Medicare Supplements from LifeNet



I’m turning 65. What do I need to know?

Generally, any US citizen who has worked for more than ten years and paid social security tax is eligible for Medicare and Medicare Supplement coverage. Medicare Part A covers hospitalization and limited long term care, while Part B pays for physician and other outpatient services. Part B covers 80% of covered services and the individual is responsible for the remaining 20%.

Medicare Supplements, also known as Medigap insurance is designed to deal with this and other “gaps” in Parts A and B. As someone turning 65, you have the ability to purchase a policy on a guaranteed issue basis, without regard to prior health history. This guarantee period lasts for six months from your 65th birthday.

Unlike most insurance plans, all Medicare Supplements offer the same benefits regardless of carrier. The only difference is premium cost. We will be happy to explain the different plans to you and we will provide you a comprehensive list of carriers and premiums for your state.


2009 Medicare Insurance Rates and Coinsurance Amounts

The following is a listing of the Medicare premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates that will be in effect in 2009:

Medicare Premiums for 2009:

Part A: (Hospital Insurance) Premium

  • Most people do not pay a monthly Part A premium because they or a spouse has 40 or more quarters of Medicare-covered employment.
  • The Part A premium is $244.00 per month for people having 30-39 quarters of Medicare-covered employment.
  • The Part A premium is $443.00 per month for people who are not otherwise eligible for premium-free hospital insurance and have less than 30 quarters of Medicare-covered employment.

Part B: (Medical Insurance) Premium

$96.40 per month (based on your income)

Medicare Deductible and Coinsurance Amounts for 2009:

Part A: (pays for inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, and some home health care) For each benefit period Medicare pays all covered costs except the Medicare Part A deductible (2009 = $1,068) during the first 60 days and coinsurance amounts for hospital stays that last beyond 60 days and no more than 150 days.

For each benefit period you pay:

  • A total of $1,068 for a hospital stay of 1-60 days.
  • $267 per day for days 61-90 of a hospital stay.
  • $534 per day for days 91-150 of a hospital stay (Lifetime Reserve Days).
  • All costs for each day beyond 150 days

Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance

  • $133.50 per day for days 21 through 100 each benefit period.

Part B: (covers Medicare eligible physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment)

  • $135.00 per year. (Note: You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for services after you meet the $135.00 deductible.)


Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Policy Summary by plan type. All benefits are in addition to basic benefits.