Medicare is a provision of the government to those over the age of 65 so that they may have health insurance coverage. However, this is often not enough on its own, even given the various parts which cover prescriptions, doctor’s visits and emergency room visits. Health care for the elderly also includes a need for Medicare supplement insurance to cover the extra costs associated with long-term care and increased medical expenses.

Medicare Advantage, Part C, is offered by many private insurance companies to help cover the extra costs not afforded by Parts A and B. To be eligible, a person must have both of these, affording the premiums for Part B on their own without government assistance. They may not have end stage renal disease either.

Referred to as Medigap, this supplemental insurance is meant to cover the gaps that exist in regular coverage. Often a person must wait during an enrollment period prior to reimbursement for expenses. The expense of coinsurance and deductibles may also be at least partially paid for under this policy.

Long-term care insurance is another provision not completely covered by this government health care system. When people reach a certain age, they may need assistance with daily living activities, skilled nursing or rehabilitative care, or to move to a nursing home so that someone is always around. This can be quite costly and greatly reduce the assets that they have accumulated throughout their lifetime.

Rather than burden loved ones with the expensive costs associated with long-term care, these products are available for purchase from private insurers. The types of coverage and price of premiums are abundant. Price is usually determined by the level of care and type of policy chosen.

Medigap and long-term care policies exist as a Medicare supplement to cover expenses not provided for by the government health plan. Growing older is costly, and retirement assets are not always enough to cover medical needs. These can be helpful.