Medicare Blog

why is regence medicare supplement called bridge

by Prof. Felicia Torphy Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

What is Regence bridge Medicare supplement (Medigap)?

Regence Bridge Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans A, C, F, G, K and N Regence BlueShield serves select counties in the state of Washington and is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association REG-36344-19/01-WA at 100%; other basic A Regence BlueShield Regence BlueShield

What is Regence Medicare?

Regence gives you the affordable nationwide coverage and personal touch you deserve—so you can focus on creating memories, not waiting on hold. Our Regence Medicare plan advisors are here to help you explore the different Medicare plans at 1 (844) REGENCE (1-844-734-3623) (TTY: 711), from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.

What is Regence BlueShield Medigap?

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans A, C, F, G, K and N Regence BlueShield serves select counties in the state of Washington and is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association REG-36344-19/01-WA

Is Regence an HMO plan?

Regence is an HMO/PPO/PDP plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Regence depends on contract renewal.

What is Bridge plan G?

Medigap Plan G helps pay your out-of-pocket costs if you have Original Medicare. It is the most comprehensive of the eight Medicare Supplement plans available to people newly eligible for Medicare. Medigap Plan G is also an alternative to Medigap Plan F which is no longer available to new enrollees.

What is the common name for supplement Medicare insurance?

Medigap policiesservices and supplies. Medicare Supplement Insurance policies, sold by private companies, can help pay your share of some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medicare Supplement Insurance policies are also called Medigap policies.

Which Medicare Supplement plan has the highest level of coverage?

Plan FPlan F premiums are usually the highest of all Medicare Supplement plans. This makes sense because it offers the highest level of coverage. Medicare Supplement costs vary based on a number of factors, including your age, sex, smoking status, and even your ZIP code.

What Medicare Supplement plans are no longer available?

In 2010, Plans E, H, I, and J became no longer available on the market due to the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA). In 2020, Plans C, F, and High Deductible F became unavailable to newly eligible beneficiaries per the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA).

Who is the largest Medicare Supplement provider?

UnitedHealthCareAARP/United Health Group has the largest number of Medicare Supplement customers in the country, covering 43 million people in all 50 states and most U.S. territories. AARP licenses its name to insurer UnitedHealthCare, which helps make these policies so popular.

What is the difference between supplemental and Medigap?

What's the Difference Between Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans and Medigap Plans? Your ZIP Code allows us to filter for Medicare plans in your area. Medicare Supplement and Medigap are different names for the same type of health insurance plan – you can use either name.

Can you change your Medicare Supplement plan at any time?

As a Medicare beneficiary, you can change supplements at any time. As a result, there's no guarantee an application will be accepted if switched outside the designated Open Enrollment Period. An application may be “medically underwritten”.

Do Medigap premiums increase with age?

Generally the same monthly premium is charged to everyone who has the Medigap policy, regardless of age. Your premium isn't based on your age. Premiums may go up because of inflation and other factors, but not because of your age.

What are the top 3 Medicare Advantage plans?

Best Medicare Advantage Providers RatingsProviderForbes Health RatingsCMS ratingHumana5.03.6Blue Cross Blue Shield5.03.8Cigna4.53.8United Healthcare4.03.81 more row•Feb 25, 2022

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

If they don't say under budget, they end up losing money. Meaning, you may not receive the full extent of care. Thus, many doctors will likely tell you they do not like Medicare Advantage plans because private insurance companies make it difficult for them to get paid for their services.

Why is Medicare Plan F no longer offered?

The reason Plan F (and Plan C) is going away is due to new legislation that no longer allows Medicare Supplement insurance plans to cover Medicare Part B deductibles. Since Plan F and Plan C pay this deductible, private insurance companies can no longer offer these plans to new Medicare enrollees.

Are Medicare Supplement plans being phased out?

It's been big news this year that as of Jan. 1, 2020, Medigap plans C and F will be discontinued. This change came about as a part of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization legislation in 2015, which prohibits the sale of Medigap plans that cover Medicare's Part B deductible.

Is Medicare Part B the same as supplemental insurance?

Part B is part of what's called Original Medicare, along with Part A. Plan B refers to Medicare supplement insurance commonly called Medigap. Part A covers hospital bills and Part B, for which a standard premium is paid, covers outpatient care, medical equipment, and other services.

What is Medicare Part C called?

A Medicare Advantage is another way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called "Part C" or "MA Plans," are offered by Medicare-approved private companies that must follow rules set by Medicare.

What is Medicare Plan G and F?

Plans F and G are known as Medicare (or Medigap) Supplement plans. They cover the excess charges that Original Medicare does not, such as out-of-pocket costs for hospital and doctor's office care. It's important to note that as of December 31, 2019, Plan F is no longer available for new Medicare enrollees.

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?

Medigap is supplemental and helps to fill gaps by paying out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare while Medicare Advantage plans stand in place of Original Medicare and generally provide additional coverage.

How to apply for Regence Medigap?

To apply for a Regence Medigap plan, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, and reside in Oregon (or will at the time of coverage). If you need help deciding which plan will work for you, please call us at 1-844-REGENCE (1-844-734-3623), visit our website at .

What is a Medigap plan?

Medigap plans were intended for just that purpose — to supplement Medicare coverage, providing you with a more complete health care package. This booklet explains the benefits ...

What is the Medicare Part B deductible?

However, before Medicare begins to pay for services each year, you have to pay the Medicare Part B deductible. In 2019 the Part B deductible is $185.

What is Medicare Part A coinsurance?

