Medicare Supplement Plan I

Medicare beneficiaries have the option to choose Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan I. However, this plan will be entirely phased out in 2010.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan I includes the basic benefits, as well as:

* Coverage for the Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible costs.

* Coverage for the con-insurance amount at a skilled nursing facility.

* 80% coverage for expenses of any medically necessary emergency treatment in a foreign country (after a deductible of $250).

* Coverage for at-home recovery. The benefit for at-home recovery expenses is up to $40 per every visit, and $1,600 yearly for short-term, at-home assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, personal hygiene, dressing, and more for people recovering from illness, surgery, or injury.

* Coverage for 50% of the cost of prescription drugs. The maximum amount allowed is $1,250 yearly, after the $250 yearly deductible is met. This is the basic prescription drug benefit.