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Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plans in Washington
WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies and supplement Original Medicare (Parts A and B) by paying some of the out-of-pocket costs Medicare doesn't cover (copays, coinsurance, deductibles). Medigap plans do NOT include prescription drug coverage, beneficiaries who want drug coverage need a separate Part D plan. There are 10 standardized federal plan letters; the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner publishes the list of approved plans and monthly premiums. Washington state law gives consumers stronger switching rights than the federal default: once enrolled in a Medigap plan B through N, you can switch to any other Medigap plan B through N at any time without taking a written health screening; if you have a Plan A you can switch to any other Plan A on the same terms.
Who qualifies
Must be enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B. Best time to buy: the 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B, during this window insurers cannot use medical underwriting. Under-65 Medicare beneficiaries (those eligible due to disability) may not be able to buy any Medigap plan, or may have very limited options, until they turn 65, but Washington has additional protections, call the Insurance Consumer Hotline for guidance.
What it covers
Helps pay Original Medicare's cost-sharing, Part A and B deductibles, coinsurance (e.g., the 20% Part B coinsurance), copays, and certain other gaps. Coverage is standardized across plan letters (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N) so the same letter from any insurer covers the same services.
Cost
Premiums vary by plan letter, insurer, age, and enrollment timing. WA OIC publishes a complete list of approved Medigap plans and their monthly premiums (PDF). Plans do not cover prescription drugs.
How to apply
Compare approved plans and premiums on the WA OIC website or get free unbiased help from SHIBA. Call the Insurance Consumer Hotline if uncertain about underwriting/switching rules. Enroll directly with the insurance company that sells the plan.
Source www.insurance.wa.gov/medigap-medicare-supplement-plans