Posted on June 6, 2018 by admin

Is Eye Care and Cataract Surgery Covered By A Medigap Plan?

Medigap insurance is sold by private companies to help pay for things like copayments and deductibles that Medicare doesn’t cover. This policies are only available to individuals over the age of 65 who already have Original Medicare Parts A and B. Those with Medicare Advantage, Part C or are younger than 65 and on Medicare due to disability cannot enroll or buy a Medigap policy.

There are eleven standard Medigap policies in the United States each lettered A through G, and K. Insurance carriers can only sell one of the plans, and if you are married and your partner is covered by Medicare, they will need to buy a separate policy to get a Medigap cover. Standard Medigap policies generally cover some or all of the costs of:

Your Part A deductible and coinsurance for hospital stays
A portion of your Part B doctor’s bills services
The first 3 pints of blood annually
As we as your hospice care coinsurance

Medigap policies do not cover

Long-term care
Private duty nursing
Prescription drugs or any out-of-pocket costs for Part D
It also doesn’t cover dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses and vision care

Cataract is the clouding of the clear lens of the eye, which makes seeing seem like looking through a fogged-up window. Most cataracts are as a result of aging, injury or an inherited disorder and surgery is important especially when the slow progression of the disease begins to affect an individual’s quality of life. If your doctor determines that cataract surgery is medically necessary and you have Medicare coverage, you may be responsible for certain deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance costs otherwise, Medigap supplement insurance covers the procedure to remove the cataract.

Medigap plans fill in the gaps of Original Medicare and once you pay for your deductible, you will receive coverage from Medigap but will be required to pay any copayments. You can get a rough idea of your estimated cost by first ascertaining that your doctor accepts Medicare assignment. You also need to find out whether you will be inpatient or outpatient for the surgery, and whether you will need prescription drugs afterward. This way you can check the cost of the drugs or determine if you will need to get Medicare Part D. Also check your out-of-pocket limit in case you need to pay for anything past that amount.

Learn more about Medigap plans and rates at http://emedigap-plans.com. Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans. To talk to an expert in Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949!

Posted on May 31, 2018 by admin

Comparing Medigap Plans in Texas

For those who do not know what Medicare it is the federally provided insurance that covers the millions of American seniors who have qualified for and been accepted to receive Social Security payments from the Federal Government. The insurance premiums are paid directly from your Social Security check, so you never really see it. Unfortunately, much like all other insurance plans available across the country, Medicare does not cover everything at 100%.

This will leave a gap in the total coverage that each covered senior have and that would leave them responsible for the balance. One of the big reason for this is because the cost of healthcare has gotten way too out of control. Fortunately, there are plans available that are designed to fill the gap beyond what Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B cover.

These plans are government approved and are referred to as plan A all the way through plan L. Each one of these Medigap insurance plans are federally regulated in order to attempt to keep them at least somewhat cheaper for the senior.

Medigap Insurance Eligibility

A good rule of thumb to certain if you are eligible for one of the 10 Medigap insurance plans is that if you are at least 65 years of age and signed up for Medicare Part A and Part B. There are also a few requirements that you must meet in order to be able to qualify for coverage under Medigap insurance plans. You must at least meet the following tough requirements:

You must be a legal resident or US citizen
You have lived in the United States for at least 5 years
Worked at least 10 years at a job that is Medicare covered

Common misconceptions about Medicare and why Medigap insurance is so important

One would think that a health care plan established by the US Federal Government that is designed to cover the medical expenses for senior citizens that are currently receiving Social Security payments would truly cover everything. Unfortunately, you would totally wrong and on top of that, each and every Medicare recipient has to pay their own premiums that are automatically taken out of your monthly SS check.

These Medigap plans are also not automatic and if you don’t qualify, you would be financially responsible for all of the doctor bills above what Medicare allows. Then there is the list of services that are not covered by Medicare at all. This list is actually quite extensive and is filled with things that might surprise you to find out that Medicare does not cover and that the Medigap plan you chose would have to be able to cover as much of those things.

Here is a brief list of some of the medical procedures that are not covered by Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B

Routine eye care or glasses
Eye refractions
No yearly exams
No Chiropractic services
Hearing aids, tests, or exams
Prescription drugs

Posted on May 24, 2018 by admin

Comparing Medigap Plans in Tennessee

If you live in Tennessee and are looking for Medicare Supplement plans, which are in purchased in addition to Medicare Parts A and B of the federal Medicare program, you can opt for Medigap coverage. There are 10 different plans to choose from for Medigap plans in the state of Tennessee, but not all insurance companies offer all 10 plans. And if they do, you’ll notice that some might be more expensive than others. Also, some plans are more advantageous than others, with a few of them being Medigap Plan F, Plan G and Plan N. It doesn’t matter which plan you get, the gaps that the original Medicare has will be filled in by the various plans in varying degrees depending on the plan.

