Hi Toni: I met with you in late 2017 for a Toni Says personalized Medicare consultation. I have a quick question regarding travel outside the U.S. I’m planning a trip to Greece next month.
A friend recently gave me Medicare advice that has me very confused. She told me that some Medicare Plans give foreign travel medical coverage such as Medicare Plan F, but not Plan G, which was my choice. Is that true?
If so, do you have any recommendations for me as to how to get reasonable medical coverage for my trip? Thanks for any help you can give me. — Lee Anne from Sugar Land
Lee Anne: What she told you is not true. Medicare Supplement plan F, G and N cover the same limited amount of emergency foreign travel, that is an extra perk Medicare does not cover. This Foreign Travel plan has a $250 deductible, but the Medicare Supplement plan only pays 80% to a lifetime maximum benefit of $50,000 and the insured (you) pay 20% and amounts over the $50,000 lifetime maximum.
Who knows what an air ambulance from Greece will cost, but a big recommendation I would suggest to you, Lee Anne, is that you talk with your travel agent or explore online for true travelers insurance that will take care of your medical needs while traveling in all countries all over the world.
Remember that Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans take care of medical and prescription drug expenses in the U.S. Be sure you have enough prescriptions while you are traveling overseas, or you will have to pay out of pocket.
Is your friend aware Plan F will no longer be available starting Jan. 1, 2020? For those who are currently enrolled in a Medicare Supplement Plan F, their Plan F will be grandfathered. Grandfathered means that they may keep the plan, but no one really knows what the future rate increases will be like.
Medicare Supplement Plan G will be taking Medicare Plan F’s place, and Medicare Plan N will be the lesser premium plan with more out of pocket.
Let’s discuss the differences in Medicare Supplements Plan G and Plan N:
Plan G offers lower rates and the same Medicare benefits as Plan F, except the Medicare Part B deductible is not covered and will be paid for by the enrolled Medicare beneficiary. Part B deductible for 2019 is $185, which is Plan G’s out of pocket.
Plan N, generally, has lower premiums than Plan G with more out of pocket. There is a $20 co -pay for a doctor visit and $50 copay for the emergency room. Part B deductible is not covered, and Part B excess charges are not paid for by the insurance company, which Plan G includes. Plan N can have more out of pocket cost than Plan G.
For guidance choosing which Medicare option or Supplemental plan meets your needs, call the Toni Says Medicare office at 832-519-8664 or email info@tonisays.com.