What Are Medicare Supplement Plans in Missouri?

Tara Seboldt is a personal finance writer specializing in insurance topics.

Updated on February 23rd, 2022

In this Article

We aim to help you make informed healthcare decisions. While this post may contain links to lead generation forms, this won’t influence our writing. We follow strict editorial standards to give you the most accurate and unbiased information.

What You Need to Know

A Medicare Supplement Insurance plan helps pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, like your deductible.

Medigap policies in Missouri don’t cover prescription drugs, so you’ll need a Medicare Part D plan to cover the cost of medication.

Medicare Supplement plans are standardized into Plans A through N, making it easier to compare plans between private insurance providers.

A Medigap policy in Missouri can help pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare. Also known as Medigap and labeled A through N, they are standardized and sold by private insurance companies.

Medicare is the federal healthcare program for seniors. It covers your regular medical expenses, like doctor visits and lab tests. However, Original Medicare doesn’t cover all of your out-of-pocket expenses. You’ll still have to pay costs like copayments or deductibles.

When Can You Enroll in Medigap?

You must first enroll in Original Medicare before you can join a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan in Missouri. Once you’re enrolled, you can sign up for a Medigap policy at a few different times, including:

Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

Your Medigap OEP is the six months after you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurance companies aren’t allowed to deny you coverage or charge you higher premiums based on your health. This is the best time to sign up for a Medigap policy in Missouri — especially if you have a preexisting condition such as cancer or diabetes. You’ll have access to the most plans at the best pricing. 1

Outside Open Enrollment Period

You’re still able to join a Medicare Supplement plan outside of your OEP, but be aware insurance carriers can use your health in their decision. This means an insurance company could deny your application or charge you higher premiums because of health issues.

Guaranteed Issue

A guaranteed issue right gives you the chance to buy a Medicare Supplement plan outside of your OEP without the risk of being denied or charged more for your health. Your insurance company also won’t be able to impose a waiting period on your coverage. 2

Special Enrollment Period

Certain situations give you a guaranteed issue right and allow you to enroll outside of your OEP, such as:

• You want to switch back to Original Medicare within a year of enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan
• Your coverage from a group plan, such as an employer plan, is ending
• You have a Medicare Advantage plan but are moving outside of the service area

When to Sign Up

The best time to sign up for a Medicare Supplement plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.

What Are the Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans?

Over 333,200 Missourians bought Medigap plans in 2019, the most recent year data is available. 3