Depending on what Medigap plan you choose a different percentage and number of gaps will be eliminated. If you really want a comprehensive Medigap plan, you should opt for Plan F, as it is thought to be the most advantageous since it pays both Medicare deductible and the 20% that it doesn’t cover at hospitals or doctor’s offices. However, in most cases, Plan G is a better value to all, thus the best option for those looking to get Medigap in Tennessee.

The most important thing to remember is that it doesn’t matter what company you purchase Medigap supplemental insurance from since the plan will work the same way. There are really only two things you need to compare when looking for the right Medigap insurance provider in Tennessee: price and reputation within the industry. Both factors will vary from provider to provider and this is what you should base your Medigap supplemental insurance decision on.

Although it’s possible to compare the companies that offer Medigap in Tennessee to get quotes. Enrollees can also go online to see charts that will show you the different rates from independent agents and brokers. Doing your research to compare Medigap supplemental insurance plans in Tennessee will help you make an informed choice so that you find one that best fits your personal monthly budget.

Posted on May 11, 2018 by admin

Comparing Medigap Plans in Michigan

Medigap is a health insurance policy that is sold by private insurance companies to fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare. There are various Medigap plans available in Michigan. It is a good idea to understand what Michigan Medigap insurance plans cover to choose a plan that best fits your individual health and budget needs.

When it comes to Medigap it is important to note that it is a supplement to Original Medicare Part A and B in Michigan and is not meant to replace this coverage. In fact, you must remain enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B for hospital and medical coverage and be current on your premiums to participate in Medigap. In addition, be aware that Medigap plans in Michigan do not offer prescription drug coverage. To receive prescription coverage, you must purchase the stand alone Medigap Plan D, prescription drug plan.

Standard Medigap Plans

In the state of Michigan, private insurance companies offer ten standard Medigap plans that participants can choose to enroll in. Each Medigap plan covers the same benefits no matter who it is purchased through. Medigap Plan A is the same through Blue Cross Blue Shield as it is through Aetna. No matter what insurer the plan is purchased through or the premium that is paid the coverage benefits are the exact same.

How Michigan Medigap Works

As previously mentioned, Medigap plans in Michigan are designed to help Medicare beneficiaries pay for costs associated with Medicare Part and Part B. This can include copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap plans cannot be used in conjunction with Medicare Advantage. There are ten standardized Medicare supplemental insurance plans available in Michigan. Each is identified by one of ten letters: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N.

Enrolling During Open Enrollment

The Medigap open enrollment period is the best time to enroll in a plan. Open enrollment for Medigap is the same as Medicare Part A and Part B enrollment starting the first day of the month you turn 65 and lasts for six months, remember that to enroll in Medigap you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

During the Medigap open enrollment period you have a guaranteed right to enroll in any Medigap plan that is available within your service area. You cannot be denied coverage because of your health status or medical underwriting. Although if you enroll in or switch plans after the open enrollment period you can be denied coverage, be charged higher premiums, and penalized for pre-existing conditions.

Learn more about Medigap plans & rates in Michigan at http://emedigap-plans.com/michigan-medicare-supplement-plans. Our Michigan Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans in Michigan today. To talk to an expert in Michigan Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949 today!

Posted on May 2, 2018 by admin

4 Ways Participants Benefit from Purchasing Medigap

Are you 65 or is your 65th birthday around the corner? Are you enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B? You have a six-month open enrollment period that begins on the first day of the month in which you are 65 or older. Therefore, this is the best time to start shopping for a Medigap insurance policy. Also known as Medicare supplement insurance, Medigap policies are guaranteed, regardless of the condition of your health and are sold by private insurance companies to fill in some gaps in the coverage you get from Medicare, as long as purchased within your open enrollment period. Consider the following benefits of purchasing Medigap:

Medigap Supplements Original Medicare

Medigap is a private insurance policy that picks up where Medicare leaves off, helping you cover co-payments, coinsurance, deductibles, including services such as medical care outside the U.S. This additional cover may not be “necessary” if you already have a supplemental retiree health insurance through a former employer or union. However, it is important because it provides extra protection for high out-of-pocket costs, especially if you become seriously sick or need to receive more care as you age.

