Medicare is meant to provide medical insurance to the seniors of this country. However, with all the added reliefs in the programs offered by Medicare, there are certain additional coverages that the government allow individuals like you to obtain from private insurance companies. These are summed up in a collective term known as Medigap. Before you could enroll in a Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan, it is important for you to think deeply about your present health condition, family health history, and future prospects. This is because choosing a Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan depends upon the factors mentioned. There’s no one-plan-fits-for-all.

When can you choose Medigap?

If you want to fully utilize the benefits of these supplement insurance policies, then you need to avail them in the time span of 6 months after you turn 65. However, it is important for every senior to have a Medicare Part A and Part B before enrolling in the Medigap.

Also, it is worth noting that those who have Medicare Advantage plan can also enroll in the program. But for that to happen, you would have to leave the plan.

How should you choose them?

It all depends on the factors mentioned above. Furthermore, every state in the U.S has a different set of rules and regulations regarding Medigap. Therefore, before you go on selecting the policies from A through N, you need to know about the criteria in your particular area. The coverage of the individual plans also depends on the private insurance provider. It can vary greatly from company to company. Although, there are certain plans such as Medigap Plan C that offer the same set of benefits throughout the market; however, certain additions and omissions might be experienced in the other plans.

What is the role of the monthly premium?

You wouldn’t be able to enjoy the benefits of Medigap plans if you do not pay the monthly premium set by the company. Therefore, to fully utilize them, you need to pay them dully on time. That way, you could stand eligible for renewing them without any major hassle.

Medigap plans can be beneficial in providing deductibles for Medicare Part A and Part B. However, with all that, it should be kept in mind that there are some things that the supplement plans cannot cover. For example, according to the website of Medicare, the supplement plans do not cover any dental and vision care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, any long-term care, or private nursing. These are all out-of-the-pocket costs. What else it doesn’t cover are the drug costs. You’d have to buy the Medicare Part D for that. Combined with Medigap plans, the Medicare Part D would serve the purpose, but it should be noted that you’d have to pay the monthly premium for this part separately. It wouldn’t be included in the Medigap premium.

Choosing a Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan requires attention on your part. After all, enrolling in an unnecessary plan could only result in a waste of time and money. Therefore, enroll in a Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan only when you know it’s best for you. Only then, you can fully utilize its benefits.

Learn more about Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com.  Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medicare coverage toll free 877-202-9248 today!

Are you a senior on Medicare? You probably know that the plan does not cover all the health insurance benefits you need. This is exactly where a Medical supplemental insurance plan becomes important. Also referred to as Medicare gap or Medigap coverage, it has a variety of benefits that supplements the costs that Medicare does not cover. Here are ten important facts about Medicare supplemental insurance plans.

Medicare supplemental plans are standardized

Medicare supplemental plans are standardized. This means that each plan that begins with the same letter (with designated letters A to N) must have the same basic benefits, irrespective of the insurance company you purchase the plan from. However, different insurance companies determine their pricing independently.

Medicare supplemental insurance plans cannot be combined with certain health insurance types

Medicare supplemental plans were designed to work with Original Medicare (parts A and B). If you have another type of insurance, purchasing a supplement plan from a supplement plan from an insurance company may be illegal.

Medicare Supplement plans do not cover all medical benefits

Benefits such as Part A and B deductible, Part B excess charges, skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency are covered up to 50% by some Medicare supplement plans. On the other hand, benefits such as Medicare part A coinsurance, part A hospice care copayment or coinsurance, part B coinsurance or copayment, and the first three pints of blood are covered by supplement plans to at least 50% and it could be up 100%.

Medicare supplement plan is best bought when you are first eligible

Although Medicare supplement plan can be bought anytime, you could be subjected to medical underwriting which would allow insurance companies gather information about your medical history. This history – past or present – could be used as grounds to either charge you more for a plan or reject your application. The Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period is the best time for purchasing a supplement plan. During this time, you would not be subjected to a medical underwriting by insurance companies. This period lasts for six months beginning from when you are 65 or older.

You must leave your insurance plan to enjoy a Medicare Supplemental plan

If you already have another insurance plan such as a Medicare Advantage plan, you must leave the plan before the Medicare supplemental plan begins.

A Medicare supplement plan is for one person

If a holder has a spouse that qualifies for a Medicare supplement plan, he/she will have to purchase a separate policy.

Consumers pay a premium

Medicare supplemental insurance plan consumers pay the insurance company a monthly premium for the policy. This is in addition to the Part B premium that a policy holder must pay to Medicare.

