Get all the information about Medicare in Connecticut
Although Connecticut is geographically the 3rd smallest state in the United States, it is actually ranked 29th in overall population. Also known as the Constitution State, Connecticut has become the home to many retirees who are either beginning enrollment or already enrolled into Medicare. Unlike most other states, there are some beneficial enrollment rules that are very specific to Connecticut that you need to be aware of if you are a Medicare beneficiary.
What are Medicare Options in Connecticut?
Connecticut, like many states, offers the standard Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans. If you are a resident, you can choose from the following plans: A, B, C, D, F, G, H, K, L, M, N, high-deductible Plan F, and high-deductible Plan G. You’re able to enroll during the year, but if you want your coverage to be guaranteed, you want to enroll during your open enrollment period in Connecticut.
When is the Open Enrollment Period in Connecticut?
Year-Round Open Enrollment in Connecticut
Connecticut is one of few states that offers what is considered year-round open enrollment for MediGap Plans. Typically in most states, you must enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan within 6 months of your Medicare Part B effective date in order to avoid any medical underwriting or health questions. This is not the case in Connecticut. In the state of Connecticut, there is never any medical underwriting to be approved for a Medicare Supplement plan. This means that as an applicant you are guaranteed to be approved for a MediGap policy, regardless of your health history or pre-existing conditions. This is extremely beneficial in ensuring your access to coverage, as well as ability to maintain the best available premium rate on your Medicare Supplement plan.
Although you are guaranteed acceptance into Medicare Supplement plans at any point in Connecticut, you do not wait to delay your coverage. Insurance carriers often have the ability to impose pre-existing conditions limitations for periods of 3-6 months, where there is limited coverage initially if you are not coming from another form of creditable insurance (another Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage Plan, or employer-sponsored insurance).
Can I Change Medicare Supplement Plans in Connecticut?
You can apply to change your Medicare Supplement during any month of the year in Connecticut without undergoing any medical underwriting. Due to Connecticut’s year-round open enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries are guaranteed acceptance into Medicare Supplement plans without question regarding health history or pre-existing conditions.
What are the Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans in Connecticut?
- Medicare Supplement Plan F
- Medicare Supplement Plan G
- Medicare Supplement Plan N
- Medicare Supplement Plan GHD
Medigap Plan F in Connecticut
Medicare Supplement Plan F has been a very popular plan with Medicare beneficiaries over time. The reason for the popularity of Plan F, is that it covers the gaps left by Medicare with no deductibles or copayments. This means that Medicare Part A and B costs are covered with no additional out-of-pocket. However, if you became Medicare eligible after January 1st 2020, you are not eligible to enroll in MediGap Plan F. Luckily, there are other great Medicare Supplement plan options available.
Medigap Plan G in Connecticut
Medicare Supplement Plan G is a very comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan with very little out-of-pocket expense. Once you have met your Part B annual deductible, MediGap Plan G becomes a full coverage plan, covering all of the gaps left by Original Medicare, with no additional out-of-pocket expenses. Plan G typically has a higher premium in states like Connecticut due to the year-round open enrollment, so it is very important to assess the other options available as well.
Medigap Plan N in Connecticut
Medicare Supplement Plan N is also a great, comprehensive MediGap plan available in Connecticut. This plan has slightly more out-of-pocket cost than MediGap Plan G, but also comes with a lower monthly premium. As with Plan G, you are still responsible for the Medicare part B annual deductible. Once you have met this deductible, your Original Medicare coverage kicks in, but you still have some cost-share. With MediGap Plan N, you will pay copayments up to $20 for office visits, and up to $50 for ER visits that do not result in an inpatient admission.
Plan N also has the possibility of an excess charges if you use a doctor or healthcare provider that does not accept Medicare Assignment. Connecticut is one of eight states that does not allow excess charges to be billed, although you must qualify for CONNMAP/QMB based on your income level. If you qualify for CONNMAP/QMB, you will not need to worry about an excess charge in the state of Connecticut, although you could see an excess charge if you were treated by a provider in another state that does not accept Medicare Assignment. Excess charges can be up to 15% of the Medicare-approved payment. If the monthly premium difference between Plan G and Plan N is large enough, Plan N is often times a very attractive option for your Medicare Supplement plan.
Medigap Plan GHD in Connecticut
Medicare Supplement Plan GHD is rising in popularity as a MediGap choice in Connecticut. Plan GHD is short for Plan G High-Deductible. This plan offers the same benefits as a standard Plan G, but with one catch. In order to reach the benefit level of the standard Plan G, you must first meet the annual deductible of the Plan GHD. Initially this plan, like Plan G, requires enrollees to meet the annual Part B deductible before Medicare coverage begins. Once the Part B deductible is met, the Plan GHD beneficiary then enters an 80/20 split with Medicare, where the beneficiary is responsible for 20% of costs, until the high deductible is met. In 2021, the high deductible on Plan GHD is $2,370. This plan gives enrollees the freedom to remain on Original Medicare, while having a stop to their annual out-of-pocket costs, accompanied by a much lower premium than other plans in Connecticut, such as Plan N or Plan G.
What is the Cost of a Medicare Supplement Plan in Connecticut?
Monthly premiums for Medicare Supplement plans are based on three main factors- age, gender, and location. There are other things that may impact your premium such as tobacco use. The premium amounts will vary based on these factors, so it is important to receive a quote based on your specific demographic information.
Medicare Plans in Connecticut for Those Under 65
When it comes to Medicare in Connecticut, there is no offered open enrollment for MediGap plans required by the state for those under 65. You’ll be required to go through and pass any 
medical underwriting that is necessary for acceptance. If you’re under 65 and disabled but still qualify for Medicare, you may not pass this underwriting. If you fit within this category, there are Medicare Advantage Policies that you can look into.
Once you reach 65, more Medicare supplement plans will open up for enrollment in Connecticutwithout any health questions. This period guarantees acceptance.
Medicare Advantage in Connecticut
Connecticut also offers options for Medicare Advantage plans. In these plans you must live in your plan’s service area and enroll during an appropriate election period. Medicare Advantage plans do not required medical underwriting if enrolling during an election period, but are also significantly different plans than Medicare Supplement plans.
Medicare and Medicaid in Connecticut
It is possible to qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid in the state of Connecticut. These two programs, however, are separate and have different qualifications you must meet in order to receive benefits. To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet Connecticut’s state income requirements. To qualify for Medicare, you must be either over the age of 65, or under 65 but receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for a minimum of 24 months before applying for Medicare.
In his book “Medicare Made Clear” the #1 authority on Medicare, Keith Armbrecht outlines all you need to know when starting medicare. Easy to follow with videos included. Download Now for Free!
