Health insurance comes in all types, including private and government-backed insurance plans. Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, is insurance sold by private health insurance companies. It is unique because it is meant to cover costs that are not covered under original Medicare plans. Medicare leaves out some healthcare costs that it does not cover, like copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance which can be covered by getting a Medigap plan. The best part about Medicare Supplement insurance is that it offers benefits that Orignal Medicare doesn’t, including coverage when traveling outside of the United States.
Medigap is an excellent way to attain peace of mind for senior citizens as it makes sure that healthcare costs that can sometimes add up to ridiculous amounts will not have to be paid. Even though Medicare covers up to 80% of most medical expenses, the 20% cost that is up to you to pay can often be a lot, especially if you have had significant medical surgery. A health crisis at an older age can spell disaster because of the medical bills that result from it. So having a Medicare Supplement plan at an older age is not only an option; it is essential in some cases. However, some people approaching the age of 65 might not be aware of Medigap and how it helps. We have created this article for anyone looking for information about Medicare Supplement insurance and suggest you keep reading.
Things to know before getting Medicare supplement plans
While Medicare supplement plans are standardized across insurance companies to offer similar benefits, they are essential to know before going for them. So without further ado, here are some crucial things regarding Medigap:
Medigap can only supplement original Medicare: One common misconception people have about Medicare Supplement insurance is that it supplements all insurance plans, including private insurance. However, Medigap only covers Original Medicare Plans A and B, not Plans C or D. So be careful that a health insurance broker does not sell you a Medicare Supplement plan if you have Medicare part C or private health insurance.
You should enroll in Medigap as soon as you become eligible: It is vital to register when you become eligible for it during the six-month open enrollment period. This period starts when you turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare Part A and B. However, suppose you turn 65 and don’t want Medigap coverage because you have your employer’s health insurance plans. In that case, you can always enroll in Medigap when you retire and become eligible for Medicare Part B.
Medigap doesn’t cover prescription drugs: It is important to remember that Medigap doesn’t offer coverage for prescription drugs. So if you want coverage for prescription drugs, it is best to enroll in Medicare Plan D as this plan provides exceptional coverage for prescription drugs.
High deductible plans are ideal for fixed-income seniors: Most seniors avoid paying high premiums for their Medigap plans. A high deductible plan such as Medigap plan F might be suitable for such individuals with fixed incomes. Medigap plan F has a high deductible version which keeps premium payments low, but you have to pay a high deductible before insurance starts covering the healthcare costs.
Always keep the price as a top criterion when choosing Medigap plans: Medigap plans offered by different health insurance companies come with similar benefits, so the only difference you should base your decision on is the price of the plans.
Keeping the points mentioned above in mind when choosing Medigap, seniors can buy the best Medigap plans to meet their healthcare needs. There are also many websites and companies like The Benefit Link that offer assistance free of cost.