Guaranteed Coverage

Under federal law, insurance companies cannot deny you a Medigap coverage during a six-month open enrollment period that begins the month you turn 65 and join Medicare. Additionally, even if you lose certain types of health coverage such as Medigap policy, Medicare Advantage plan including private group health insurance, you have the right to buy most Medigap policies within 63 days. Insurance carriers are obligated to offer you the best available rates regardless of your health, which brings us to the next important point.

Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions

During the Open Enrollment Period, an insurance company can’t deny a Medicare supplement policy or charge a higher premium because of pre-existing conditions. While participants may face a six-month waiting period, but as a Medigap beneficiary, they have a “guaranteed issue rights” and will receive all Medicare benefits. Therefore, to ensure eligibility and timely approval, it is important to begin shopping for Medigap early.

Popular Medigap Plan F

Baby boomers can celebrate because this plan now pays for all the gaps in Original Medicare Part A and Part B, including both hospital and outpatient deductible. This means zero out-of-pocket at the doctor’s office.

The financial burden of health currently and in the future, including the level of service you receive, may have huge implications and lasting impact on your life. Switching Medicare supplemental insurance plans shouldn’t be stressful, retirees can talk to a reputable Medicare brokers who will help with identifying the best possible coverage for the best possible rates by comparing Medicare plans and rates from private insurance companies that supply Medigap.

Posted on April 26, 2018 by admin

Do My Spouse and I Carry the Same Medigap Insurance Policy?

Medigap Insurance is a supplemental insurance policy to Original Medicare since it doesn’t cover everything. Where Medicare Insurance falls short, Medigap is used to fill in the gaps. You can purchase Medigap from a private insurance company and use it to cover any expenses you might have under Medicare like deductible and co-pays left by Medicare Part A and Part B.

Medicare doesn’t cover things like dentures, long-term care like assisted living, hearing aids and exams, acupuncture, routine foot care and more. Medigap supplemental insurance can cover these sorts of expenses, which is why many seniors opt to obtain Medicare supplemental insurance. To qualify for Medigap insurance enrollees must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.

Medigap plans are no different than Medicare plans since they both over only cover one person’s health care coverage and not their spouse. Medigap only covers one person. Although you may be able to enroll in a Medigap insurance plan if you already have Original Medicare, your spouse can’t enroll under you. Your coverage does not extend to them. If your spouse is also eligible for Medicare, then they’ll have to enroll in a separate Medigap policy to get the same coverage as you. If you choose they can enroll in the same Medigap coverage that you are enrolled in.

If you want your spouse to be covered by Medigap, the best time for them to enroll is during their own Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This is a six-month time frame that starts on the first day of the month when they turn 65 are both enrolled in Medicare. During this time, an insurance company can’t utilize medical underwriting to deny coverage. Also, beneficiaries have the right to enroll in whatever plan they choose or want, even though some waiting periods may apply.

Medigap policies are priced depending on a number of factors like where you live, your gender and more. Since plans can be affected by inflation, there can be a big difference in premiums for the same plan between different insurance carriers so shop around for the best price.

Posted on April 19, 2018 by admin

Understanding The Differences Of Medigap Policies And What They Have To Offer

There are a number of questions and concerns when it comes to enrolling in Medicare and Medicare Supplemental Plans. Three main questions that seniors want answers to are:

What parts of the four different parts of the Medicare program covers stays in the hospital?
What differences are seen between Original Medicare (Medicare Part A & Part B), Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplemental Plans?
Which parts of Medicare provide prescription drug coverage?

Original Medicare has four basic elements:

Medicare Part A – Hospital Insurance
Medicare Part B – Health Insurance
Medicare Part C – Medicare Advantage
Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans – Medigap

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans, Medigap, is private health insurance plans that seniors can purchase to cover the “gaps” that are left after enrolling in Medicare Part A and Part B. There are ten different Medigap plans to choose from. Each plan covers different elements that are not covered by Original Medicare such as doctor’s office co-payments, skilled nursing facility co-insurance, and certain out of pocket hospital costs not covered.

There are ten different types of Medigap Plans designated by one of ten letters of the alphabet. The benefits within the different plans are the same no matter what insurance company that they are purchased from however, each of the ten plans covers something different. Premiums for each of the ten policies also vary depending on who the coverage is purchased through. Medigap Plan F can essentially cost $110 a month from Company A while Company B has the same exact plan for sale for $150 a month. This is why it is super important for Medicare participants to compare Medigap plans and the premiums charged by different insurance companies.

