Category: Medicare Supplemental Insurance- Michigan

Basic Guide on Medicare Supplemental Insurance in Michigan

If you’re under 65 and disabled, you automatically get Medicare Part A and Part B. (known as Original Medicare) and after you received disability benefits from social security or certain disability benefits from the railroad retirement board for 24 months.

You should get a Medicare card in the mail during the 25th month you are receiving disability benefits. Even if you return to work, you can continue to get Part A benefits premium-free for up to 8.5 years.

If you have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), you automatically get part A and B in the month that your disability benefits begin.

What does Medicare Supplemental Insurance in Michigan cover?

As with seniors, Medicare requires those under 65 to meet deductibles before their Michigan Medicare Supplemental coverage actually begins. Even after part A and part B deductible has been met, co-insurance may require both Medicare and the patients to pay a portion of a medical bill. Likewise, co-payments or out of pocket cost are still due on some services that are partially covered by Medicare.

Medicare Deductible

Medicare Part A coverage has a deductible of $1,132. Your coverage doesn’t start until you have met this deductible for a period of time known as a benefit period. That begins on the day you enter the hospital or a skilled nursing facility and continues until you have not received hospital or nursing care for 60 consecutive days.

If you need hospital or nursing care after on benefit period has ended, you’ll have to meet the deductible again. There is no limit on the number of times you may be required to meet this deductible again.

Medicare Part B Coverage

Medicare Part B coverage helps with doctor care, home health care, lab test, outpatient care and other services from non-hospital providers. It has an annual $162 deductible, after which pays 80 percent of a pre-approved rate for services from health care providers other than hospitals. You are responsible for the remaining 20 percent. If your doctor charges more than Medicare’s rate, you’re responsible for the excess.

Michigan Supplemental Insurance plans can be a tough topic to research. With this blog and our knowledgeable agents, we can help assist you. We have been helping seniors with supplemental plans for over 12 years. Call our agents today to get a recommended plan that fits your budget and lifestyle. At eMedicare Supplemental Insurance we are dedicated to saving you time and money. Call us today at 877-202-9248.

Supplying Medicare Supplemental Insurance to Michigan Enrollees

 Michigan Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans cover coinsurance, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses that Medicare doesn’t pay for.  Benefits for skilled nursing care, emergency foreign travel, and blood work are a few of the plan features.  Supplements are standardized.  They offer a comprehensive overview of all supplemental plans and benefits offered in the state of Michigan.

Michigan Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

In order to have a supplement plan you must have Medicare Parts A and B, Original Medicare, and be 65 years old.  These plans do not include prescription drug coverage.  In order to have prescription drug coverage you will need to enroll in Medicare Part D which provides prescription drug coverage since supplemental insurance plans do not.  Also, it is important to note that supplemental plans are not available when participants are enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans.  You will want to be sure that you compare all of the different Medicare Plans to ensure you’ve taken advantage of all that is available to you.

It is common for a Medicare beneficiary to have 3 different plans in order to maximize their coverage:

  • Original Medicare Part A and Part B
  • Prescription Drug Coverage, Plan D
  • Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

The total number of Medicare beneficiaries in 2015 was just under 2 million in the state of Michigan that is 19% of the state’s total population.  In 2016, an average of 19% was disabled and the other 81% had reached the age of 65.  The total amount of Medicare beneficiaries that were disabled with ESRD was just under 7,700 and the total amount of beneficiaries that were not disabled, but reached age 65, was just under 7,900.

 Can you get denied coverage?

You can be denied coverage for Michigan Medigap plans if you are fewer than 65 and don’t have a qualifying illness or disability.  You can also be denied coverage if you have a pre-existing condition and are enrolling outside your Open Enrollment period.  This period lasts for the six months and starts the first day of the month you are enrolled in Medicare Part B and are 65 or over.  You cannot be denied coverage for any reason if you are enrolling during this six month time frame, if you don’t enroll during this period you can be denied coverage, your benefits may be delayed, or you could be charged a higher rate because you must meet the underwriting requirements.

Plans Available for Medicare Recipients Under 65 Years Old

Not all states offer supplemental insurance to those under 65.  There are some available Michigan Medicare Supplement health insurance options if you are under 65.  They offer Medicare Part A and Medicare Plan C but keep in mind that the rates will not be the same compared to the rates for recipients over 65.

