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

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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?

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

Choosing a Medigap plan can be overwhelming for some seniors. There are many plans that have been formulated by the government; however, that nevertheless, you’d have to choose your plan according to your needs. We are here to help you with that by giving you information and clarifying your doubts about Medigap coverage. Before you enroll in Medigap, please give this post a read for better understanding.

Medigap is a healthcare system that has been produced for the betterment of the senior citizens. There is an original Medicare for your health insurance, but getting supplement plans, which come under the Medigap, is a better idea. This way, you could receive the original benefits of the program as well as get additional coverage.

Choosing a Medigap plan

Medigap plans are labeled by alphabets from A to N that are individually, or combinedly sold by private health organizations.

Medicare Supplement Insurance or Medigap requires you have the part A and the B of the Medicare. When you have these, only then you’d stand eligible for the supplement policies.

When it comes to the trends, the most popular policies in the U.S are the C and F. Both plans are there to cover for the deductibles of Part A that you receive and the Part B. According to the packages, the costs of the hospital, and outpatient costs of the doctor are covered. And if we talk about the limits, these costs are $1,260 and $147 respectively. So, considering all of this, you can hope to receive compensation for anything that comes in the range of costs mentioned.

Which plan is best for you?

Before enrolling in a Medigap plan, you should consider all the options according to your health, family history, and future risk tolerance. You can have a detailed information of the packages or policies on the Medicare website. So, if anyone recommends you any supplemental Medigap plan, do give it a thought first considering your needs.

Drug coverage

It is important for you to note that Medigap plans do not cover any kind of drug prescriptions. Therefore, you cannot rely on these plans to cover those costs. However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t any other plans which you can use. If you must cover prescriptions, there is a better plan in the form of Medicare Part D – also called the drug plan. You can not only have your prescription costs covered through this part up to a certain limit but can also use other plans with it.

To sum up the above discussion, you can get additional health coverages by getting Medigap supplement plans with your original Medicare Part A and Part B, and Part D if you want your prescription costs to be covered. It is also worthy to note that Medigap does not cover any vision, dental, hearing care, or long-term care.

So, this was all about choosing a Medigap plan. Make sure you choose your plan wisely before enrolling in Medigap.

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!

Have you just enrolled in Medicare? You may soon find out that not all costs are covered in the plan. Instead, you would be responsible for the costs not covered by the plan.

A Medigap plan is the perfect supplement for Medicare. In fact, you must have chosen original Medicare (parts A and B) to qualify to apply for a Medigap plan. Medigap (Medicare supplemental plan) plan fills some of the “gaps” and costs not covered by Medicare.

Medigap – The Choices

10 Medigap plans have been designed and they are identified by letters: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, or N. The letters are in no way a determining factor for how these plans function. However, plans A, B, K, L, M, and N have basically similar benefits while plans C, D, F, and G have same basic structures. You can find the unique benefits of these plans when you visit medicare.gov.

Who qualifies for a Medigap Plan?

Although you must have an original Medicare plan to be eligible for Medigap, not everyone is eligible. Individuals less than age 65 are not eligible in most states. A Medigap plan is a personal plan. For example, if you have purchased the plan because you are qualified, and you have a spouse that also qualifies, he or she must purchase a separate policy from yours.

Choosing a Medigap Plan

Medigap plans are regulated by state and federal laws. Generally, all plans with the same letters have the same basic benefits. However, states such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Massachusetts have policies that regulate the plans differently. Before you decide on the best Medigap plan, there are a few important factors you must consider.

What you can afford

Considering what you can afford means you would have to review the costs involved in the plan including coinsurance, deductible, and copayments. These plans should be reviewed in terms of the medical services you would most likely need and your budget. Most policies have low premiums with higher copayments or higher premiums with less expensive copayments. In reviewing the plans, you would be able to determine the best plan for your budget.

How much Coverage you need

Does your condition require regular medical care? Are you currently taking any management drugs? Did your healthcare provider recommend a treatment plan you must stick to for the next few months? Keeping all these in mind will help you choose a plan.

Provider’s policy

Medigap plan providers could charge based on two policies:

Community-rated policies: This policy costs every member of the group – referred to as community – the same amount regardless of the age of a member.

Issue-age rated policies: This policy is priced according to the age of the placer holder at the time of purchase. This policy does not increase over time as the individual ages.

Attained-age rated policies: This policy is priced according to the age of the policy holder at the time of purchase and could increase as the individual ages.

Choosing a Medigap plan is a complex endeavor that demands valuable amount of time, so you do not make mistakes. Ensure you are aware of the laws of your locality, stick to them, consider your medical needs, and consider your budget before you choose a plan.

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!