One very popular method for Medicare beneficiaries to plan for healthcare costs is to use “Original Medicare” Parts A & B as primary coverage for physicians and hospitalization. Original Medicare however can have significant out of pocket expenses. This is where Medicare Supplements (MediGap) plans come in to play. They can help cover the deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance of Medicare Parts A & B.
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Medicare Supplement Plans
If you are getting close to your 65th birthday, you are likely preparing to enroll in Medicare. Enrolling in Medicare and figuring out how to decrease your out-of-pocket health care expenses can be daunting. A Medicare supplement plan can save you money and provide peace of mind.
Original Medicare, which consists of Medicare Part A and Part B, typically does not cover all of an individual’s health care costs. In order to fill the gap, many individuals purchase a Medicare supplement plan. Medicare supplement plans, also known as Medigap policies, are policies that can be purchased to cover expenses that Medicare does not pay.
The most common supplemental plans provide coverage for your out-of-pocket expenses not paid by Medicare, such as copays, deductibles, coinsurance, as well as some services that may not be covered by Medicare, such as international travel emergencies. Plans vary, so look for a plan that provides the coverage you need.
Where to Purchase
Medicare supplement plans are sold by private insurance companies, and you will usually pay a monthly premium. Insurance companies selling Medicare supplement plans do not need to adhere to the requirements for standard Medicare policies. This means that the cost of Medicare supplement plans can vary due to a number of factors, including the plan’s service area, the age you were when enrolling in Medicare or the age you currently are when enrolling in a Medicare supplement plan. Because premiums and out-of-pocket costs can vary, it is a good idea to shop around to ensure you find the best rate and policy to suit your needs.
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Eligibility
In order to be eligible for Medicare supplement plans, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, and you must not be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. If you are under age 65 and receive Medicare as part of your disability benefits, you may be eligible to purchase a Medicare supplement plan depending on the state in which you live. In addition, only one person can be covered by each Medicare supplement plan. You will need to purchase separate policies if both you and your spouse want this type of coverage.
When to Enroll
The ideal time to purchase a Medicare supplement plan is during your Medigap open enrollment period. This is a six-month period beginning on the first day of the month that you turn age 65 or older and enroll in Medicare Part B. During this period, you will not be denied coverage for any pre-existing health conditions. In other words, you can purchase a Medicare supplement plan of your choice for the same premium that a healthy person without pre-existing conditions would pay. If you do not enroll in a Medicare supplement plan during your Medigap open enrollment period, you will not be guaranteed coverage, and you may be denied coverage or charged a higher premium due to your medical history or pre-existing health conditions.
This Know Your Benefits article is provided by Senior Health Solutions, LLC and is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of an insurance professional. © 2015, 2020 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.