Which Medigap policy covers long-term care?

Asked by: Laverna Rutherford  |  Last update: April 25, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (35 votes)

Medigap plans generally don't cover: Long-term care (like care in a nursing home) Vision or dental care.

Does Medigap cover long-term care?

Medicare and most other health insurance, including Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), don't pay for non-medical long-term care. You might qualify for long-term care through Medicaid, or you can choose to buy private long-term care insurance.

Does Medicare Part A or B cover long-term care?

At some point in our lives, about 60% of us will need help with with everyday activities like getting dressed and making meals. However, Medicare generally doesn't cover long-term care, whether it's in a nursing home , assisted living facility or at home.

Why is Medigap Plan F being phased out?

Why is Medicare Plan F no longer an option for most people? In short, Medicare Plan F is being phased out because of the first dollar coverage that made it so popular. As federal lawmakers saw it, that kind of coverage has the potential to be overused at the expense of the Medicare program.

How long does a Medicare Supplement cover long-term care?

"In general, Medicare Supplement plans don't cover long-term care or care longer than 100 days," insurance company Humana says online. "However, Medicare Supplement plans can help cover costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover.

5 Things Medicare Doesn't Cover (and how to get them covered)

35 related questions found

What is the biggest drawback of long-term care insurance?

One of the biggest drawbacks of getting long-term care insurance is the risk of losing all the premiums you have paid over the years. If you end up not needing long-term care services, you won't be eligible for coverage. This means the money you've spent for coverage goes down the drain.

Does Medicare supplement include dental vision and long-term care?

Medigap doesn't cover everything. Medigap plans generally don't cover: Long-term care (like care in a nursing home) Vision or dental care.

What are the top 5 Medicare Supplement plans?

💬 From our Nerds: What are the top five Medicare supplement plans? "Based on NerdWallet's Medigap rubric, I picked five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Which Medigap plans are no longer available?

Plans E, H, I, and J are no longer sold, but, if you already have one, you can generally keep it. Contact your insurance company for more information. In some states, you may be able to buy another type of Medigap policy called Medicare SELECT.

What are the three main types of long-term care insurance policies?

What are the types of long-term care insurance?
  • Standalone (traditional) long-term care insurance.
  • Long-term care insurance rider.
  • Linked-benefit long-term care insurance.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Does Medicare pay for nursing home care for the elderly?

The bottom line

Medicare will pay for nursing home costs on a very limited basis. Benefits only apply to short-term stays of 100 days or less following a qualifying hospitalization. Even then, patients often are responsible for out-of-pocket costs that quickly can add up to a significant unexpected expense.

What plan G does not cover?

High deductible plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible. However, high deductible F and G count your payment of the Medicare Part B deductible toward meeting the plan deductible. 2Plans K and L pay 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year once you meet the out-of-pocket yearly limit.

What is the downside to Medigap plans?

There are a couple of cons to consider before choosing a Medigap plan: Premiums: Medigap premiums can be pricey. Coverage: Medicare Supplement plans don't cover everything, so you'd still have to pay out of pocket for things like dental care, vision care and long-term care.

Which Medicare part covers long-term care?

Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.

What is the best medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?

Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

Is there a Medicare Supplement that covers everything?

With Medicare Supplement Plan F, you get the most complete coverage available. And because Plan F also covers costs in excess of Medicare-approved amounts, you may have no out-of-pocket costs for hospital and doctor's office care.

Which Medigap plan do most people choose?

There are 10 different types of Medigap policies (labeled A through N), each having a different, standardized set of benefits (Appendix Table 3). Plan G is the most popular Medigap policy, accounting for 39% of all policyholders, or nearly 5.3 million people, in 2023 (Figure 3).

Why does AARP recommend UnitedHealthcare?

AARP does not necessarily argue that UnitedHealthcare is the right choice for every Medicare beneficiary, but it does proclaim it as a trusted healthcare partner and resource. Of course, there may be an additional reason other than UHCs good name. UnitedHealthcare pays AARP for the use of its name.

Can you be turned down for Medigap insurance?

Under current federal law, insurance companies that sell Medigap policies may refuse to sell a policy to an applicant with certain medical conditions, or who has had certain medical procedures or used specific prescription drugs, outside of open enrollment or a guaranteed issue period.

What is the best supplemental insurance for Medicare?

The best Medicare supplement plan providers
  • Best for extra plan benefits: Humana.
  • Best for straightforward coverage: State Farm.
  • Best for extensive medical care coverage: AARP by UnitedHealthcare.
  • Best for a range of Medigap plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield.

What blood tests does Medicare not cover for seniors?

It's important to know that Medicare won't cover any blood test if it isn't medically necessary. If you seek a blood test on your own, it's unlikely you'll get it covered. Tests not covered may include those for employment purposes, wellness screenings, or routine monitoring without medical necessity.

What is the best dental insurance for seniors on Medicare?

If you're only relying on Medicare, it's a great idea to look into affordable dental plans that can help you save a lot of money.
  • Spirit Dental. ...
  • Renaissance Dental. ...
  • Denali Dental. ...
  • Delta Dental. ...
  • 5. California Dental.