Can the insurance company cancel my policy if my health changes?

The insurance company cannot cancel your policy if your health changes as long as you continue to pay your premium and enrolled during your Open Enrollment Period.

What carriers offer plans in Michigan?

There are dozens of carriers that offer supplemental plans in Michigan.  Since all plans are standardized each carrier must offer the same benefits for each letter plan.  This means that regardless of the carrier, the letter plan you choose will have the same benefits.  The only difference is the cost of each letter plan; each carrier can charge their own amount.  That is why it is important to consult with a senior Medicare agent to compare rates with all the top carriers.

Michigan Medicare Supplement Subsidy

Beginning in January of 2017, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund administered the Michigan Medicare Supplement Subsidy program.  The program will directly pay your insurance provider and is based off your total household annual income.

Learn more about Michigan Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates, plans, and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com/michigan-medicare-supplement-plans.  Our Michigan Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans in Michigan.  To talk to an expert in Michigan Medicare coverage toll free 877-202-9248 today!

 

 

 

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE PLANS IN MICHIGAN

Medicare services are a privilege that you have earned a right to enjoy. However, Medicare supplement insurance plans in Michigan do not cover all healthcare services and supplies. You would have to pay some coinsurance and deductibles before a Medicare pays its share, but certain costs such as emergency travel are covered in Medicare supplement insurance plans in Michigan. These plans are easily assessable depending on your zip code, so having an idea of the services Medigap covers in Michigan would help you select a plan that best fits your health and budget needs.

The 10 Plans Of Medicare

Michigan Medicare supplemental insurance plans are designed to cover the costs of Medicare beneficiaries for Part A and B (Original Medicare) which are associated with costs including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. However, these plans do not cover Part C (Medicare Advantage) costs. There are 10 approved and standard Medicare Supplemental insurance plans available in the 47 states of the United States, including Michigan, and each Medicare plan is identified using one of 10 letters (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N)with supplement plans of the same letter offering the same Medicare services.

Be Aware Of The Open Enrollment Period

In order for you to be eligible for any Medicare Services in Michigan, you would have to be enrolled in Original Medicare which includes Part A and Part B. The best time to enroll for Original Medicare is your Medigap Open Enrollment Period and this period starts on the first day of the month that they are both 65 years old and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. The enrollment period usually lasts for six months during which you would have a guaranteed-issue right which would allow you enroll in any Medigap plan available in your area. While you cannot be denied medical coverage altogether due to your health status or be required to undergo a medical underwriting process, you may be denied medical coverage if you try to enroll or switch medical plans outside the Medigap Open Enrollment Period except you have guaranteed-issue rights.

Original Medicare Still Matters

Understanding that Medicare insurance plans are meant to supplement Original Medicare and not to replace it would help you seize the opportunity the plan offers. It is important that you remain enrolled in your hospital’s Original Medicare and medical coverage and continue paying your Medicare Part B to sustain this medical coverage. Also take note that Medicare plans in Michigan do not offer coverage for prescription drugs, so if you need such coverage, it would be best to consider enrolling in a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.

We can help you with any Medicare or Medigap related questions you might have. We can even recommend a plan right for your needs. Give us a call at 877-202-9248 or visit our website at www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com.

The Effects Of Michigan Medicare Supplemental Plans

To support health care cost which are not covered by the original Medicare plan, Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans in Michigan has been created. Michigan coverage costs can change from company to company and with different plans since different organizations charge different premiums. Michigan supplemental insurance also helps with co-payments and deductibles. Seniors who have coverage through Medicare advantage plan do not qualify for a Medicare Supplemental Plan. All supplemental policies should be clearly identified and labeled with letters fro recognition. These policies are required to have similar if not identical benefits. Over on our Michigan Medicare supplemental insurance plans page we have a chart that lists the benefits of each plan.

What About What Medicare Doesn’t Cover?

Policies do not cover such things like long-term care, eyeglasses, dental care etc. The insurance providers have the right to determine which types of policies they sell but state laws affect the policies which are offered. Occasionally, insurance providers will sell you a policy regardless of any pre health conditions you have, especially if you are applying during open enrollment. To learn more about what Medicare covers read more at the official site.

