Medicare Supplement Plan J expired on May 31, 2010. Comparing this Medicare Supplement to current Medigap insurance policies is necessary for anyone on Plan J.
Knowing if other options could be better for those still on Plan J plans is essential.
What Happened to Medicare Supplement Plan J?
Medicare Supplement Plan J once offered the most comprehensive coverage of any Medigap policy before its cancellation. It filled every gap left by Original Medicare coverage, including:
- Medicare Part A deductible (Re-occurring Per Benefit Period)
- Medicare Part B Deductible (Calendar Year)
- Inpatient Hospital Coinsurance
- Part B Coinsurance for Outpatient services
- Medicare Part B Excess Charges
- Hospice Care Coinsurance and Copayments
- Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance
- Foreign Travel Emergencies
- Qualified At-Home Recovery
- Emergency Care
- Preventive Care
Plan J resembles the current Medicare Supplement Plan F. Medigap Plan J stood out because it included prescription drug coverage and covered all out-of-pocket costs left over from Medicare.
While this is a nice feature, once Medicare Part D prescription drug plans joined the federal Medicare program, Plan J’s option for prescription drugs became obsolete.
How Much Did Medicare Plan J Cost?
Since this is no longer an offered plan, there’s no actual monthly premium we can give. What you will pay for Plan J depends on quite a few factors, including:
- Where you live
- Your gender
- Your age
- Whether or not you smoke
However, it’s important to note if enrolled in a High-Deductible Plan J plan, you have two deductibles that a beneficiary must meet before coverage kicks in:
- $2,700 for your medical expenses under Plan J
- $250 if your Plan J includes prescription drug coverage
Should I Change From Medicare Plan J?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services eliminated Medigap Plan J as an option for individuals on Medicare on June 1, 2010. Meaning there haven’t been any new enrollees since then. From the insurance company’s perspective, there are no new revenue sources for that plan.
Additionally, those on Plan J are aging and will need medical services more frequently. At the same time, expenses to operate Medigap Plan J are also increasing. For it to remain profitable, prices must increase as well.
Many Medicare beneficiaries have switched to one of the other top Medicare Supplement plans. With the majority enrolling in Plan F and Plan G.
Medicare Supplement Plan J Reviews
Medigap Plan J is no longer offered. It was discontinued when Medicare Part D began. The coverage was similar to Plan F’s, and those enrolled can remain on the plan. The rate increases are increasing at a rapid rate for most beneficiaries as people replace Plan J with Plans F and G.
FAQs
Why was Medicare Plan J discontinued?
Eventually, changes to Original Medicare meant coverage for things Plan J specialized we’re no longer needed, leading to a decline in Plan J’s appeal. The most notable was separating Part D prescription drug coverage from the plan, which was once a huge selling point.
When was Medicare Plan J discontinued?
May 31, 2010, was the last day a Medicare recipient could enroll in Plan J. New enrollees no longer have access to Plan J.
Is Plan J creditable coverage?
Since it goes above and beyond what Original Medicare offers, Plan J is creditable coverage. However, Medicare Supplement Plan J’s prescription drug coverage is not considered creditable.
When’s the best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan?
You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan at any time. However, you may be required to pass medical underwriting to enroll. Many consider the Open Enrollment Period the best time to enroll since underwriting isn’t needed during your OEP. You could also avoid underwriting if you have a life-changing event that triggers a Guaranteed Issue right to enroll.
What’s the difference between Medigap Plan G and Plan J?
Considering all the updates to Medicare health care since Plan J was discontinued, there’s only one difference. Plan J covers the small Part B annual deductible, while Plan G doesn’t.
What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement insurance?
Medicare Advantage plans are another way to receive your Original Medicare benefits. They can also include prescription drug coverage, a maximum out-of-pocket limit, and benefits not covered by Medicare.
Medicare Supplement plans are secondary coverage that can be added to Original Medicare and help cover the remaining out-of-pocket expenses.
Which Medicare Supplement Plan Should I Switch To?
If Plan J no longer works for you or you came to Medicare too late to take advantage, it’s time to look at your current plan options. There are several choices for Medicare Supplement health insurance coverage. That’s where we can help!
Our licensed insurance agents can help pair you with the best plan for your needs and budget. All while answering any questions you have about anything Medicare-related.
Give our agents a call today. Or fill out our easy online rate form to receive the best rates in your area.
