South Carolina Medicare Supplements - The 2010 Plans

In March of this year, the Centers for Medicare- Plans M and N will be added and made available
and Medicaid Services announced changes to thefor sale. This is, quite possibly, the most significant
current Medicare Supplement plans.change that wil occur with the 2010 Medigap plans
This affects new South Carolina Medicarerevisions. Plan M and N will both use cost-sharing -
Supplement plans in several significant ways.co-pays and deductibles - which will allow them to
Existing Medicare Supplement policyholders will nothave lower monthly premiums. With Plan M, the
be affected by the changes, so if you have ainsured will be responsible for 50% of the Part A
Medicare Supplement currently, you do not need(hospital) deductible. With Plan N, the insured will
to be concerned with the upcoming 2010 planshave a $20 doctor's office co-pay and a $50
changes.emergency room co-pay. Both plans project to
However, those going on Medicare after June ofhave premiums 15-30% lower per month than
2010, or those wishing to replace currentcurrent Plan F premiums. All companies that offer
coverage with new coverage, will fall under theSouth Carolina Medicare Supplements are required
guidelines of the new plans.to adhere to the new 2010 plans. Again, existing
A summary of the changes and how they affectpolicyholders will not be affected by the changes.
the South Carolina Medicare plans follows:If you are turning 65, or going on Medicare, after
- Plans E, H, I and J will be eliminated completely.6/1/2010, however, it is advisable that you
- A Hospice benefit will be included in all new plansinvestigate the new plans. When you are
sold after 6/1/2010. This will be a "core" benefit.comparing options, make sure that you are
- Preventive Care and At Home Recovery will beviewing an updated 2010 chart (instead of the old
removed from all of the plans that included them.charts that will be outdated as of 6/1/2010).