Hey North Central Washington, it’s Suzie with Wenatchee Insurance. Today, we are talkin’ about Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap. Think of Medigap as the baked potato to your Medicare steak, helping cover the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t.
What is Medigap?
Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies and are designed to fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare. These gaps include out-of-pocket costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Example!
Meet Barney, who’s enjoying his retirement but worried about potential healthcare costs. He decides to get a Medigap plan to cover expenses that Original Medicare doesn’t. Now, Barney can focus on detailing his Corvette instead of medical bills.
Standardized Medigap Plans: One Size Fits Most
Medigap plans are standardized, meaning each plan offers the same basic benefits regardless of the insurance company. There are ten standardized plans (Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N), each offering a different level of coverage.
Standardized plans allow a client to shop based on price in the middle of the year.
Example!
Imagine Joan, who travels frequently. She chooses Medigap Plan G because it covers emergency care when traveling outside the U.S., giving her peace of mind on her adventures.
What’s Covered?
Medigap plans help cover costs like:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
- Part B coinsurance or copayments
- First three pints of blood
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Part A and B deductibles (depending on the plan)
- Foreign travel emergency care
Example Time!
Consider Bob, who needs regular blood transfusions. His Medigap plan covers the cost of the first three pints of blood each year, saving him from unexpected expenses.
How to Enroll?
To enroll in a Medigap plan, you must already have Medicare Part A and Part B. The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which lasts for six months and starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this period, you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state, regardless of your health status.
Protip: We have a lot of members who review their Medigap plan and switch in early summer to reduce inflation.
Example!
Imagine Sally, who just turned 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. She takes advantage of her Medigap Open Enrollment Period to get a policy without worrying about being denied coverage due to her pre-existing conditions. The Guarantee Issue is a game changer for people who have struggled with co-payments for under 65 healthcare.
Suzie @ Wenatchee Insurance
We’re here to help you navigate the world of Medigap with ease. Our knowledgeable agents can explain the different plans, help you compare options, and ensure you choose the coverage that best fits your needs.
Remember, understanding Medigap doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With Suzie helping out, you’ll find the perfect potato for your Medicare steak in no time.
Stay tuned for more tips, tricks, and helpful advice from Suzie!
Topics: Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Suzie, Wenatchee Insurance, SSDI, ESRD, Hospital Insurance, Prescription Drug Coverage, Part D, Medical Insurance, Disability,