In order for participants to be eligible to purchase supplemental insurance, Medicare enrollees must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Medigap is renewable from year to year no matter what the participants current state of health is. Monthly premiums will be charge based on where you live, your current age, the plan you select, and the insurance provider chosen.

Another option that is provided to seniors is Medicare Advantage. This option is chosen in place of Original Medicare and Medigap. Participants often choose Medicare Advantage over Original Medicare and Medigap because of the lower monthly premiums. Although the premiums are lower, out-of-pocket expenses may be higher. It is important to also note that Medicare Advantage offers prescription drug coverage at no additional cost whereas Original Medicare and Medigap requires you to purchase prescription drug coverage, Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan D. The advantage of Original Medicare and Medigap Supplemental Plans is that there is a larger network of providers to choose from.

There is a lot to consider when it comes to the federal government sponsored health insurance plan. Seniors over 65 have the option to choose between purchasing Medicare Plan A, Medicare Plan B, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans; it is crucial to look at all of the option when considering your current and future health care needs as well as your budget.

Posted on April 12, 2018 by admin

Benefits of Medicare, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage Health Insurance

Most people do not quite understand how Medicare and Medigap work and as much as there are many resources about the two, all the information can be overwhelming and confusing. In this article, we will evaluate each and the benefits you get when you pick one of over the other.

Understanding Medicare and Medigap

Everyone, over the age of 65 in the US can apply for Medicare insurance coverage. It is important to note is that the coverage is divided into four parts. Part A provides hospital care, Part B covers doctors’ fees, equipment used in the treatment and medical procedures. Part D covers prescription drugs which cost over and above your cover especially for older patients and supplemental insurance plans that take care of medical expenses that exceed your cover so that you don’t have to tap into your savings to get treatment.

Medigap is additional health insurance coverage that participants purchase from private insurance companies to help take care of medical costs that are not covered by your Medicare coverage. These include things like deductibles, co-payments and healthcare should you seek treatment outside the United States. It is important to note that a Medigap policy does not cover dental care, vision care, hearing aids, or eyeglasses.

Medigap policies can only be given to individuals who are already under Medicare cover Part A and Part B. If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you cannot qualify for a Medigap plan.

Medigap vs Medicare Advantage: Which will serve your interests better?

Medigap coverage costs more per month but it might cost less than out of pocket payments that you might be forced to pay for a Medicare Advantage plan. On the other hand, a Medicare Advantage plan will insure more medical services and cost less in the long run.
Medicare Advantage covers, limit the choice you have when deciding which doctors to see from which health facilities. Conventional Medigap and Medicare covers on the other gives you more leeway because you can get treatment from any medical center that accepts the cover.
Medicare Advantage cover is operational within specific jurisdictions. Meaning should you need medical attention while away from home, it will not be useful for you. Medigap, on the other hand, covers you in every state in the U.S and even abroad to specified regions.

Choosing the Right Plan For You

Ultimately whether you choose Medigap or Medicare, the key to having the best insurance policy that your money can buy for your specific healthcare needs.

Posted on April 5, 2018 by admin

Find the Best Medigap Policy with These 5 Easy Steps

Choosing the right Medigap policy is important if you are looking to save on your health-related costs in the long run. In this article, we break down choosing the right Medigap policy in 5 simple and easy steps:

1: Evaluating Your Health Care Costs

It’s important to do a thorough analysis of what you’ve spent on healthcare annually. Also try to sketch out an idea of how much your future health costs will come to and add them to your list. Finally, also make sure to add any costs that covered the services offered by Medigap plans.

2: Comparing and Reviewing Medigap Plans

Make sure to go through the Medigap Plan from A to N to determine which plans are most apt for your situation. Cross compare the plans with each other and do a careful analysis of which one is ideal for you. Also, be aware that the Plans J, I, H and E were no longer sold after May 2010. However, if you already bought any of these plans before June 2010, you’ll be allowed to move forward with it.

3: Finding the Medigap Insurance Company

Do your research and find out the insurance company that offers Medigap plans in your State. You can contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or your State insurance department for guidance. These companies are also listed by Medicare Options Compare.

4: Comparing Each Insurance Company

Take some time, do a thorough research and then choose your insurance company carefully. You’ll probably have a range of options to choose from, and you must consider a bunch of factors before you move on with your decision.

