What is Medicare Supplement Plan D?
Medicare Supplement Plan D can be easily confused with Medicare Part D. Medicare Supplement Plan D and Medicare Plan D are synonymous, however, both names are not the same as Medicare Part D, which is a government-issued policy for prescription drug coverage. Unlike Medicare Part D, Medicare Supplement Plan D 2021 is offered by private insurance carriers, and it is one of 10 standardized supplemental Medicare plans. 

The policy helps beneficiaries in paying the expenses that Original Medicare (Part A & B) does not cover. These expenses are generally deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Medicare Supplement insurance Plan D only works with Original Medicare. Therefore, you must be enrolled in both parts of Original Medicare (Part A & Part B) to be able to purchase this policy.

Medicare Plan D Eligibility
Before getting into Medicare Supplement Plan D benefits, enrollees must meet the following general eligibility requirements for Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan D:

– 65 years of age, have been a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least five (5) consecutive years
– Currently receiving retirement benefits

OR
– Disabled and therefore receiving disability benefits
– Have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
– Have Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS)

What does Plan D Medicare Supplement cover?
Medicare Supplement Plan D coverage options can help you save money on certain expenses. The Medicare Supplement Plan D copay benefit is on Original Medicare Part A and B coinsurance/copayments. The policy’s premium is paid each month to cover Medicare Part B coinsurance at 100%

Plan D coverage options are:
– Hospital coinsurance and hospital costs for Medicare Part A up to 365 days after Original Medicare benefits are used up
– Hospice care coinsurance or copayments for Medicare Part A

– Copayments and coinsurance for Medicare Part B
– The first three pints of blood
– Coinsurance for skilled nursing facility care
– Deductible for Medicare Part A
– Deductible for Medicare Part B
– Coverage for foreign travel emergency – 80% of approved costs up to the coverage limit
– There are no networks. Visit any provider of your choice in any state that accepts Medicare.
– The policy is guaranteed renewable. It will not be canceled as long as premiums continue to be paid.

On the other hand, Medigap Plan D does not cover:
Medicare Part B excess charges and deductible

Medicare Supplement Plan D Cost
While all supplemental plans offer the same uniform benefits nationwide, the key discrepancy between these policies is the price; some insurance carriers prefer to charge more for extra services they offer with their Medigap policies. Therefore, the specific Medicare Supplement Plan D rates could differ from one insurance carrier to another.