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You may have heard of Medicare, Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement, and Medigap. What does any of that mean?! Today, we will look at Medigap or Medicare Supplemental Insurance. Don’t worry; I know it’s still confusing. We’ll get into it in just a moment. Medicare itself is really confusing, so at Empower, we recommend getting in touch with a Medicare professional. Don’t let your health care take a mental toll; let Empower Brokerage connect you to the care you need.
Medicare Supplement?
Depending on who you speak to, an agent may refer to Medicare Supplement as Medigap and vice versa. Still don’t understand? Let’s take it a step further. The word supplement is defined as follows: Supplement: something that completes or enhances something else when added to it, or: add an extra element or amount to. So, if we take that definition and relate it to Medicare, we can deduce that Medicare Supplement adds to Medicare. Medigap is just a fancy term that means the exact same thing. Medicare does not cover all aspects of your health care when you reach 65. These areas not covered by your Medicare plans could be considered “gaps” in your coverage. This scenario is where the phrase Medigap was born. So, in short, Medicare Supplement, Medigap—it’s all the same.
What Does Medigap Cover?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, I highly suggest taking a look at this article that covers Medicare Supplement; it goes much deeper into the assorted Medicare Supplement plans. See: What Is Medicare Supplemental Insurance? There isn’t really a short answer for what Medigap itself covers because there are a lot of variables that go into Medigap. Let me explain. Medigap plans vary in the amount of coverage they provide for certain services. While Plan F will cover a Part B excess charge, Plan A will not. So, in essence, what does Medigap cover? It depends. I suggest getting in touch with a Medicare professional to go over all your options because what might work for you might not work for someone else. Take a look at the official Medicare.gov site for more information regarding plan coverage.
How To Purchase Medigap?
There are a few restrictions when it comes to signing up for a plan. First, you must have an original Medicare plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must first switch back to Original Medicare to qualify for this type of plan. Typically, Medigap plans can only be purchased when you have a Medicare Part A and Part B plan and when you are in your open enrollment period. Oftentimes, you won’t qualify for Medigap if you are under the age of 65. However, in some instances, you can purchase a Medicare and Medigap plan if you’re under 65. Definitely consult with a Medicare agent to review your options if you’re under 65.
The main thing here is that Medicare Supplement and Medigap are the same. No matter how you see it referred to, it’s important to be knowledgeable about what you are signing up for. Medicare.gov is the site I used to reference my material. I recommend you do your own research to be better educated on your Medicare options.
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