Medicare Part A (inpatient hospital) coinsurance. This is the amount you may have to pay after you meet the Part A deductible. Medicare Part B (medical services) coinsurance. This is the percentage of the Medicare-approved amount you may have to pay after you meet the Part B deductible.*.

What does the black dot on the benefits chart mean?

The chart below gives you a quick look at the plans and benefits. Black dots or amounts indicate the benefit is provided in that plan. Immediately following the chart is an explanation of the benefits.

Coverage comparison

You can use the chart below to get a clear picture of what each Medigap plan offered by Regence covers. Since Regence doesn’t offer plans B, D, L, or M, they aren’t included in this chart.

Regence Medigap plan extra benefits

Regence Medigap plans also include a few extra benefits for members. These benefits are included with all Regence plans:

Get help choosing a plan

Our Regence Medicare plan advisors are here to help you explore the different Medicare plans at 1 (844) REGENCE (1-844-734-3623) (TTY: 711), from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday. During the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15-Dec. 7), we have extended hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. PT.

How to choose a plan

There’s a lot to know about Medicare health plans. Let’s start with some questions to consider as you decide on a plan.

How to enroll

Ready to get started? Read up on the types of Medicare, eligibility, costs, key dates and ways to enroll.

What is a Medigap plan?

Medigap plans were intended for just that purpose—to supplement Medicare coverage, providing you with a more complete health care package. This booklet explains the benefits ...

What does the black dot on a health insurance plan mean?

The chart below gives you a quick look at our plans and benefits. Black dots or amounts indicate the benefit is provided in that plan. Immediately following the chart is an explanation of these benefits.

How to contact Regence Medicare?

If you have any Medicare questions, reach out to a Regence Medicare plan advisor at 1 (844) REGENCE (1-844-734-3623) (TTY: 711), from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.

What is original Medicare?

When you hear or read about “Original Medicare,” this is referring to the benefits included in Part A and Part B. Because Original Medicare doesn’t cover everything, you can purchase additional coverage from private insurance companies like Regence to help protect yourself from high medical costs.

What is Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) This is a plan you can purchase if you’re enrolled in Original Medicare to cover prescription drugs. Covered drugs are assigned to tiers, and what you pay depends on which tier they fall into. Learn more.

How long do you have to enroll in Medicare?

You have a seven-month window to enroll in Medicare Parts A, B, C and D: the month you become eligible, the three months prior, and the three months after. Learn more.

Does Medicare Supplement cover prescriptions?

This is a plan you can purchase to help cover some or most of the out-of-pocket costs for hospital and medical care. Medicare Supplement plans do not include prescription drug coverage.

Does Regence have a discount for householders?

We know that when people live with another individual in their household, they are going to be healthier because they’re going to be taking care of each other. Sometimes people might get a little lax with, you know, their preventative screenings or keeping up with their doctor’s appointments. And so we feel very strongly that having people who live with another, with a spouse or domestic partner of any age, Regence wants to give them a discount for joining their plan because they’re going to manage their health better. Regence has householder discounts included with Medicare supplement plans. This is a great way for a couple to join Regence and save a whole lot of money each month.

Does Medicare cover dental vision?

Most of the time dental, vision and hearing are not included in your original Medicare plan. Medicare doesn’t cover it. So a supplement most of the time does not have it either. But Regence is super unique that they offer this rider so you can buy the supplement and then buy this as well. You get dental, vision and hearing altogether on one plan.

How to change primary care provider on Regence?

Step 1: Sign into your member account at regence.com/ medicare. Step 2: Select My Plan > Manage your account. Step 3: From My account compose a request via Message Center with the details of the request. Use the topic: Change my primary care provider. Or you may contact Customer Service by phone or live chat.

How to enroll in Medicare Advantage?

Enroll online for Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D or Medicare Supplement. Enroll by phone at 1 (844) REGENCE (734-3623) (TTY: 711). Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday. Enroll by U.S. mail or fax. Choose your plan from the forms and documents page.

What is coinsurance in healthcare?

Coinsurance: Your share of the costs of a covered health care service. For most care, you pay any deductibles before coinsurance kicks in. For example, if a doctor’s visit is $100 and you’ve already met your deductible, your coinsurance of 20% would be $20. Regence pays the rest.

What is a medical emergency?

A medical emergency is when you believe that you have medical symptoms that require immediate medical attention to prevent loss of life, loss of a limb or loss of function of a limb. The symptoms may be an illness, injury, severe pain or a medical condition that is quickly getting worse.

What is a deductible on a health plan?

Deductible: The amount you pay for covered health care services before your health plan starts to pay. There may be a medical deductible and/or a separate prescription deductible on your plan. Copay: A fixed amount ($15, for example) you pay for a covered health care service, usually when you receive the service.

What is premium health plan?

Here are some of the most common words and their definitions to help you get a better understanding of it. Premium: The amount that you pay for your health plan. You usually pay it monthly, quarterly or yearly. Deductible: The amount you pay for covered health care services before your health plan starts to pay.

Is a PPO a Medigap?

If flexibility and choice matter most to you, a PPO is an ideal option for you. With Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, you have the freedom to choose any doctor that accepts Medicare . You also have the option to add a prescription plan.

What is Part B coinsurance?

Part B coinsurance (generally 20% of the Medicare-approved expenses) or copayment for hospital outpatient services. Plans K, L and N require insured to pay a portion of Part B coinsurance or copayment. Blood: . First three pints of blood each year. Hospice: .

Does Regence Blueshield have a high deductible?

Regence BlueShield does not offer a high deductible Plan F. The high deductible plan pays the same benefits as Plan F after one has paid a $2,300 calendar year deductible. Benefits from high deductible plan F will not begin until out-of-pocket expenses exceed $2,300.

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