What are Medicare Supplements (Medigap plans)?
Original Medicare is good coverage, but it was never designed to cover everything. There are a number of gaps in Medicare coverage that you either pay for out-of-pocket or with private insurance. Often, people with Original Medicare Parts A and B want additional coverage for things that aren't covered by Medicare, such as deductibles and coinsurance. A Medigap Policy sold by a private insurance company can help fill in those gaps.
Some Medigap policies also offer coverage for services that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like medical care when you travel outside the U.S. If you have Original Medicare and you buy a Medigap policy, Medicare will pay its share of the Medicare-approved amount for covered health care costs. Then your Medigap policy pays its share. A Medigap policy is different from a Medicare Advantage Plan. Those plans are ways to get Medicare benefits, while a Medigap policy only supplements your Original Medicare benefits.
Medigap policies may offer household discounts
Household discounts may be available on Medicare supplemental insurance for couples or any 2 people who live together and are over 60 years old. Other discounts may be offered for women, non-smokers, or people who are married; discounts for paying yearly; discounts for paying your premiums using electronic funds transfer; or discounts for multiple policies.
Portable coverage
You are not restricted to use a network of healthcare providers. If you move, your coverage goes with you.
Benefits stay the same
You always know what your benefits are with the standardized plan you choose...no surprises or re-evaluations year-after-year. Every Medigap policy must follow Federal and State laws designed to protect you, and it must be clearly identified as "Medicare Supplement Insurance." Insurance companies can sell you only a "standardized" policy identified in most states by letters A-N. All policies offer the same basic benefits but some offer additional benefits, so you can choose which one meets your needs. In Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, Medigap policies are standardized in a different way.
Freedom to choose your doctors
You can use any doctor who accepts Medicare. This includes specialists and specialty hospitals. There are no provider networks or referrals required. So, you can go to the doctors you know and trust. With automatic claims filing by most providers, you have less things to worry about.
Guarantee renewable policy for life
Your policy is guaranteed to be renewed if premiums are paid on time. You cannot be singled out for a rate increase based on your health, no matter if your health changes. Premiums may change if the premiums for all policies like yours in the state where your policy was issued change or if coverage under Medicare changes.
Choosing a Medigap Plan that's right for you
When it comes to choosing a Medigap plan, there's a lot to think about. We're here to make it easy. We're committed to helping you through the entire process. Our independent agent will help you identify your needs, review your options and answer your questions. We aim to provide fast, friendly and efficient customer service at all times.
Different insurance companies may charge different premiums for the same exact policy
Medicare Options Info, Inc. will help you save money by shopping rates and finding a policy that meets your needs. We will make sure you're comparing the same policy (for example, compare Plan G from one company with Plan G from another company). We offer no cost annual reviews, to determine whether you're paying too much.
Each insurance company decides how it will set the price, or premium, for its Medigap policies
It’s important to ask how an insurance company prices its policies. The way they set the price affects how much you pay now and in the future.
Have questions about Medicare?
Have questions about Medicare? Ask me about your Medicare options by calling 888-357-1999 or by sending a message request below to Medicare Options Info, Inc. A licensed independent insurance agent appointed with multiple carriers will help you make an informed decision. Agent is not connected in any way with the federal or state government or Medicare.
2021 Guide to choosing a Medigap Policy
Medicare beneficiaries can have choices for getting health care services. Learn how other health insurance plans supplement Medicare by downloading your free copy below. All Medigap policies must follow federal and state laws designed to protect you, and policies must be clearly identified as “Medicare Supplement Insurance.” Medigap insurance companies in most states can only sell you a “standardized” Medigap policy identified by letters A through N. Each standardized Medigap policy must offer the same basic benefits, no matter which insurance company sells it. Cost is usually the only difference between Medigap policies with the same letter sold by different insurance companies.