Looking for Professional Help

Be sure that the provider you deal with is a licensed broker. We are a Michigan fully licensed insurance agency and strive for quality customer service. We offer a toll-free number that you can call us at and anxiously await to answer any questions! All of our agents are based in the United States for your convenience.

Price vs Coverage

What it all boils down to is Michigan Medicare supplemental insurance affects you by price Vs coverage. Is it better to pay for coverage you might use in the future or is it better to save a little cash and pay for the bare minimum?  Each individual is different and the choice is ultimately yours to make, we are here to help if you have any concerns.

How to Decide the Right Michigan Supplemental Plan?

No two people are the same, and neither is your medical coverage. Begin by doing research on the 10 standardized supplemental insurance plans and get the best option for you. After all you know yourself the best! In our opinion, getting a little better plan than you think you will need is best choice. This lets you have a little “wiggle” room.

Figuring out that you need this coverage is the first step in the right direction. You will determine that your Medicare insurance doesn’t meet all your medical related expenses sooner or later. At that point, you will be better able to determine things you do need. Keep a list of all the medical related features you would want your policy to have and discuss these with us. Please call us at 877-202-9248, or visit our website at www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com. We are more than happy to help you with your Medicare needs.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance in Michigan

Medicare in Michigan

According to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data, the total number of Medicare beneficiaries that enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B equals 1,263,405 in 2015. Many beneficiaries in Michigan enrolled for Original Medicare, Part A and Part B. Original Medicare is the government-supported health insurance program for the citizens of United States and permanent legal inhabitants from age 65 years or older and  those who are eligible by disability. To be eligible for Medicare, Permanent legal inhabitants must have been and lived in the U.S. for at least five years.

Who’s qualified for Medicare?

  • Beneficiaries are already getting and receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when turn the age of 65 years.
  • When Beneficiaries reach the 25th month in a row of receiving disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
  • Beneficiaries have Lou Gehrig’s disease.
  • Beneficiaries start getting Medicare benefits the same month that they start receiving disability benefits.
  • Beneficiaries can sign up for Medicare during his / her Initial Enrollment Period If they are not eligible for an automatic enrollment, which usually starts immediately three months before he/she turns 65 years of age and lasts for a seven months.
  • If Beneficiaries are disabled and are under 65 years of age, IEP is also normally seven months, starting from when he/she have been receiving disability benefits for 22 months.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance in Michigan

It essential to understand that Original Medicare might not be an only option for Medicare benefits in Michigan. It can also be received through a Medicare Supplemental Insurance plan. Original Medicare does not cover recommendation and prescriptions medications in most situations. Medicare Part A might cover prescription drugs in the process of treatment as a hospital inpatient. Medicare Part B covers a particular prescription drugs, which includes some drugs recommended to you as an outpatient. If there is a case of benefits for the drugs prescriptions to be taken at home, beneficiaries can sign up for an independent Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, which is available from private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare.

Medicare Supplement insurance plan (Medigap) can be bought if benefits for Medicare’s out-of-pocket expenditures, such as co-payments and deductibles. There are 10 standard Medigap plans in Michigan, and they are obtainable from private insurance companies.

Original Medicare benefit is offered through Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C), which is offered by private Medicare-approved health insurance companies, Medicare Advantage plans in Michigan provides the same benefit from Original Medicare, except for the hospice care, which Medicare statically covers. Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans may include extra benefits, like dental and vision care, and prescription and prescription drug benefits. With any type of Medicare Supplemental Insurance plan, payment of Medicare Part B premium, Alongside plan premium if there is one must be made continuously.

Medicare resources in Michigan

Office of Services to the Aging (OSA):

This office is setup to serve the prerequisites and needs of the senior population. For the past 40 years, the Office of Services to the Aging have been providing resources and sponsorship for Michigan’s aging population. The office provides information to seniors about various programs and services available to them, which includes their Medicare options. They also provide legal services to seniors, which includes counseling, education, and representation.

Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP):

This program provides free counseling service and education for Michigan Medicare beneficiaries. The office is sponsored by a donation from the Office of Services to the Aging and is not affiliated with any part of the insurance industry. Information and details about Michigan Medicare and other benefits options are also offered through this office, and also resources for reporting Medicare fraud, waste and abuse.

