Take Advantage of Special Medicare Rules For New York Residents
New York Medigap Rules provide special benefits not available elsewhere. Any insurer writing Medigap insurance in New York must accept a Medicare enrollee’s application for coverage at any time throughout the year. Insurers may not deny the applicant a Medigap policy or make any premium rate distinctions because of health status, claims experience or medical condition. Insurers offering Medigap in New York include:
- Aetna
- Bankers Conseco Life Insurance Company
- Emblem Health Plan, Inc.
- Empire Choice Assurance
- Excellus Health Plan, Inc.
- Globe Life Insurance Company of New York
- Highmark Western
- Humana Insurance Company of New York
- Mutual of Omaha
- Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company
- UnitedHealthCare Insurance Company of New York (AARP)
Find New York Medigap agents, click here
If you live in New York, the special rules provide significant advantages. Comparing policies is NOT easy.
That’s why working with a local Medigap insurance agent can really benefit you.
The Association makes available a directory listing local agents by Zip Code.
Access is free and completely private. Simply enter your Zip Code to see agents near you.
Click here to find Medigap agents near me.
Medigap Rates New York (2022)
Costs for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance vary based on where you live and which insurance company you choose. The following are examples of the LOW – and – HIGH Medigap premiums for Plan G. Medigap Plan G is the most commonly purchased plan.
Albany, New York: Low: $189.20 High: $533.03
Buffalo, New York: Low: $183.39 High: $463.75
NYC, New York: Low: $270.14 High: $671.84
Don’t pick the wrong Medigap plan. As you can see, the range between the lowest available price and the highest cost is significant. Shop around. Or, work with a knowledgeable specialist.
Things To Know About New York Medigap Rules
All Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for what is called ‘continuous open enrollment’ for Medigap policies. This means insurance companies offering Medigap in New York must:
- Sell you a Medigap policy at any time, no matter your age or health status
- Not deny you coverage.
- Charge you the same even if you have existing health issues.
- Sell to people who are under age 65 with Medicare.
Special New York rules apply when policies are issued by groups and available only to members of that group. As an example, your employer may offer Medigap insurance coverage to former employees. In that case, you may be ineligible for a specific Medigap policy if you are not a member of the group administering the policy.
Premiums (or rates) for Medigap policies in New York are “community-rated”. This means that your Medigap premiums vary depending on where in New York you live. They are not affected by your age or health status.
Medicare Benefits for New Yorkers
New Yorkers with Medicare pay nothing for most preventive services. This is provided that services are received from a doctor or other health care provider who participates with Medicare.
In some cases, and for some preventive services, the Medicare beneficiary may have to pay coinsurance for the office visit to receive these services.
Medicare covers two types of physical exams. The firs, called Welcome to Medicare, is when you’re new to Medicare. In addition, Medicare covers a physical exam each year after that.
The Welcome to Medicare exam is a one-time review of your health, education as well as counseling about preventive services. It can include referrals for other care if needed. Medicare will cover this exam if you get it within the first 12 months of enrolling in Medicare Part B.
First, make sure the doctor accepts Medicare assignment. That way the exam will NOT cost you anything. Be sure to specify that you would like to schedule your Welcome to Medicare physical exam.
Medicare Insurance Resources for Consumers
Best Medicare insurance statistics
Compare Medigap Plan G Rates for 2022