Medicare Supplement Plan D: Coverage, Costs, and Comparisons

When you choose Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B), you are taking the path that gives you the most freedom and control over your healthcare. However, Traditional Medicare does not cover everything. That is where a Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, policy comes in. The supplement decision comes AFTER you choose Traditional Medicare - it's a component of the Traditional path, not an alternative to Advantage.

Medicare Supplement Plan D is one of the standardized plans designed to fill the gaps left by Original Medicare. Benefits are standardized by federal law, meaning that a Plan D policy from one insurance company offers the exact same basic benefits as a Plan D policy from another company. The only difference is the price you pay and the company's customer service.

Plan D covers most of the out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare Part A and Part B. This includes your Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up. It also covers your Part B coinsurance or copayment, the first three pints of blood, Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment, skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, and the Part A deductible. Plan D even includes foreign travel emergency coverage up to plan limits.

What Plan D does not cover is the Medicare Part B deductible and Medicare Part B excess charges. If you see a doctor who does not accept Medicare assignment, they can charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. With Plan D, you would be responsible for paying those excess charges out of pocket.

You have worked hard to build your life, and you deserve to protect what you've earned. Navigating Medicare doesn't have to be a solo mission. We are built by people like you, and we are on your side of the table. Let us walk you through every option so you can make an informed decision. Compare free, no obligation, and get straight answers, no surprises.