Learn more about Michigan Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com/michigan-medicare-supplement-plans.  Our Michigan Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans in Michigan.  To talk to an expert in Michigan Medicare coverage toll free 877-202-9248 today!

How Do I Buy Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans In Michigan

The cost of Medicare Supplement plans in Michigan may vary depending on a number of factors like the provider and the area in which you reside. However, Medicare benefits are consistent between planned letter types, regardless of where you live. It is left for you to discover what Medicare policies are available for you, and decide on which plan type is the most appropriate for your budget and health needs.

Medicare plans in Michigan are designed to help Medigap beneficiaries pay for the cost associated with traditional health care, Part A and Part B, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Medicare Part C is also known as the Medicare Advantage and these plans can’t cater for it. There are 10 standardized Medicare Supplement plans available Michigan, and each plan is distinguished by one of 10 letters (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N), with plans of the same letter offering the same benefits.

Buying Medicare Supplemental Insurance in Michigan

Before buying Medicare insurance in Michigan, it is best if you understand the different types of plans available and what they offer.

Part A

Part A coverage doesn’t start until you have met a deductible of $1, 132 during a period of time known as a “benefit period”. That period starts on the day you enter the hospital or a nursing facility and runs until you have not received hospital care for 60 consecutive days.

Part B

Part B caters for home health care, outpatient care, lab test, doctor care, and other services from non-hospital providers. An annual deductible of $162 is incurred, after which it pays for 80% of a pre-approved rate for services from health care providers while you are responsible for the remaining 20%. You will also be responsible for the excess if your doctor charges more than Medicare’s rate.

PLAN A

  • Part A coinsurance, plus 1 year coverage after Medicare benefits end
  • Hospice coinsurance
  • First 3 pints of blood each year
  • Part B coinsurance

PLAN C

  • Part A coinsurance, plus 1 year coverage after Medicare benefits end
  • Part A inpatient hospital deductible
  • Part B coinsurance
  • Part B deductible
  • First 3 pints of blood each year
  • Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
  • Hospice coinsurance
  • Emergency care in a foreign country: 80% of the cost of emergency care during the first 60 days of each outing, after which you pay a deductible of $250, subject to a $50,000 lifetime validity, if such care would have been covered by Medicare if provided in the U.S.

PLAN F

  • Part A coinsurance, plus 1 year coverage after Medicare benefits end
  • Part A impatient hospital deductible
  • Part B deductible
  • Part B coinsurance
  • Hospice coinsurance
  • Emergency care in a foreign country: 80% of the cost of emergency care during the first 60 days of each outing, after which you pay a deductible of $250, subject to a $50,000 lifetime validity, if such care would have been covered by Medicare if provided in the U.S.
  • Part B excess: 100% of the excess charge above Medicare’s usual charge if medical provider does not accept Medicare assignment, subject to Federal/State mandated limit.

It is recommended that you carefully evaluate these plans when you shop for your own coverage.

Learn more about Michigan Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com/michigan-medicare-supplement-plans.  Our Michigan Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans in Michigan.  To talk to an expert in Michigan Medicare coverage toll free 877-202-9248 today!

Why would I need Medicare in Michigan?

Medicare Supplemental in Michigan

In a very smart move, private health insurance companies introduced various Medicare insurance programs for seniors and physically disabled people. These 10 different programs are beneficial for people as they provide them with the financial help related to health problems. If you are 65 years and/or physically disabled then there is no need to worry as the Medicare Insurance plans are designed in a manner to take care of all your medical needs. You can use these plans to feel comfortable by covering your health related problems.

Michigan-sunset

Benefits of Medicare in Michigan

Mi Medicare Supplemental plans are plans that are designed to fill in the “gaps” in “Original” Medicare. “Original” Medicare includes Medicare Part A (Hospital inpatient) and Part B (Outpatient/doctor). These plans are consistent across companies – all companies are required to provide the same standardized benefits. This makes it very easy to understand the plans and how they work. Here are the top three things that you must know when looking at Medicare Supplemental Insurance.

