Medigap policies, also known as supplements, are
among the most popular Medicare plans Philadelphia has to offer. If you're a
senior in the Delaware Valley looking for savings on premiums, it's essential
to understand how the rating systems for different plans may benefit you. There
are three ways Medigap policies can be rated – each one distinct.
Community-rated plans are the ones where an
insurance company determines the ratings by figuring in every person who
purchases coverage. Everyone is charged at the same rate regardless of their
age. The premiums will cost the same as you age, but it may still increase due
to inflation and other factors. For example, every senior from Philadelphia who
buys a Plan F policy from Company XYZ will pay $168 per month, regardless of
age.
Another Medicare supplement rating system is
known as issue-age-rated. Policies under this system are priced based on the
age you were when first enrolling in that plan letter, and your premium will
not change as you age. For example, Jon from Nashville, age 65, purchases a
Plan G policy from Company XYZ with a monthly premium of $150. Maryanne from
Nashville, 72, also purchases a Plan G policy from Company XYZ, but she has a
monthly premium of $180. Maryanne's premium is higher because she joined the
plan at a higher age. Premiums may also go up because of inflation and other
factors.
A third system is known as attained-age-rated.
Its premiums are based on age and go up as you become older. It may also be
affected by inflation and other factors. Using the example of Jon and Maryanne
again: Jon from Nashville, 65, buys a Plan G policy from Company XYZ with a
premium of
$150. If he waits until he turns 66, his monthly
premium will go up to $164, and so on. Maryanne from Nashville, 72, will pay
$181 for her Plan G policy premium from Company XYZ, and if she waits until she
turns 73, her monthly premium will go up to $198.
Essential questions to ask yourself before
deciding which rating system is best for you, include:
● How much will premiums increase as you get
older?
● How much did premiums go up the previous year
because of inflation?
● Are there any discounts for women, non-tobacco
users, married people, paying yearly, or paying through electronic funds
transfer?
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