Getting Started

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Supplement is another option that private insurance company is offer.

supplement plans

Supplement Plans

Medicare Supplement Plans

Gaps in healthcare coverage may mean that some people have trouble in gaining coverage in some situations or end up with high out-of-pocket expenses.Medicare Supplement Plans were designed to help close these gaps. That is why Supplement plans are often called “Medigap” plans. What separates Medicare Supplement from Medicare Advantage is Medicare Supplements are built to cover the gaps of Original Medicare. Easier way to think of Medicare Supplement plans is they costs that Original Medicare normally passes on to the patient. This might include deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance. Medicare will pay for its usual share of expenses. Then, your Medicare Supplement plan covers its share. In many cases the Supplement plan pays for the remaining balance of the bill, but this can vary depending upon the plan’s design. However, be aware that Medicare Supplement plans are only medical insurance.  As Medicare Supplements follow Original Medicare, your provider must accept Original Medicare to ensure your Medicare Supplement plan will cover costs. With this, you get nationwide coverage. That is right, you can use your Medicare Supplement plan anywhere in the country if your provider accepts Medicare. The exception to the rule is if your situation is concerned to be an emergency be Medicare. 

Types of Plans

Types Of Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare standardized all Supplement plans in 1990, designating each type of plan with a letter. Medicare Supplement plan are named as follows A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, or N.

No matter which private insurance company provides the policy, plans with the same letter will offer the same benefits. The main difference between Medicare Supplement plans from insurance company to insurance company is premium. Based on the amount of coverage you want your Medicare Supplement plan to have, with other factors, will determine your premium. Beneficiaries should shop and compare plans to find the plan to meet their needs and budget.

Here are some items not covered by any Medicare Supplement Plan :

  • Routine dental, hearing, and vision exams
  • Glasses or contacts
  • Hearing aids
  • Retail prescription drugs
  • Long term care or custodial care
 
With Medicare Supplement plans you must remember that if Original Medicare does not cover services your Medicare Supplement, otherwise stated in your plan, will not cover the service either. 

Application

How To Enroll into A
Medicare Supplement Plan

Medicare Supplements do not use Enrollment Periods. If you want to enroll into a Medicare Supplement plan, you must have a Guaranteed Issue or complete underwriting. Guaranteed Issue is when the private insurance must accept your application due to a life event. If you do not have a Guaranteed Issue, you will complete an underwriting process. Your first opportunity for Guaranteed Issue is Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment. Open Enrollment dates for Supplement plans vary from one individual to another based on when you enrolled into Medicare or even when you decided to disenroll from your employer-group plan. There are several Guaranteed Issue reasons. Make sure to discuss this with your Licensed Medicare Agent.

Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment begins on the day that your Medicare Part B activates. The window for enrollment in a Supplement plan lasts for six months, and then closes. For most people that means you must enroll in a Supplement policy when you turn age 65. However, if you delay Part B coverage because you’re still working, then your Supplement open enrollment window will occur later, when your Part B coverage goes into effect. Talk to a licensed insurance professional as your Open Enrollment window approaches, to understand your rights and responsibilities regarding Medicare Supplement plans.

Medicare FAQ's

Got questions? We've got answers

You are eligible to apply for Medicare during your initial enrollment period which is a 7 month window. 3 months before turning 65, the month you turn 65 and 3 months after turning 65. 

The easiest way to sign up for Medicare is online through SSA.gov or by Calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You can also visit your local Social Security Office.

If you are already receiving Social Security Benefits you will be automatically enrolled into Original Medicare, otherwise you will be eligible to enroll during your initial enrollment period that starts 3 months before your 65th birthday.

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period you can sign up during the General Enrollment period that occurs every year January 1st through March 31st. Coverage becomes effective the month following your enrollment date.

Yes, there are penalties for not signing up for Part B of Medicare and will be added to your premium.

If you need a new Medicare card you can order a replacement card by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or online at the Social Security Administration web site. Make sure you have your Medicare number ready when you call.

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