Nicknamed Medigap are Federally-Standardized

The plans all provide equal coverage for “like” plans. What this means is that a plan F with one company is the exact same as a Plan F with another company. Because of this, it is important to compare the plans on the basis of monthly premium and company rating or reputation. Price being equal, it is preferable to be with a company that has a long track record of involvement in the senior insurance marketplace.

Medigap plans can be used at any doctor or hospital, nationwide, regardless of which company sells you the plan.

Many types of insurance are networked-based; this does not apply to Medicare Supplemental plans. Even some types of Medicare plans – Medicare Advantage plans – are network-based in most cases. On the contrary, Medigap plans give you the flexibility of using the plan anywhere in the country. This flexibility, particularly for someone that travels, is one of the many reasons that these plans have become increasingly popular as a way to supplement Medicare coverage.

Medigap plans all pay claims through Medicare Crossover system

There is no variation in how quickly or how efficiently one company pays claims versus another. While some companies may use the selling point of their timeliness in paying claims, this is not altogether accurate when it comes to this type of insurance. Because the plans are Federally-Standardized and pay claims this “crossover” system, you can be assured that, regardless of the company, the claims are going to be paid in a timely manner and with minimal (usually no) involvement from the insured. Once you have a plan, you just need to present your plan identification card with your red, white, and blue Medicare card when receiving services from a doctor or hospital.

Altogether, Medicare Supplemental plans continue to be a viable option for those on Medicare, who wish to limit their exposure to out of pocket expenses. With only Medicare, you are subjected to paying approximately 20% of all medical costs. With a Medigap plan, you can greatly reduce or, with some plans, completely eliminate you’re out of pocket costs.

Learn more about this topic at www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com/michigan-medicare-supplement-plans or you can call us at 877-202-9248. Our Michigan Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare plans vs pricing. Another free tool you can use is our quote tool.

Understanding Medicare Supplemental Insurance in Michigan

Having insurance is a good way to start preparing for your future needs.  Normal health care coverage usually ends when you retire.  This is why at age sixty five Medicare is offered.  There are some medical bills and health care costs that Medicare will not cover. This is where Medicare Supplemental Insurance comes into play.

Having Medicare Supplemental Insurance on top of your Original Medicare coverage is a great way to plan for your health care needs and future.  There are many bills that Original Medicare Part A and Part B will not cover.  This is difficult for participants who are barely hanging on financially that can barely cover basic coverage let alone Supplemental Insurance.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance is purchased in conjunction to your Medicare Part A and Part B can help.  The supplementary insurance will help to pay for medical bills that Medicare does not cover.  Supplemental insurance covers expenses in excess of Medicare coverage.  It offers different plans ranging from basic health care to complicated scenarios and pre-existing conditions. Supplemental Insurance works only after Medicare Part A and Part B is purchased.

Not only are there ten standard Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans, there are multiple companies that offer the coverage for sale in Michigan.  The premiums will vary from one insurer to another however the coverage will not.

Supplemental Insurance Plans are something many people rely on for times when emergencies occur.  There is no question about the benefits of Medicare for participants needing to pay exorbitant hospital bills or expenses from pre-existing conditions.  Choosing and purchasing the right policy before you enroll will give you an idea of what programs will suit your needs and how much the premiums you will need to pay.

When people take time to research each Medicare Supplemental Policy they don’t end up wasting their time, money or effort.  They tend to find the correct policy that fits both their health care needs and budget. It is vital for Medicare participants to go through each policy to determine which one amongst the ten will work for them when the need arises. It is easy to take your current health for granted but one expected emergency can cost. It is crucial that participant’s research, compare, and plan before coming to a decision of which Medicare Supplemental Insurance policy to choose.

Choosing the right supplementary plan can be difficult.  The right plan must be chosen and include the right benefits at the right premiums.  In this day and age people over 65 would find it incredibly difficult to cope without health care coverage; with the gaps left within Medicare Part A and Part B some participants in Michigan will end up paying a fortune out of pocket for additional expenses if not purchasing a supplemental plan.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance is an indispensable instrument in ensuring health security for your future. Call a Supplemental Insurance Broker in Michigan today.

Learn more about Michigan Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates, plans, and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com/michigan.  Our Michigan Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans in Michigan.  To talk to an expert in Michigan Medicare coverage toll free 888.404.5049 today!

