Medigap coverage, also referred to as a Medicare Supplement plan, helps cover costs like co-payments and deductibles that are not otherwise covered by Original Medicare. To qualify for a Medigap plan, an individual must already be enrolled in Medicare Plan A and Plan B. Those enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans are not eligible for Medigap plans.
Those enrolled in Medigap plans pay monthly premiums to the private insurance company. These policies cover only one individual per plan, so married couples would need to enroll separately if they both want coverage. Medigap coverage does not include vision, dental, hearing, or long-term care.
When to Buy Medigap Coverage
The enrollment period for Medigap plans is different than that for Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, which can each be enrolled in during an initial enrollment period that extends three months before and after an applicant’s 65th birthday. The initial enrollment period for Medigap plans also lasts six months, but it begins either the first day of the applicant’s 65th birth month or when they begin receiving Part B benefits depending on when the beneficiary enrolls.
Applicants can apply outside of this open enrollment period, but there is no guarantee that they will receive coverage; whether or not they are granted coverage depends largely on their overall health and how strict the company’s underwriting process is.
How to Buy Medigap Coverage
According to Medicare.gov, there are four easy steps to follow to make buying a Medigap policy.
Step One – Determine which benefits you need and decide which Medigap coverage plan, labeled A-N, best meets your wants and needs.
Typically, beneficiaries can’t switch Medigap policies easily, so they need to find the right one early on. Applicants should consider their current and future medical needs to determine which Medigap supplement will be best for them. Licensed insurance agents can also help determine which benefits best fit someone’s needs. Find an agent today by calling (888) 446-9157.
Step Two – Research the companies that sell Medigap insurance policies in your state.
Medigap policies can be found through Medicare.gov. Many State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) have Medigap rate comparison shopping guides that may also provide insight on which policy would save an applicant the most money. If an applicant has any questions, they are always encouraged to call the provider directly for the most up-to-date information.
Step Three – Compare the benefits and costs of Medigap insurance companies. Remember: all Medigap plans of a specific type will be the same. The only difference will be cost.
Once an applicant has decided which plan is right for them, it’s time to compare costs. The only difference between specific Medigap plans is cost, so shopping around is simple. For example, Company A may offer a Medigap plan B for $147 per month, while Company B offers the same plan for $210 per month. The plans are exactly the same, so the consumer should choose Company A.
Step Four – Purchase Medigap coverage!
Congratulations! You now have Medigap coverage! Don’t forget to pay your Medigap premiums on time to keep your policy!
Got Medicare Questions?
We hope this information on Medigap coverage is helpful to you.
If you have questions about your Medicare coverage, call Empower Brokerage today. Let us help with your Medicare questions so you can get back to the activities you enjoy the most. (888) 446-9157 or click here to get an INSTANT QUOTE
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