Medicare Supplemental Plans

The idea behind Medigap policies are to pay the difference of what Original Medicare doesn't pick up.  Medicare will always pay it's share of the Medicare-Approved Amount, then your supplemental pays its share.  They do typically insure a wider range of coverage (even outside the U.S.)  They offer many great benefits.  Be sure to inquire about all the different plans that are offered.  If it is Initial Enrollment (new to Medicare), you are eligible for enrollment without any underwriting.  It is definitely worth considering based on the type of coverage you are looking for.

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A few good things to know when it comes to Medigap policies:

1. You must have Part A/Part B in order to get a supplemental policy.

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2. Medigap policies are different from Medicare Advantage Plans.

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3. Medigap policies are held through private insurance companies which require a

monthly premium in addition to you paying your Part B monthly premium that you pay to Medicare.

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4. Once you are in a standard Medigap policy, it is guaranteed renewable even if you have health problems, as long as your premium is paid.

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5. Medigap policies DO NOT include drug coverage (Part D).  You will need to purchase a separate Prescription Drug Plan.

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6. It is illegal for someone to sell you a Medigap policy if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, unless you are switching back to Original Medicare.  You can not have an Advantage Plan along with a Supplemental Plan.  If you are on a Supplemental Plan but wish to try an Advantage Plan out, you can do so during AEP, October 15th-December 7th, stating you can make it through underwriting vice versa.

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7. They don't include coverage on long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids or eyeglasses.  You are always welcome to get a separate policy that covers the gaps of these ancillary benefits.

 

Click here to see the differences between all the Plans