Haddy Health Insurance
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, is private health insurance designed to work with Original Medicare. A Medigap policy can help pay certain out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not pay, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, depending on the policy.
Medicare Supplement plans are standardized under federal law in most states, although premiums and plan availability can vary by insurance company and location.
How Does Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Work?
Medicare Supplement insurance works alongside Original Medicare. After Medicare pays its share of Medicare-approved healthcare costs,
your Medigap policy may help pay certain remaining out-of-pocket costs, depending on the policy you have.
With Medigap, you can generally use any doctor or hospital in the United States that participates in Medicare and accepts new Medicare patients. Medigap policies do not use provider networks in the same way many Medicare Advantage plans do.
What Does Medicare Supplement Insurance Help Cover?
Depending on the Medigap plan, Medicare Supplement insurance may help pay certain out-of-pocket costs left after Original Medicare pays its share. These may include Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments,
blood costs for the first three pints, and certain hospice care coinsurance or copayments.
Some Medigap plans may also cover additional costs, such as the Part A deductible, skilled nursing facility care coinsurance,
or certain foreign travel emergency expenses. Coverage varies by Medigap plan.
Why Consider a Medicare Supplement Plan?
Medicare Supplement insurance can help make healthcare costs more predictable by helping cover certain
out-of-pocket expenses that Original Medicare does not pay.
Depending on the Medigap plan you choose, benefits may include help with certain deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
Medigap policies are standardized in most states, but premiums can vary by insurance company, location, and other factors.
Who Is Eligible for Medicare Supplement Insurance?
To purchase a Medicare Supplement policy, you generally must have Medicare Part A and Part B. Eligibility, plan availability,
and premiums can vary depending on your state, insurance company, and individual circumstances.
Medicare Supplement policies cover one person only. If you and your spouse both want Medicare Supplement coverage,
each person must purchase a separate policy.
When Is the Best Time to Enroll in Medigap?
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a 6-month period that generally begins the first month
you have Medicare Part B and are age 65 or older.
During this period, you generally have greater federal protections when purchasing a Medigap policy. After your Medigap Open Enrollment Period ends, your ability to purchase a policy and the premium you may pay can depend on applicable federal and state protections
and the insurance company's underwriting rules.
Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage
Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage are two different ways to help manage healthcare costs, but they work differently.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare and may help pay certain out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not cover. Medigap policies generally do not include prescription drug coverage, so you may need a separate Medicare Part D plan for prescription drugs.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through a private insurance company approved by Medicare. Plans may include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits, and provider networks, costs, and benefits vary by pla
The right option depends on your healthcare needs, preferred providers, prescription drugs, budget, and the plans available where you live.
Need Help Choosing the Right Medicare Supplement Plan?
Medicare Supplement plans and premiums can vary by insurance company and location. A licensed insurance agent can help you review available Medigap options, understand the differences between standardized plans, and consider which coverage may fit your healthcare needs and budget.
Talk With a Licensed Medicare Insurance Agent
Have questions about Medicare Supplement coverage? We can help you review available options and better understand how Medigap works with Original Medicare.
Important Medicare Disclaimer
Haddy Health Insurance is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.
Plan availability, benefits, premiums, copayments, and coverage may vary by plan, insurance company, and service area.
For information about all Medicare options available in your area, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
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