What Is Medicare J?

Medicare Supplement Plan J, referred to as Medigap Plan J, supplements Medicare by covering costs not handled by Medicare benefits. Plan J coverage is offered at various prices through private insurance companies.

Availability

• Medicare Plan J is no longer offered as of May 31, 2010. However, if you already were enrolled in the plan as of June 1, 2010, it will remain in effect.

Deductible

• As of 2010, the Medicare Plan J deductible is $2,000. The insured party must pay the first $2,000 in medical coverage before Medicare Plan J pays anything. There is also a separate yearly deductible of $250.

Benefits

• In addition to the coverage offered by Medicare A and B, Medicare J covers skilled nursing facility care, Medicare Part A and B deductibles and Medicare B excess charges. Other benefits covered include foreign travel emergency care, at-home recovery, Medicare Preventive Care Part B coinsurance and up to $120 in preventive care not covered by Medicare.

What Medicare J Will Not Cover

• According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Medicare J will not cover long-term nursing home care, dental care, hearing aids, vision care, eyeglasses or private-duty nursing.