Costs are one the most important factors when it comes to choosing companies. Find out the premium being charged by the company for the Medigap plan, compare with your other options and then choose. You will also want to look for issue-age-rated and community-rated policies with each company. These policies might make the costs lesser for you as you cross a certain age and hence can end up being a deal breaker. Also use independent rating services to gauge the financial stability and soundness of the company you’re considering. Companies with an A rating are generally considered to be ideal choices. Finally, also make sure to go through any complaints with the company under consideration. You can contact your Department of Insurance to check if they have received any complaints about a company.

5: Choosing the Right Insurance Company

Once you’ve gathered all the information you need and done adequate research on the companies and the policies involved, make sure you arrive at a sound and informed decision. Don’t just depend on information you find on the Internet or in the library: talk to people who you trust and try to figure out which company is preferred in your area.

Posted on March 28, 2018 by admin

Nine Important Facts That You Should Know About Medigap

Choosing a Medigap Plan can be challenging. Be aware that one size does not fit all and not all plans are going to be created equal. Different personal circumstances will certainly play a part in determining what type of policy would be suitable for them.

It is always important when choosing a Medigap plan that you have your eye on the long-term benefits that that plan will provide. This is simply because switching plans can be a bit of a process and one that can only be done during open enrollment. It is always better if you can fulfill all your needs with the original plan that you choose. When choosing a Medigap plan, there are certain things that you should know. Here, we look at nine important facts that you should know about Medigap

The aim of Medigap is to take care of the things Medicare does not cover hence, bridging the gaps. You will pay an additional amount to get this type of policy on top of your Medicare premiums. Also, before you can purchase a supplemental policy, you must first be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Keep in mind that your Medigap policy does not cover your spouse. If you both need coverage, you will have to buy two separate policies. This confuses some people because traditional insurance often covers the spouse.
Medigap policies are only available to individuals who already have Medicare Part A for free hospital services and Medicare Part B for doctor services. Each plan covers one only individual, meaning you and your spouse will have to purchase separate Medigap policies.
Medigap has 12 standard plans, through A to L, that offer different levels of health coverage and benefits. Although different insurance companies sell these policies, they offer the same Medigap plan benefits. Not all Medigap policies may be available in your state.
It pays to compare companies offering Medigap insurance before committing to any individual plan. This is because not all companies carry all 12 plans, so an insurance agent may be steering his or her customers towards one of the plans that company offers when a different plan might be preferable for you.
If you intend to buy a Medigap plan, it is important to note that you must enroll within the open six-month enrollment period that starts on the first day of the month in which you turn 65 and enroll in Medigap. During this period, insurance companies cannot use medical underwriting to deny you Medigap coverage or increase premiums due to your health or apply waiting periods even if you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions. However, if you try to buy a Medigap policy after the six-month enrollment period is over, there is no guarantee that you’ll be able to get coverage. There are chances that your rates may climb substantially in case you get covered.
For a Medigap plan, you must pay a monthly premium to the insurance company along with your Medicare Part B premium. The cost of the Medigap policy is determined as follows:
Community-rated policies charge the same premium to everyone living in that area regardless of age.
Premiums in Issue-age-rated policies are based on your age when you first bought the policy, however, the rate doesn’t increase automatically as you age.
Attained-age-rated policies are inexpensive at the age of 65, but their rates increase automatically as you age.

Generally, insurance companies establish their own prices and eligibility regulations, so it is recommended to shop around for the plan.

Medigap plans cover some of your Medicare co-payments, co-insurance for hospital stays, and some other medical services such as preventive care, at home recovery, etc., thus reducing your out of pocket costs. It is vital to consider that Medigap plans do not cover hearing aids, dental care, eye-glasses, long-term care etc. Prescription drug coverage can be obtained by enrolling in the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, or Part D. You must decide what type of plan is best for you. In most cases, if you give up your Medigap policy, you won’t be able to get it back.
Also, beware of anyone who tries to sell you additional Medicare supplement insurance if you already have this type of policy in place. US law states that it is an offense to try to sell additional policies of this type, as the plans offer a wide range of benefit options and if you choose the right plan, a second plan would be totally unnecessary.

When you are about to face retirement, having a basic understanding of how Medicare works can give you better health care and reduce what you spend on medical services. To be able to get a plan, you need to enroll in Medigap services.

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Category: Medigap Insurance Plans