Tag: Medicare Supplemental Insurance costs - page 3

Why Isn’t Original Medicare Enough Coverage?

If you have been thinking that you are not going to need to pay for health insurance once you reach the age of sixty-five and qualify for Medicare, you are going to be in for a surprise.  While Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, hospice, lab tests, surgery, home health care, and skilled nursing facilities, and Part B covers doctor’s visits, outpatient care, home health care, medical equipment, and certain preventative services, not all of it is covered in full.  Plus, Medicare does not cover custodial care, dental care, eye exams, cosmetic surgery, routine foot care, acupuncture, or hearing aids.

A healthy adult may be able to survive on only Medicare, but since no one knows when their health is going to get worse, and everyone is only guaranteed approval for Medicare supplemental insurance plans during the first six months after turning sixty-five, you may not want to take that risk.

In addition to all the services that Medicare does not cover, you will also be responsible for a deductible each year, plus coinsurance and copayments.  This might not seem to be a lot of money at first, but one inpatient hospital stay can put you a few thousand dollars in debt.  By purchasing one of the Medicare supplement plans, you won’t be responsible for that full amount, as your Medicare supplemental insurance will cover most of the balance.

You may also be surprised that there is no out of pocket maximum amount of money that you pay each year with Medicare, which means you can pay anywhere from five thousand to twenty thousand dollars or more on medical expenses each year.  If you purchase one of the Medicare supplemental insurance plans, you will be guaranteed to not pay over a specific amount each year, no matter how many medical expenses you have.

All Medicare supplement plans will allow you to keep all your medical costs lower, which will ensure that none of your assets are ever at risk from major health problems and massive medical bills.

You will want to carefully consider the Medicare supplement plans that are available to you, because some cover more than others.  You should also purchase this plan within your six-month open enrollment period, so you are not denied coverage or asked to pay a higher premium.

While it would be nice if Medicare Part A and Part B, Original Medicare, covered all your medical expenses, it’s not realistic.  Thankfully, Medicare supplemental insurance plans are available, so you can still keep your costs manageable when you do need to seek medical care.

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

 

How Do I Choose Between Medicare Supplement Plan F or Plan G?

Generally, you can get your Medicare coverage through Original Medicare (Part A and B) or Medicare Advantage Part C. While Original Medicare (Part A and B) pays for many of your healthcare services and supplies, it doesn’t pay for everything. Which is primarily why most people who want additional coverage will get Medicare Supplemental Insurance to help cover some of the hospital and medical costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as annual deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

Some Medicare Supplement plans also help pay for a few services such as emergency overseas travel coverage or Part B excess charges.  Standardized Medigap plans are available in most states and represented by the letters A-D, F, G, K, L-N and Plan F. Medicare Advantage Part C covers a substantial amount of services that Original Medicare and Medigap offer.  The difference is that with Medicare Advantage you are instructed on what providers you can see as they accept the Medicare Advantage.

Medicare supplemental insurance plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage of all Medigap plans. The benefits under Plan F are comparable but not mirror images to Medicare Advantage because Plan F pays the Part A and Part B, deductibles, including nearly all hospital expenses for the first 90 days of each benefit period. Basically, there is no limit with Plan F especially if you stay too long in a hospital or a skilled nursing facility and it also covers 80% of your foreign travel emergency in case you get sick or injured while overseas. Plan F premium is also the most expensive coverage because, with it, you will not incur any out-of-pocket costs for medical expenses.

Medicare Supplement Plan G offers the second most coverage out of all Medicare supplement plans. It covers part A and B of hospital cost, coinsurance, copayment, first three pints of blood and Part A of A hospice care coinsurance or copayment. Plan G is also a less expensive alternative to Plan F and covers skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, Medicare Part A deductible, Medicare Part B excess charges and foreign travel emergency up to plan limits. With only a difference in premiums, Medicare supplemental insurance plan G looks like an ideal option because you may not be covered for Part B deductible, but lower premiums do outweigh the cost of Part B deductible.

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

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans Available in Texas

In order to be covered for services that are not currently allowed by Medicare, a senior would have to carry and pay the premiums, copayments for supplemental insurance plans. Unfortunately, these plans can be a bit tricky when it comes to trying to figure out which of them is best for you to choose in order to get the best deal for yourself.