Medicare Supplement plans no longer cover prescription drugs

In the past, Medicare supplemental plans had prescription drug coverage. However, since January 1, 2006, such coverage has been disallowed. For consumers who need such coverage, they can purchase the stand-alone Part D also referred to as Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

It is illegal anyone with an MSA to sell a Medicare supplemental plan

If anyone has a Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plan, it is illegal to sell a Medicare supplemental plan to a consumer.

Medicare Supplemental Plans are guaranteed renewable

So long as a consumer continues to pay the premium, no insurance company can cancel a Medicare supplemental policy even if the consumer has medical issues.

Learn more about Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com.  Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medicare coverage toll free 877-202-9248 today!

Medicare supplement insurance was designed to cover holes and gaps in basic Medicare parts A and B for qualifying seniors within the age range of 65 and those with disabilities under the age of 65. Medicare is a health insurance program funded by the government designed to help seniors pay for their medical and health needs such as prescription drugs, treatments, checkups, surgeries and other accessories that make life easier for them.  Undoubtedly, that most people who are now getting to this age group are somehow going to notice substantial changes in their life with Medicare proven to be of great benefit. However, Medicare does not cover all their individual needs.  To combat this the federal government introduced Medicare supplemental insurance plans or Medigap.

Comparing the Differences of Plans

It is highly essential to compare Medicare supplemental insurance plans if you need extra health insurance to supplemental Medicare Part A and Part B. When you look at these plans, the very first thing you will realize is that they are offered by the same providers from whom you would have received coverage in the days when you were dependent on your individual plan. However, unlike the individual insurance coverage, the Medicare supplement insurance is regulated by the government and your provider can only charge a certain amount for coverage and each of the supplemental plans must cover certain costs. The Medicare supplement insurance makes it easier for you to choose a plan and you won’t have to worry about getting stuck with poor coverage that leaves you with huge bills to pay for each medical treatment.

Getting the Treatment You Need At The Price you Can Afford

Each Medicare supplemental insurance carrier offers Medigap plans A through L.  Senior will need to have Medigap plan A and B which covers the basic medical treatments and drugs prescription. With Plan B, you should also expect to pay premiums. However, Medigap plan C through L have some different options. When opting for a plan in these categories ensure you base your decision on the two major factors; the treatment that you will need and the amount you will be able to pay regarding co-pays and deductibles.

Benefits of Medigap Plans

There are series of benefits when you make the best choice of Medigap plans. Firstly, you will be covered of all various types of treatments, cares and medication that you will require to keep you healthy. Secondly, you should expect to be paying premiums only, and the best supplemental Medicare insurance will allow you to avoid those annoying deductibles and co-pays. You will never have to worry about settling bills for treatments that you believed your insurance was going to pay for.

Some other benefits of Medicare supplemental insurance plans also include vision and dental coverage which have lower copays than Medicare. Although, expensive service such as hospitalization and surgery the co-pays can tend to be higher. If you have hospitalizations in the past, ensure to check out the limitations on hospital coverage with the Medicare Advantage plans.

It is crucial to fully understand all the limits of Medicare supplemental insurance plans before choosing. Take your time to ask a reputable insurance agent about all the Medigap options available and compare them with other forms of supplemental insurance to make an informed decision about your medical coverage.

Learn more about Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com.  Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medicare coverage toll free 877-202-9248 today!

Medicare supplement plans are designed to cover out-of-pocket costs which include deductibles, coinsurance, co payments, and costs that are not covered by Medicare part A and B. The best time to sign up for a Medicare Supplement plan is typically during the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period. During this period, you would not be subjected to any form of medical underwriting, a situation where an insurance company uses an already existing medical condition as a reason to deny you medical coverage or charge you for such coverage.

Enrollment Periods and Terms

The open enrollment period usually lasts for a period of 6 months beginning on the first day of the month when you are 65 or older or when you enrolled in Medicare part B. In some states, there are Medicare Open Enrollment Periods for individuals under the age of 65. You could seize such opportunity if you fall in such category.

When the Medicare Open Enrollment Period expires, signing up for a supplement plan may not be as easy if you are trying for the first time. If you have already signed up for a Medicare Supplement plan, you may not be able to switch plans with guaranteed issue. In the absence of guarantee issue rights, insurance companies may subject you to underwriting that would ensure you are charged a premium fee for medical coverage based on your health condition.

Guarantee Issue Rights

On the other hand, there are situations where you may have guarantee issue rights even after the Open Enrollment Period. These situations could include, but are not limited to:

• When your Medicare Supplement plan ends through no fault of yours
• When you were misled by your insurance company
• When you move out of an area where you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or the plan leaves the Medicare program
• When you are enrolled in an employer-sponsored Original Medicare plan and the coverage of your employer ends.

