Changes For Medicare Supplement Plans C, F & High Deductible F In 2020 - A Guide to MACRA

 What Is MACRA? 

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) was signed into law in 2015 and established a new way to pay physicians caring for Medicare beneficiaries. In accordance with MACRA, all individuals newly-eligible will no longer have access to Medicare supplement plans that covered the Medicare Part B deductible. These Medicare supplement plans are often called “first-dollar coverage.” 

After January 1, 2020 newly-eligible Medicare individuals will no longer be able to purchase first-dollar coverage plans; this includes Medicare supplement plans C, F, and high-deductible F. In Minnesota and Wisconsin the Medicare Part B deductible coverage will no longer be covered. Some legislators feared first-dollar coverage policy holders were visiting their healthcare providers more often than someone who had a deductible. 

How Does This Affect You? 

Medicare-eligible before Jan. 1, 2020 

Medicare supplement Plans C, F and High- Deductible F will still be available to you. 

  • If you currently have a Medicare supplement insurance plan: 

  • Your policy benefits don’t change 

  • Your Medicare supplement Plan C, F or High-Deductible F will continue paying your Part B deductible 

  • Your policy will continue as long as premiums are paid on time 

Medicare-eligible on or after Jan. 1, 2020 

If you are eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you will be able to choose from many different Medicare supplement plans, however, Plan C, F or High-Deductible F will not be available. No Medicare supplement plan offered after January 1, 2020 will cover the Medicare Part B calendar year deductible ($185 in 2019). 

Robby Baker