Medicare supplement plans offer extra coverage above and beyond regular Medicare. They will pay for procedures Medicare doesn’t cover. Sometimes referred to as Medigap policies, they’re an alternative to Medicare Advantage for some people. Medigap is only available for individuals. If you’re married, your spouse will need to buy his or her own policy.

Medicare Supplement Plans: What to Look For

Determine what medical treatment you’re likely to need in the near future, and compare Medigap options and Medicare Advantage. You may be better served through Medicare Advantage, but if you decide on a Medicare supplement plan, you’ll need to find insurance companies that offer this option. Contact the Health Assurance Assistance Program in your state for a comparison shopping guide on supplemental plans or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.

A Medigap policy pays for co-insurance, deductibles and other expenses Medicare doesn’t cover. A Medigap policy must be clearly presented as Medicare supplement insurance by the insurance company. Usually, the only difference between Medigap polices sold by different companies is the price.

Medigap policies cover between 50% and 100% of hospital costs, deductibles, nursing facility care coinsurance, excess charges and hospice care coinsurance, among other payments. They don’t cover long-term nursing home care, vision, dental care or private nurse services.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance: A Brief Buyer’s Guide

In order to buy a Medicare supplement plan, you’ll need to be covered by Medicare Part A and Part B. You’ll pay your insurance company a monthly premium and your Medicare Part B premium each month. You can enroll in the Medigap plan of your choosing during the open enrollment period. This period begins when a person turns 65 and has Medicare Part B. You won’t be denied coverage due to a preexisting condition. Some states have other Open Enrollment rights. An insurance company offering Medigap can’t drop you unless you stop paying premiums or have lied on the application.

When contacting a Medigap insurance company, consider the following questions:

Is there a waiting period for pre-existing conditions?
Is the insurance company licensed in your state?
Does the pricing use community, attained age or issue-age rating?
Is there a charge for automatic processing of claims?
Does the company offer discounts or other benefits?
If you are looking for Medicare supplement plans but you find the rules and deadlines confusing, contact The Benefit Link for information. We help seniors find health care coverage, supplemental Medicare coverage and assisted living options. Read testimonials from satisfied seniors here. Call us today at (877) 805-2952 to learn more about our services.