What’s New?
The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) is a law that will change Medicare Supplement plans in all states, effective January 1, 2020. MACRA is a federal law that will change who can purchase Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plans F, High-Deductible F, and C. Beneficiaries currently enrolled in Plans F, High-Deductible F, and C will be able to keep their plans.
Who is considered “Newly Eligible?”
Medicare Supplement plans with Part B deductible coverage (Plans C, F, and High-Deductible F) cannot be purchased by “newly eligible” Medicare beneficiaries. Newly eligible beneficiaries are 65 years of age or will become eligible for Medicare because of age, disability or end-stage renal disease on or after January 1, 2020. If you already have Medicare part A and B, prior to January 1, 2020, then you are NOT considered newly eligible and MACRA rules do not apply to you.
How are current enrollees effected?
If you are currently enrolled in Plans C, F, or High-Deductible F you are allowed to keep your plan. Also, you can continue to purchase Plans C, F, or High Deductible F after January 1, 2020. Since the High- Deductible F plan cannot be sold to those newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, a new Plan High-Deductible G will be created. Plan High-Deductible G will be available starting January 1, 2020. Both newly eligible and current Medicare beneficiaries will be able to purchase the new High-Deductible G plan.
What will happen to Guaranteed Issue requirements?
Medicare Supplements Plans D and G will be two of the guaranteed issue plans for newly eligible beneficiaries on or after January 1, 2020. Current enrollees can stay with their purchased Plans C, F, and High-Deductible F. Even after 2020, people who don’t fall inside the category of newly eligible will still be able to purchase Plans, C, F, and High-Deductible F for the first time as well. Plan F is NOT going away! Plan F will be available to current enrollees.
Recap
MACRA is a new law that will be in effect starting January 1, 2020. Medicare Supplement plans with Part B deductible coverage (Plans C, F, and High-Deductible F) cannot be sold to newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries. “Newly Eligible” beneficiaries are individuals who have reached age of 65 or first become eligible for Medicare due to age, disability or end-stage renal disease on or after January 1, 2020. Plan F is NOT going away and will be available to CURRENT enrollees.
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