 

These Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans also referred to as Medigap Plans are all pretty much the same since they are heavily regulated by the Federal Government. However, because they are offered by private insurers the pricing will vary depending on the company that is making the offer.

 

You still want to educate yourself on what is fully covered and what is not when it comes to Medicare. This way you can be sure that whatever Supplemental Insurance plan you ultimately choose is going to cover all of your medical needs moving forward. Another important aspect of Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan is that you are able to choose one that you would be able to afford to cover the premiums, copays, and deductibles.

 

7 Important things to know about Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

 

You must already be covered by Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.

You must already be covered by a Medicare Part A or Part B to qualify for a supplemental plan. You need to select a supplemental insurance policy that fit your needs.

 

All costs of supplemental insurance are on you.

You are going to have to cover all of the costs of the supplemental insurance policy which includes premiums, copayments and deductible payments. This is all on top of having to pay your Part A and Part B.

 

Supplemental insurance plans only cover one individual.

Even if both you and your spouse are qualified for a supplemental insurance policy you cannot get a policy that covers you both. You must purchase two separate policies and pay separate fees for each.

 

All fully paid supplemental policies cannot be canceled.

All supplemental policies continue to be enforced as long as you pay the premiums. This includes any major medical issues that would ordinarily be grounds for cancellation.

 

All new supplemental policies do not include prescriptions.

Even though Medicare supplemental policies used to have prescription drug coverage prior to 2006, this has been permanently changed and this means no prescription drug coverage.

 

You cannot combine a Medicare Advantage Plans with Medigap Supplemental Insurance Plans.

 

The rules are set up in a way that you cannot have a Medical Savings Account and then buy a supplemental insurance plan.

You can go to any insurance broker who is licensed to sell supplemental insurance policies within your state.

 

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

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans Available In Tennessee

Finding affordable Medicare Supplemental insurance in Tennessee isn’t hard to do if you know where to look. Medicare Supplement insurance plans in the state cover some of the costs that aren’t paid for by Medicare Part A or Part B of what the original Medicare covers. These costs are usually associated with deductibles, copayments, and other expenses considered to be out of pocket. With Medicare Supplemental insurance, which is also known as Medigap, you’ll be covered from some of these expenses so that you don’t have to pay extra every time you see a healthcare professional.

Medigap plans in Tennessee might also cover things like coinsurance for hospice care and coverage while traveling to foreign countries. However, it’s good to know that Medigap plans do not include the coverage of prescription drugs and you will need to enroll in Medicare Part D if you need prescriptions.

Supplemental Insurance Plans in Tennessee

Most states offer 10 different Medicare Supplemental insurance plans, each positioned with a designated letter. These plans are standardized by Medicare so that each of the 10 plans under each specific letter of the alphabet offer identical coverage. For example, Plan A in Tennessee would include the same coverage no matter what company is offering that plan. However, the cost of the plan can vary from each company and county and even state. In the same notion, Plan B or Plan C will be different from Plan A when it comes to costs and coverage.

How to Select a Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan In Tennessee

Not every Medigap plan will be available from every insurance company in the state and their monthly premiums will vary from company to company. Plus, it’s good to keep in mind that just because you have lower monthly premiums, you might have higher out-of-pocket expenses when you seek out medical services. If you are looking for Medicare Supplemental insurance in the state of Tennessee, you should become familiar with the different types to choose the best one for your own needs and budget. Once you find a plan, you should then compare plans between different companies to find one that best fits your budget.

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

 

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans Available in Michigan

Michigan Medicare enrollees who are signed up for Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, may find that not all their health care expenses are covered.  To cover the gaps that are left with Medicare Michigan participants can choose to enroll in one of ten different Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans, otherwise known as Medigap.  These expenses can include copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other extra healthcare expenses.

It is best to enroll in Medigap insurance plans during your six-month open enrollment period which begins the first day of the month you turn sixty-five and are enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.  During this period, if you have any medical problems, you are still able to sign up for Medicare supplemental insurance plans in Michigan.  There is no medical underwriting required during the open enrollment period, premiums are not based on pre-existing conditions, and choosing a plan is completely up to you.