Shopping for Medicare Supplemental Insurance Coverage in Michigan

Medicare is health insurance provided at a federal level to citizens who are 65 years or older. It may also help with the costs for younger people who have disabilities, and individuals who have End-Stage Renal Disease.

Medicare is divided into sections to provide expense coverage for different services, but many find that it fails to meet all of their needs. Michigan Medicare Supplement plans & rates can vary depending on your situation, so the best place to find coverage suitable for you is to start at the official Medicare sites.

These programs will provide some assistance to those Medicare beneficiaries to help cover the costs of Original Medicare Part A and B, as well as copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance. However, they cannot be used to cover the costs associated with Medicare Part C.

Medicare has ten standardized Medicare Supplement plans available in 47 states, of which Michigan is one. Each plan can be identified by one of 10 following letters (A,B,C,D,F,G,K,L,M and N). Plans ending with the same letter provide the same benefits.

Those who have already enrolled in Original Medicare Part A and Part B are eligible for Medigap in Michigan.  The best time to start is on the first day you turn 65 and have been enrolled in Medicare Part B.

There is a six month period for enrollments during which time you cannot be denied coverage because of medical underwriting or health status. A few insurance companies will enforce a six-month waiting period before you can claim for pre-existing conditions.

Please be aware that Medigap in Michigan is not a replacement for Medicare, as it is purely a supplement that provides extra coverage. You will still need to continue payments into your Medicare Part B premium to remain eligible.

It’s also worth noting that Michigan plans also do not offer coverage for prescription drugs. If you need these, you should consider enrolling in the stand-alone Medicare Part D plan.

Learn more about Michigan Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates, plans, and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com/michigan.  Our Michigan Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans in Michigan.  To talk to an expert in Michigan Medicare coverage toll free 888.404.5049 today!

Purchasing Medicare Supplemental Insurance in Michigan

Michigan Supplemental Insurance

manistique-Medicare

Medicare Supplemental Insurance also referred to as Medigap policies is health insurance sold by private insurance companies to fill the “gaps” in original Medicare. When you buy a Medigap policy in Michigan, you pay a premium to the insurance company for your plan. The policy will be automatically renewed each year as long as you pay your premium, unless the policy was purchased before 1991. To purchase a Medigap policy one must have Medicare Part A and Part B.

This supplemental insurance can be a great option for people who want extra benefits, want to minimize their out-of-pocket costs, and can afford to pay a monthly Medigap premium in Michigan. Original Medicare pays for many health care services, but it does not pay for all health care costs. There are certain costs that one must still pay, including coinsurance, co-payments, and deductibles. These costs are “gaps” in Medicare coverage. You may want to buy a Medigap policy to cover these gaps in Medicare coverage and save money on your out-of-pocket costs. Some Medicare supplemental insurance also provides extra benefits that aren’t covered by Medicare, Such as routine annual check-ups and emergency health care while traveling outside the United States.

A person under age 65 and already has Medicare may purchase a Medigap policy at any time. In Michigan, insurance companies who sell major medical policies must offer plans A and C to people under 65 with Medicare. Any company selling only supplemental insurance is not required to sell the A and C plans to people under age 65 who have Medicare due to a disability. However, most companies are allowed to charge more because of past or present health conditions. They may also require a six-month pre-existing condition waiting period before they will cover certain health conditions.

 Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage plans generally cover many of the same benefits as Medigap policies. For this reason, you should not have a Medigap policy and a Medicare Advantage Plan at the same time. Medicare advantage plans may have lower premiums than Medigap policies. However, you may have yo use a network of providers and pay different co-payments, coinsurance, or deductibles than people with original Medicare.

In conclusion, beneficiaries must understand that Medigap in Michigan is meant to supplement original Medicare, not replace it. A person has to remain enrolled in original Medicare for your hospital and medical coverage, and you’ll need to keep paying your Medicare Part B premium. Medigap plans in Michigan do not offer prescription drug coverage, so if you want to receive such coverage, you may want to consider enrolling in a stand-alone Medicare part D prescription drug plan.

Check out our website at www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com or call one of our licensed agents today at 1-877-202-9248