Facts About Medicare Supplement Plans You’d Regret to Miss Out

Thomas Houston 2023-05-28 0 Comments
old couple

Approaching the age of 65 means you’re prone to more health problems. But the good news is you’re about to be eligible for Medicare. And if you’re eligible, maybe you’re now trying to sign up for Medicare. If so, it’s a good idea also to consider getting a Medicare supplement plan, AKA Medigap. These plans are developed to pay for the out-of-pocket expenses that original Medicare won’t cover.

However, there’s more to these plans than just filling gaps in coverage. In this blog post, we’ll share some facts about Medicare supplement plans that you might regret missing out on if you don’t know about them. Let’s get started.

These Plans Pay for the Out-of-Pocket Expense Medicare Won’t Pay

Though Medicare Part A and B cover almost every expense you need, some medicines and treatments still need out-of-pocket expenses, and it’s the Medicare supplement plan that will pay for those expenses. These expenses can include deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

Okay, let’s say you need to have surgery that costs $20,000. Original Medicare would cover 80%, leaving you with a $4,000 bill to pay out-of-pocket. However, if you had a Medigap plan in place, it could pick up some or all of that remaining balance, depending on the specific plan you choose.

insurance

Medigap Plans Work Hand-in-Hand With Medicare Part A and B

Medigap plans, also known as Medicare Supplement plans, work hand-to-hand with Original Medicare (Part A and B). This means that Medigap policies are designed to fill the gaps in coverage left by Part A and B. Note that Medigap plans only supplement Original Medicare benefits – they don’t provide additional coverage for services like prescription drugs or vision care. If you need these types of services covered under your plan, you’ll need to enroll in a separate policy.

These Are Standardized

Each plan offers the same coverage regardless of which insurance provider you purchase it from. There are ten different Medigap plans available in most states, labeled A through N. Each plan has its own set of advantages and costs associated with it. However, every insurance company offering a particular lettered plan must provide the exact same benefits. This standardization makes it easier for beneficiaries to compare plans and prices between different companies. It also ensures that consumers can rely on consistent coverage regardless of location or chosen insurer.

It’s worth noting that not all states require insurance companies to offer every Medigap plan option. Additionally, some states have specific rules regarding premium pricing and enrollment periods. Medicare Supplement Plans or Medigap plans are indeed a fantastic way to fill the gaps in your healthcare coverage. They work hand-to-hand with Medicare Part A and B, paying for the out-of-pocket expenses that original Medicare won’t cover. And unlike other insurance policies, these plans are standardized across all states and don’t require claim forms.…

Read MoreRead More

Essential Things to Know Before Signing Up for Medicare

Thomas Houston 2023-05-10 0 Comments
medicare

Are you approaching the age of 65 and wondering about Medicare? Now it’s a perfect time to sign up for Medicare. But before doing so, there are several things that you need to learn. Medicare enrollment can be a complex topic to navigate, but it doesn’t have to be.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the four things you can’t afford to miss out on before signing up for Medicare. From understanding the different parts of Medicare to deciding between original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan, we’ve got you covered. Read on.

The Main Four Parts of Medicare

plan

Medicare has four main parts: A, B, C, and D. Part A deals coverage for inpatient hospital care, hospice care, and some home health care. If you have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, Part A will be free for you. However, if you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A coverage based on your career history, you may have to pay a monthly premium.

Part B deals with outpatient medical services coverage, such as doctor’s visits and preventive care. Meanwhile, Part C, also known as the Medicare Advantage Plan, provides all-in-one coverage by combining Parts A and B with additional benefits like vision or dental coverage. Part D offers prescription drug coverage that can help reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses. Each Part of Medicare has different premiums and deductibles that are important to consider when choosing the right plan for you.

Original Medicare Vs. Medicare Advantage Plan

When enrolling in Medicare, you have two main options: Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan. It’d be such a benefit for you to understand the differences between these two plans so you know which one is the best plan that suits your needs.

Original Medicare consists of Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). With this plan, you can visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. You will be responsible for paying deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments out of pocket.

On the other hand, a Medicare Advantage Plan offers all the same benefits as Original Medicare. Still, it may also include additional coverage such as prescription drug coverage, dental care, vision care, and hearing aids, among others. These plans may require you to choose doctors within their network or pay higher costs if choosing outside their network.

Automatic Enrollment as a Social Security Member

applicationWhen you turn 65, you will get automatic enrollment in Medicare Part A and B if you already receive Social Security benefits. However, if you are not yet receiving benefits, signing up for both programs during the Initial Enrollment Period is important.

Automatic enrollment only applies to Original Medicare (Part A and B), so if you want additional coverage like prescription drug plans or supplemental policies, such as a Medigap policy, those must be purchased separately. It’s also worth noting that automatic enrollment does not apply to Medicare Advantage Plans.

What to Do If You’re Still Working at 65

If you’re still working at 65, it’s important to consider how your employment status will affect your Medicare coverage. Firstly, if you have employer-sponsored health coverage through your job and are happy with it, you can delay enrolling in Medicare without penalty until you retire or lose that coverage.

However, if your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare becomes your primary insurance once you turn 65. In this case, enrolling in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) may benefit you even if you continue working.

In fact, if you decide to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan while still employed, ensure the plan is compatible with your employer’s coverage. Some plans require participants to drop their employer’s health insurance and switch over completely.…

Read MoreRead More