If you are looking to secure a low monthly premium and still have access to reliable benefits, Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan K* may be the right solution. A cost-sharing alternative to other standardized supplement plans, this plan allows you to pay a lower amount each month for slightly higher out-of-pocket costs. As a Illinois senior looking for dependable coverage at a reasonable price, this plan may be the right choice. Here is a more detailed look at Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan K.
What You Can Expect to Pay
The allure of this plan is low monthly premiums, and that means you can budget for reliable health care you can trust. With this plan, you will be responsible for paying a minimal monthly premium, 50 percent of your Part A deductible, 100 percent of your Part B deductible and excess charges, a percentage of the costs of skilled nursing care (after day 21), and 50 percent of the first three pints of blood. In exchange for sharing the costs of your care, you can count on a lower monthly premium- and that’s always a good thing. This plan also features an out-of-pocket limit. In 2018, the maximum set for out of pocket expenses was $5,240.
Benefits
With Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan K, half of your Part A hospital deductible is paid for. For the first 60 days of hospitalization, you’re only responsible for 50 percent of any remaining balance after Medicare pays. On day 61-90 you pay nothing at all. Plus, you receive an additional 365 extra days after Medicare Lifetime Reserve is used up. You also get 50 percent of the cost of the first three pints of blood paid and half of your Medicare coinsurance for hospice and skilled nursing care.
For Part B medical expenses, in or out of the hospital, Original Medicare typically pays 75-80 percent, leaving you to pay the remaining balance. Preventive care is paid in full and you only pay 10 percent of any remaining Medicare approved amounts. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois will never terminate or refuse to renew your plan. As long as you continue to make your monthly premium, you’re covered, even if you get sick.
Benefits Summary
- 50 percent of Part A deductible for hospitalization services
- 50 percent of the costs for the first three pints of blood each year
- 50 Percent of Medicare coinsurance for hospice care
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance (50 percent)
- Part A deductible (50 percent)
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan K is also eligible for the Medicare Select option. By agreeing to use hospitals in the Medicare Select Network, you can reduce your premiums even more. In exchange for lower premiums, this plan is a cost sharing plan you can depend on and a practical solution for securing an affordable premium and reliable benefits.
| Basic Benefit Options | Premier Plan Options | Budget-Conscious Plan Options | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan A | Plan B | Plan C | Plan F | Plan G | High Deductible Plan F | Plan K* | Plan L* | Plan N* | |
| Reduced Premium Medicare Select Option Available (eligibility based on ZIP code) |  | | | | | | | ||
| Basic Benefits | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100%/50% | 100%/75% | copay applies |
| Skilled Nursing Coinsurance | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | ||
| Part A Deductible | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | |
| Part B Deductible | 100% | 100% | 100% | ||||||
| Part B Excess | 100% | 100% | 100% | ||||||
| Foreign Travel Emergency Care | | | | | | ||||
| Annual Out of Pocket Limit** | $5,240 | $2,620 | |||||||
*Plans K-N provide for different cost-sharing than plans A-G.
Plans K and L pay 100% of hospitalization and preventive care Basic Benefits. All other Basic Benefits are paid at 50% (Plan K) and 75% (Plan L). Once you reach the annual limit, the plan pays 100% of the Medicare copayments, coinsurance and deductibles for the rest of the calendar year. The out-of-pocket annual limit does NOT include charges from your provider that exceed Medicare-approved amounts, called “excess charges.” You are responsible for paying excess charges.
Plan N covers Basic Benefits after a $20 copay for office visits and a $50 copay for emergency room visits.
**The out-of-pocket annual limit may increase each year for inflation. (2018 limits shown)
† Network restrictions apply
*Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or Federal Medicare Program