Medicare Part D

It is important to note that Medicare Supplement plans do not include benefits of prescription drugs (Medicare Part D). Although some plans in the past included this coverage that is not the case today. If you already have a Medicare Part D, prescription drug coverage, ensure it is creditable so you avoid paying a penalty for late enrollment if you decide to sign up for the Part D plan soon. Medicare Supplement plans are easy to understand and if you follow the laid down directions for signing up, you can rest assured of a friendly medical coverage devoid of any penalties.

Learn more about Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com.  Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medicare coverage toll free 877-202-9248 today!

Also known as Medigap, Medicare supplemental insurance can be used together with Original Medicare Part A and Part B to help cover additional out-of-pocket expenses. For example, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment as well as other benefits such as paying partial or even full coverage for overseas travel emergency care, Medicare Part B excess charges, and more. However, coverage for Medicare Supplement Insurance is standardized differently in states like Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance is also sold by private insurance companies who are free to set their own cost for any plan. You must at least 65 years or older, be enrolled in both Part A and Part B of Medicare and live in a state that sells the plan you are interested in purchasing because not all plans are available in every state.

The best way to shop for a plan is to compare offerings from multiple insurance companies in your area because the availability and cost of any plan differ from one insurance company to another. Which brings us to the next point:

Misconceptions About Medicare Supplemental Insurance

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Brokers

Most people think that they can only buy Medicare supplemental insurance plans directly from an insurance carrier and that it would cost them more if they used an insurance broker. This is not the case. Consulting directly with an insurance broker costs you nothing, in fact, it is to your benefit to make full use of their Medicare proficiency because they have complete access to many different insurance policies that may not be available to you, some which are too complicated to comprehend.

They can not only help you understand the details of a policy and also work out what level of cover you need, but they will also help you find a good deal and even negotiate premiums on your behalf.

Comparing Medicare Supplemental Plans

Most people feel that everything is straightforward and they can figure out everything on their own. Understanding any insurance plan is challenging let alone grasping the workings of a Medicare supplemental comparison plans that come in 10 standardized benefit packages labeled from A – N. You also need to be aware of the three pricing methods which will affect your costs, prescription drug coverage, and other alternative options. It doesn’t hurt to seek expert advice to ensure you are getting the best policy at an affordable price.

Prescription Drug Coverage

Another misconception is that Medicare does not cover prescription drugs. While Original Medicare Parts A and B cover outpatient prescription drugs under limited conditions, Medicare Part D offered through private insurance companies or purchased as part of a Medicare Advantage Part C plan offers prescription drug coverage.

Medigap Eligibility

Most seniors fear that a poor medical history might render them ineligible for a Medicare supplemental plan. Well, during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you have the right to buy any Medigap policy offered in your state and once you enroll in Medicare Part B and you are not required to answer health questions.

Learn more about Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com.  Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medicare coverage toll free 877-202-9248 today!

Medicare may cover some of the costs of your healthcare, but it doesn’t cover everything. For some Americans, there can be a lot of out-of-pocket expenses that can make it harder to make ends meet. Some of this gap can be filled with Medicare supplemental insurance plans.

Let’s cover five good reasons why you need to enroll in a Medicare supplemental insurance plan to help you manage your health better.

• You Travel Frequently

Various types of Medicare supplemental insurance will allow you to travel to other states or out of the country, but still be covered with health insurance. This means that you won’t have to constantly be buying supplemental insurance, and you’ll be able to save money over time.

• You Want To Keep Your Network of Providers

If you have the Medicare Advantage Plan then you know that you must go to their providers, even if it means a long distance for you. You may also not like some of the providers, but there is little recourse for you to choose. But with other Medicare supplemental insurance plans, you can choose which healthcare network you want to go to, as long as they accept your specific insurance plan.

• You Want To Choose Your Own Specialists

Some specialists require a referral from your doctor, which can lead to delays and perhaps not get you the best care you need if your other Medicare supplemental insurance plans don’t cover that expense. But with a good Medicare supplemental insurance you can have your choice of specialists, even without that referral, and most of the expenses can be covered.

• Additional Costs Are Covered With Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

With a Medicare supplemental insurance you may get many additional costs covered, that are not covered by basic Medicare. These can include blood transfusions, extra hospital stays, nursing care, and hospice or respite care.

