We understand that navigating Medicare Plans and all their components may sound intimidating. However, it may be less difficult than you think.
Original Medicare is the foundation of Medicare, and it is the first thing that you sign up for when you turn 65. It consists of Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Part A of Medicare covers skilled nursing facilities, hospital care, and hospice fees and is generally premium-free. On the other hand, Part B covers preventative and medical services, in addition to some medical equipment, for a monthly premium.
Due to the 20% coinsurance that comes along with Part B, many people choose to acquire a Medicare Supplement plan in addition to Original Medicare to cover services that aren’t covered by Medicare Parts A and B. But what exactly is the Medicare Supplement Plan, and who needs it? Keep reading to learn more about it in the following sections.
What exactly is the Medicare Supplement Plan?
Medicare Supplement Insurance, also referred to as Medigap, is intended to only be used in conjunction with Original Medicare. In contrast to Medicaid and Medicare, private insurance companies sell Medicare Supplement Insurance, which helps cover some of the copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance costs that original Medicare doesn’t cover. The main justification for considering a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan is the possibility that one’s original Medicare policy may not fully cover medical expenses.
Who qualifies for the Medicare Supplement Plan?
Anyone aged 65 years old and older and already enrolled in the Medicare Part A and Part B is eligible to purchase a Medigap plan. In some instances, Medicare Supplement plans may be available to individuals under the age of 65. If they have qualifying disabilities (that allow them to be eligible for Medicare), they are eligible for Medigap.
Who should buy a Medicare Supplement Plan?
Anyone worried about the Medicare out-of-pocket expenses alone should think about buying a Medicare Supplement plan. This is because Medicare has cost-sharing and coinsurance and deductibles. For instance, with only Original Medicare, there is no cap on the amount of out-of-pocket spending and a 20% coinsurance for all Medicare-approved services.
Do you need Medigap if you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid?
The quick response is no. Most of your medical expenses should be covered if you qualify for both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage. Consequently, a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan wouldn’t essentially be beneficial to you. In fact, an insurance business isn’t allowed to offer a Medicare Supplement insurance policy to an individual who receives both Medicare and full Medicaid health coverage.
Purchasing a Medicare Supplement plan
When purchasing a Medigap plan, consider the following:
- To be eligible for a Medigap plan, you must be enrolled in Original Medicare.
- A Medicare Advantage plan (also known as Medicare part C) and a Medicare Supplement plan are not the same thing. While Medigap plans are designed to fill in the gaps left by your Medicare plan’s exclusions, Medicare Advantage plans provide Medicare benefits, adhere to Medicare regulations, and frequently include drug coverage.
- In addition to the Part B premium you pay to Medicare; you will also pay premiums to a private insurance provider for your Medigap policy.
- Spouses must purchase separate policies because each Medigap plan just covers one person.
- While state-specific plan costs differ, all national plan benefits are the same.
- Prescription drug coverage is NOT a feature of any Medicare Supplement plans. You should enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan (Medicare Part D) if you require drug coverage.
- Any standard plan is guaranteed to be renewed, regardless of changes in your health.
Do you want help with your Medicare or Medicare Supplement Plan application? At Info65.com, we help you to apply for Medicare and Social security for the first time. If you are already enrolled, we would be happy to review your current plan and make any changes you might need. Please don’t hesitate to call us at (888) 308-8311 if you have any questions about the benefits of your Medicare Plan.