Nebraska Medigap plans present a comprehensive array of coverage options for residents. Navigating these options effectively requires a clear understanding of the rules that govern them. In this guide, we will delve into both the federal and NE state MedSup regulations.

Nebraska Medigap Plans are also called Medicare Supplement Insurance policies.

Nebraska Med Supp Basics

Medicare Supplement Insurance, known as Medigap or Med Supp, is provided by private companies to help cover healthcare expenses not paid by Original Medicare. This coverage includes copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

When you have Original Medicare and a Medigap policy, Medicare covers its portion of approved healthcare costs, and your Medigap policy handles its share. The rule of thumb “if it is not covered by Medicare, then it will not be covered by Medigap” typically applies. Certain Medigap policies, however, extend coverage to one service not included in Original Medicare: international travel emergency. Medicare has no coverage if you need medical help abroad but some Medigap plans do.

Key points:

  • You must have Medicare Part A and Part B before buying a Medicare Supplement.
  • MedSups don’t include drug coverage; a separate Part D policy is needed.
  • Monthly premiums for Medigap are paid to the insurance company directly
  • Medigap covers only one person; spouses need separate policies for coverage.

Comparing Nebraska Medigap Plans

Here are the Medigap plans available in NE if you qualified for Medicare after January 1, 2020:

Benefits A B D G** K L M N
Medicare Part A Deductible ($1,632) 100% 100% 100% 50% 75% 50% 100%
Part B Deductible ($240)
Medicare Part A Hospital Coinsurance and 365 additional hospital days 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Medicare Part B Coinsurance 100% 100% 100% 100% 50% 75% 100% 100%
First 3 Pints of Blood for a Transfusion 100% 100% 100% 100% 50% 75% 100% 100%
Medicare Part A Hospice Coinsurance or Copay 100% 100% 100% 100% 50% 75% 100% 100%
Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance 100% 100% 50% 75% 100% 100%
Medicare Part B Excess Charges 100%
Foreign Emergency Healthcare 80% 80% 80% 80%
Max Out-of-Pocket $7,060 $3,530

**Medigap Plan G High Deductible is identical coverage with a high deductible of $2,800.

If you were Part B eligible before January 1, 2020, you may be able to enroll plan in F or C

State-Specific Medigap Rules for Nebraska

Medicare Supplement plans were set up as a federal program. This allows for consistent plans across all states. These plans can be great but switching plans outside your initial enrollment can be difficult. Some states, however, have added additional rules to assist their residents. The biggest state law that some states offer is called the birthday rule. This allows for easy Medigap switching on or near your birthday regardless of your health. Nebraska currently does not offer easy-switching laws like the birthday rule. Reach out to your local congressperson if this is important to you to see if they can pass that law in NE. Please update us in the comments below if you know of any pending legislation regarding Medigap in Nebraska.

When can I sign up for a Medigap plan in NE?

Every new Medicare Part B recipient aged 65 or older enjoys the privilege of guaranteed Medigap approval to a Medicare Supplement policy during their “Open Enrollment Period.” During this period, insurers must accept your application and charge you the same premiums as others your age.

Your open enrollment window kicks off when you enroll in Medicare Part B, typically at age 65, and spans six months. During these six months, your health history cannot be used to deny you coverage. However, if you apply for a policy after this period, insurers may refuse coverage based on your health.

If you had Medicare Part B coverage before turning 65, like due to disability or End-Stage Renal Disease, you’ll receive another open enrollment opportunity when you reach 65. In this case, your open enrollment window spans six months, starting the month of your 65th birthday.

Medigap for Nebraska Residents Under 65

In Nebraska, insurers aren’t obligated to offer Medicare Supplement policies to individuals under 65. They can assess your health through medical questions and may decline coverage based on your health status (Source).

However, if you meet their specific requirements, they might extend a policy offer to you. For additional information, check out our article about Medigap for under65.

What to do now, Nebraska

What’s the next step? To obtain a Nebraska Medigap quote, simply give one of our licensed agents a call at 800-930-7956. It’s as easy as that!

And just a reminder, our team at Senior65.com provide their services to you free of charge!