• You Will Have Coverage For Life

Once you sign up for one of the Medicare supplemental insurance plans you’ll have coverage for life. You won’t be denied care because you’re too old, or because you get a specific disease or condition. This can be a comfort to many patients. You may want to note that rates can change as you get older though, but these costs adhere to a strict plan of fees that includes everyone in your state.

It’s of benefit for you to do a Medicare supplement comparison. Once you see the differences between plans, you can decide which may benefit your health. You may discover that Medicare Advantage may be too restrictive, so you’ll want to try Medigap or one of the other plans.

Even if one plan seems cheaper, it may not necessarily be right for you. Carefully read through the fine print to see exactly what is covered. You may wish to make your choice based on what your total coverage costs will be, plus out-of-pocket expenses, at the end of the year. One plan may be better for healthier people.  Once you decide on your Medicare supplement comparison, you’ll feel confident that you and your family will have the best coverage they need.

Learn more about Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com.  Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medicare coverage toll free 877-202-9248 today!

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans are part of a federal health insurance program created for people over the age of 65. It is sold by private companies to supplement Original Medicare benefits. It offers coverage for services such as overseas travel and can be used to help pay some of the costs that are not covered by Original Medicare such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap policies are standardized and are identified in most states by letters A through N to make it easy for consumers to identify the different plans and to ensure that what they purchase meets their needs.

Improvements For Medigap

There are improvements that have been made to Medigap plan for patients and provider including:

• Two new Plans M and N with new cost-sharing rules have been added
• Medigap Plans E, H, I, and J, including high-deductible Plan J, has been dropped
• Preventive Care benefits were dropped from all Plans because Medicare now covers many of these benefits.
• The in-home recovery benefit was dropped from all Plans due to underuse
• Hospice benefits have been added to the basic benefits of Plans A through D and Plan F and G
• Plan E is no longer available
• Benefits for excess charges in Plan G were increased to 100%

Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans and what they cover:

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan A – you are required to pay all deductibles, skilled nursing coinsurance, Part B excess charges and foreign travel emergency care. This plan covers:

• 100% of 61 to 90 days of your hospitalization coinsurance including that of the first three pints of blood
• The cost of 365 extra days of hospital care after Medicare coverage ends
• Medicare copayment of hospice care

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan B – you will pay your Part B deductibles, all hospitalization costs beyond the additional 365 days after the Lifetime Reserve is used up and costs that are not covered by Medicare after 21 days in a skilled nursing facility. It covers:

• Part A deductibles
• Medicare copayment/coinsurance of hospice care
• The cost of 365 extra days of hospital care after Medicare coverage ends
• 100% of your hospitalization coinsurance from 61 to 90 days as well as that of cost the first three pints of blood

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan C – this plan doesn’t cover Medicare Part B excess charges but covers the following:

• Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments
• Medicare Part B copayments and coinsurance
• First three pints of blood for a medical procedure
• Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs up to 365 days after Original Medicare benefits are exhausted
• Skilled Nursing Facility care coinsurance
• Medicare Part A deductible
• Medicare Part B deductible
• Up to 80% foreign travel emergency coverage

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan F – is the most comprehensive supplement because it pays for all of the gaps in Original Medicare Part A and Part B, including both your hospital and outpatient deductible. This plan is not only renewable, but you can see any Medicare specialist of your choosing without any referrals.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance – High Deductible Plan F –  allow you to save on premiums while still receiving the most robust offering of Medicare Supplement but you will pay a higher out-of-pocket amount until a deductible amount is reached then your plan covers the rest of your Medicare-covered health-care costs for the rest of the year.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan G – this plan saves you a little money because it pays Part A deductibles and all coinsurance, which are all of the benefits of Plan F, with the exemption of Part B deductible. You only need to pay the regular yearly Medicare Part B deductible out of pocket.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan K – this plan covers 50% of your Part A deductible, 50% of the cost of the first three pints of blood and of the skilled nursing facility copayment on 21 to 100 days. It also covers Medicare copayment or coinsurance of hospice care, including the cost of 365 extra days of hospital care after Medicare coverage ends.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan L – covers 75% of coinsurance and copayments not covered by Medicare Part B as well as that of hospice care that is not covered by Medicare Part A. It also covers three pints of blood drawn, coinsurance for a skilled nursing care facility and deductibles not covered by Medicare Part A.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan N – has similar benefits as Plan F but you will need to pay Medicare Part B deductible, Medicare Part B excess charges, and copayments for emergency room visits that do not result in an inpatient admission out of pocket.

Contact Us

Learn more about Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com.  Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medicare coverage toll free 877-202-9248 today!