share of beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage increased from 37 percent in 2018 to 48 percent in 2022 and finally to 50 percent in 2023.

5 Reasons NOT to Get a Medicare Supplemental Plan? 😱

45 related questions found

Is it necessary to have a Medicare supplement?

Medicare supplement plans are optional but could save you big $$$ on doctor bills. Your cost-sharing under Part B is similar. You are responsible for paying your Part B deductible, which is $226 in 2023. Then Part B Medicare only pay 80% of approved services.

Do most people have Medicare Advantage?

As of January 2023, 48 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, translating to 30.7 million people.

Why do some people get extra Medicare benefits?

Who gets Extra Help automatically? State-run programs that help people with limited income and resources pay some or all of their Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. A monthly benefit paid by Social Security to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.

Why would someone choose a Medicare Supplement Plan A?

Medigap coverage may be right for you if: You are seeking treatment or care when traveling out of state. You want to seek treatment from a Medicare-approved provider of your choice. You want help paying for the healthcare costs Original Medicare doesn't cover, like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

Who benefits from supplemental insurance and why?

Those with ongoing health conditions. Those who have a high risk of injury such as athletes. Those who are older or who have a high-risk of specified illnesses. Those who want to be prepared for the high costs of aging.

What changes is Medicare making in 2023?

What are the changes to Medicare benefits for 2023? Changes to 2023 Medicare coverage include a decrease in the standard Part B premium to $164.90 and a decrease in the Part B deductible to $226. Part A premiums, deductible and coinsurance are all increasing for 2023.

Is Medicare Advantage more expensive than traditional Medicare?

Medicare Advantage can cost less than Original Medicare. That's because Medicare Advantage plans must have a maximum out-of-pocket limit.

Who is the largest Medicare Supplement provider?

AARP/United Health Group has the largest number of Medicare Supplement customers in the country, covering 43 million people in all 50 states and most U.S. territories. AARP licenses its name to insurer UnitedHealthCare, which helps make these policies so popular.

What percentage of seniors have Medicare Part B?

while only 0.4 percent were enrolled in Part B only. About 74.4 percent of beneficiaries had Part D coverage (Table 1).

Do Medigap plans get more expensive with age?

How Insurance Companies Set Prices. Insurance companies set prices for Medigap policies in 1 of 3 ways: Attained-Age Rating — This is the most common way policies are priced in California. Attained age-rated policies increase in price as you age, because as you get older, you typically require more health care.

Can I be refused a Medicare Supplement plan?

If you don't purchase one during your Medigap open enrollment, then insurance companies can choose to reject you for essentially any reason. The exception to this would be if you experience a qualifying event or a special circumstance that is specified under Medigap protections.

Can I switch from Medicare Supplement to Medicare Advantage?

You can make the switch from Medigap to Medicare Advantage. In many cases, Medicare Advantage can be a better choice and provide the best mix of coverage, so it could be a good idea to make the switch. However, there are a few things to consider when making the adjustment.

What is difference between Medigap and Medicare Supplement?

Medicare Supplement and Medigap are different names for the same type of health insurance plan – you can use either name. To explain the terms themselves, you can think of “Medigap” as a plan that fills in some of the “gaps” for benefits that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn't cover.

How do you qualify to get $144 back from Medicare?

To qualify for the giveback, you must:
  1. Be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
  2. Pay your own premiums (if a state or local program is covering your premiums, you're not eligible).
  3. Live in a service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

How do I avoid paying higher Medicare premiums?

Key Points
  1. You can reduce your Medicare premium by filing an IRMAA appeal if you are subject to IRMAA.
  2. If you have an HSA, you can use that to pay for your Part B premium, or if you qualify for Medicaid, you can get assistance paying your Part B premium.

Why do some people pay more for Medicare Part B?

Additionally, people with higher incomes may pay more than the standard Part B premium amount due to an “income-related monthly adjustment.” The adjustment is based on adjusted gross income reported 2 years prior. The table below shows 2023 Part B premium amounts.

Why seniors are choosing Medicare Advantage over traditional Medicare?

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits, such as money toward dental or vision care, which isn't covered by Original Medicare. About 1 in 4 people say extra benefits pushed them to choose Medicare Advantage, according to a survey by the Commonwealth Fund, a health care think tank.

Is Medicare Advantage better or worse?

For many seniors, Medicare Advantage plans can work well. A 2021 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that Advantage enrollees often receive more preventive care than those in traditional Medicare. But if you have chronic conditions or significant health needs, you may want to think twice.

Why does the government like Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage covers all Medicare-required benefits for 24% less than traditional Medicare does. Insurance companies use those savings to provide more comprehensive care for enrollees, contributing more than $32 billion in additional value to beneficiaries and the government each year.