Shop Medicare Supplement Plans | Avera Health Plans

You need to be healthy to enjoy life and be covered when you need it. Avera Health Plans gives you Medicare Supplement options for coverage that connects to your life.

What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Medicare Supplement Insurance (MSI), also known as Medigap, works to “fill the gaps” left in your Original Medicare coverage. It will offset some of the costs you’d normally pay for on your own. Think of your MSI plan as extra insurance you buy to pay for things like:

Co-pays
Deductibles
Coinsurance

For an Original Medicare plan: You must enroll in Medicare at the Social Security office, and there are certain time limits based on when you're enrolling. If you plan to enroll when you turn 65, you can enroll starting three months before your birthday month until three months after your birthday month.

For Medicare Supplement plans: You can enroll through private health insurance companies like Avera Health Plans once you’re enrolled in Medicare Part A and B.

Who is eligible for Medicare Supplement Insurance?

To be eligible for Medicare Supplement Insurance, you must:

Be 65 years of age or older and have Medicare Part A and Part B
Be under 65 years of age and disabled and have Medicare Part A and Part B
Have ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and have Medicare Part A and Part B

Each person has different needs, so it’s best to consult with our licensed agents to understand your best options.
If you are on Medicaid, you may not need this insurance plan or any other Medicare Supplement Insurance.

When can I enroll?

General open enrollment occurs every year for all who qualify for Medicare from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Learn more on enrollment.
Otherwise, we accept enrollments throughout the year as individuals become eligible for Medicare, based on a seven-month enrollment period beginning three months before the enrollee’s 65th birthday and three months after.
If you’re still working, you have eight months to enroll after an employer insurance ends.

What is different about open enrollment?

Avera Health Plans Medicare Supplement Insurance open enrollment period is a time when anyone qualified for Medicare can apply for Medicare Supplement Insurance. During open enrollment:

No health questions are asked.
You will automatically be accepted for coverage if you’re at least 65 years old and apply for Avera Health Plans coverage within six months of your Medicare Part B effective date.
If you have group health coverage from a current employer and delay enrolling in Medicare Part B, your open enrollment period won’t start until you sign up for Part B.

Understanding Medicare

We understand insurance can be confusing. That’s why our experts are here to help you understand Medicare and how Medicare Supplement Insurance can benefit you.

Medicare and You: Free Online Education Seminar

Make sure your health insurance coverage is retirement-ready!

Join us for a virtual event designed to help you understand the basics of Original Medicare and how a Medicare Supplement plan can protect your retirement savings and save you from unexpected health care costs. You'll have the opportunity to talk with a licensed agent to get answers to your questions and gain a better understanding of Medicare options available to you.

Medicare 101

Do you or a loved one have Medicare – or are you approaching Medicare age? Check out these helpful resources.

Connections Blog

Nearly Medicare Age & Still Working? Here’s What to Know About Health Insurance Choices

Medicare Supplement Myths: How to Choose Your Provider & Travel, Too

Benefits of Avera Medicare Supplement Insurance

When you choose Avera Health Plans, your Medicare Supplement includes:

Coverage for most Medicare-eligible expenses not paid by Medicare	Local customer service team, agents and Medicare experts
Low rates compared to most plans in region	Freedom to choose your own physician
Flexibility when you travel	Local agents who will travel to your community
Free 30-day cancellation policy	A 12% household discount on Select Plans if you enroll in a Plan G and live with someone who is 60+ years old

Learn more: Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare (pdf)

Enrollment

For an Original Medicare plan: You must enroll in Medicare at the Social Security office, and there are certain time limits based on when you're enrolling. If you plan to enroll when you turn 65, you can enroll starting three months before your birthday month until three months after your birthday month.

For Medicare Supplement plans: You can enroll through private health insurance companies like Avera Health Plans once you’re enrolled in Medicare Part A and B.

Importance of Medicare Supplement Insurance

Medicare Supplement Insurance provides extra health care coverage when dealing with an unexpected diagnosis or a serious illness. Learn more about the benefits of coverage in this video.

¹ Network restrictions apply with Select plans. Standard plans are also available. A Plan G policy may not cover all of your medical expenses. Premiums can only increase if we raise the premium for all policies like yours in this state. Neither Avera Health Plans nor its agents are connected with Medicare or state or federal government.

Medicare Supplement Plans

We can help find the best plan to fit your needs. We have dedicated trusted local agents who understand Medicare and Medicare Supplement – and make a confusing subject easier to navigate.

Coverage for all plans is the same from all insurance carriers; however, pricing varies by carrier. You'll also see differences in price based on Standard and Select (network) plans.¹

In Iowa? For Medicare beneficiaries residing in several northwest Iowa counties. Learn More

Eastern South Dakota Plans and Rates

For Medicare beneficiaries who are east river South Dakota residents

Learn More

Western South Dakota Plans and Rates

For Medicare beneficiaries who are west river South Dakota residents

Learn More

How to Choose a Plan

What’s Covered: Doctors, Hospitals & More

With an Avera Health Plans Medicare Supplement policy, you may see the physician of your choice – and you won’t need a referral for basic care.

To receive full plan benefits when you need hospital or outpatient surgery services, make sure your physician has admitting privileges at an in-network hospital or is willing to refer you to a physician who does.

What hospitals are in-network for Medicare Supplement Select Plans?

With a Medicare Supplement Select Plan, you’ll get the best rates because you benefit from our great relationships with our contracted providers. You can still see any doctor, but you must use in-network hospitals for outpatient surgery or hospital-based care, including laboratory and imaging services.

See what’s in network: Network Hospital Directory for Select Plans (pdf)

Is there a wait for coverage for pre-existing health conditions?

Whether you’re choosing your first Medicare Supplement Insurance policy or replacing a different Medicare Supplement policy, Avera Health Plans has no waiting periods for pre-existing health conditions. Once we approve your application, your coverage begins immediately on the effective date of the policy.

Will I be covered in an emergency or if I’m traveling?

Yes, you’ll be covered.

Emergencies: Avera Health Plans benefits will be paid to any Medicare-approved hospital or physician, so you can take care of yourself as you and your doctor feel is best.

Traveling: When you travel outside our service area, benefits will be paid to any Medicare-approved hospital or clinic for up to 180 days from the first day you receive care, once per calendar year.
Learn more about insurance while you’re traveling.

Helping You Get Started

We’re here to help answer your questions, understand your options and apply for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan. Reach out online or call us today!

Call 877-322-4885 Request Appointment Find an Agent

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