|
December 4, 2015
For Immediate Release:
SAINT PAUL – Minnesota
Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman wants to dispel rumors that a recent
Congressional action will not allow seniors to keep certain Medicare supplement
plans, known as Medigap coverage, after January 1, 2020.
Passed by Congress earlier
this year, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015 will
prohibit the sale of Medicare supplement plans that cover the Part B
deductible, beginning in 2020. However, the prohibition will apply only to those
who become newly-eligible Medicare beneficiaries on or after January 1, 2020.
Current beneficiaries with Medigap plans that cover the Part B deductible will
be allowed to retain their coverage.
“We want to make sure
Minnesota seniors don’t drop their Medigap coverage because of any
misunderstanding,” said Rothman. “Beneficiaries who are already eligible or
enrolled in Medicare will be able to continue their Medigap plans even beyond
2020.”
Medicare supplement plans are
sold by private insurance companies to cover gaps in Medicare coverage. They
help pay for out-of-pocket costs (coinsurance, copayments and deductibles)
related to Medicare-covered services. For Part B, these include physician, outpatient,
preventive and some home health services.
Generally, the best time to purchase
a Medicare supplement policy is when you first become eligible for Medicare
Part B, because lower rates are available, the application process is simplest
and coverage cannot be denied due to pre-existing health conditions.
Once you have Medicare
supplement coverage, your policy is guaranteed renewable even if you have
health problems sometime in the future. Your insurance cannot be canceled as
long as you pay your premiums and you do not participate in fraud or
misrepresentation relating to the coverage.
Minnesota Medicare supplement
policies are sold by insurance companies and licensed insurance agents who must
meet standards set by the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Commerce is here to help.
If you have a question or
concern about your Medicare supplement insurance, contact the Commerce
Department’s Consumer Services Center by email at consumer.protection@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-539-1600 or 800-657-3602 (Greater Minnesota).
###
Media Contact:
Ross Corson
Director of Communications
Minnesota Department of Commerce
P: 651-539-1463 | C: 651-368-5050 | ross.corson@state.mn.us
| 