Once the six-month open enrollment period has lapsed, you may still apply for Medicare supplemental insurance plans however during this period you may be required to undergo medical underwriting, pay higher premiums, and can be denied coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

Comparing Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans in Michigan

Michigan Medicare supplemental insurance plans costs may vary a great deal depending on the insurance company it is purchase through and where you are located.  Medigap benefits, no matter where the insurance is purchased, are the same.  Medigap Plan A from Blue Cross is the same coverage you will receive from Medigap Plan A from Humana.  To determine what Medigap plan is best for you do a comparison between plans to evaluate which plan is the best for your healthcare needs and budget.

It is crucial to evaluate and compare all the available Medicare supplement insurance plans within Michigan.  Medigap brokers can offer a comparison between plans and premiums to help you find what you are looking for and what plan makes the most sense for you.

The most popular Medigap plan for Michigan Medicare enrollees is Plan F, which is no longer going to be available as of 2020.  It is the most comprehensive Medigap plan for beneficiaries to choose.  The benefits of Medigap Plan F include:

  • Medicare Part A Coinsurance & Hospital Costs: Up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted
  • Medicare Part B Coinsurance/Copayments
  • The first 3 pints of blood
  • Medicare Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance/Copayments
  • Coinsurance for Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Medicare Part A Deductible
  • Medicare Part B Deductible
  • Excess Charged in Medicare Part B
  • Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage: Up to the plan limits

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

5 Gaps Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan Covers

You may know by now that Medicare supplemental plans, also known as Medigap, are policies that are sold by private insurance companies to help cover a portion of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. You can’t purchase this type of policy if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. For this to work, you must you must have both Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) to buy a Medigap policy.

Medicare supplemental plan policies generally don’t cover long-term care, vision or dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, long-term nursing home care, or private-duty nursing. The following gaps are what Medicare supplemental plans cover, each of the ten plans offers different benefits.  Not only is it important to distinguish these terms to help you understand when and how much you need to pay for your healthcare it is important to compare plans as they each offer a different combination of benefits.

  • Co-payments (copay)

Copayments are the flat fees that you pay on the spot to get a covered health service each time you pay your doctor a visit. Without a Medicare supplemental plan, you would have to pay this amount out of pocket before Medicare begins to pay.

  • Coinsurance

Coinsurance is a portion of the medical cost you pay after your deductible has been met, and your health plan takes effect. Once you have met your deductible, you and your insurance carrier each pay a share of the costs to add up to 100%. Take this, for example, if your coinsurance share is 20%, you will pay 20% of the cost of your medical bills and Medicare supplemental plan will pay the remaining 80%

  • Deductibles

Many costs for medical services count toward your deductible apart from copayments. A deductible is an amount you pay each year for eligible medical services before your insurance plan takes effect. If you don’t have any Medicare supplemental plans, you will be forced to pay for medical expenses such as bills for hospitalization, surgery, scans, lab tests, anesthesia, medical devices, etc.

  • Emergency care nationwide

Standard Medicare supplement plans C, D, F, G, M, and N, provide foreign travel emergency health care coverage when you travel outside the U.S if it begins during the first 60 days of your travel. The policy can also pay up to 80% of the billed charges for a medically necessary care outside the overseas after you meet a $250 deductible for the year. Always talk with your insurance carrier before traveling overseas to get more information about your Medigap coverage while traveling.

  • Benefit period

Medicare supplement plan may cover hospital costs and skilled nursing facility care after you run out of Medicare-covered days. For instance, if you have used your 90 days of hospital coverage but your still unwell and need to stay longer.

While Medigap policies sold after January 1, 2006, are not allowed to include prescription drug coverage, you can now enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) offered by a private insurance company that has been approved by Medicare.

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

How Do I Enroll in a Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan?

Medicare doesn’t cover everything, which is why many seniors look to Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans to get more from their insurance policy. Medicare is health insurance for those who are 65 years and older. As the largest health insurance program in the U.S., it covers more than 40 million people. There are four parts to Medicare – A, B, C and D.

Medicare part A is hospital insurance and covers any inpatient hospital care.  Medicare Part B is medical insurance, covering services like doctors, outpatient care, home care and medical equipment.  Medicare Advantage, Part C is a health care plan that covers similar aspects of Original Medicare along with prescription drug coverage, dental and hearing for an extra premium. Medicare Supplemental Plan D is considered Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, covering the cost of prescription drugs.

Medigap insurance covers the gap that Original Medicare Part A and Part B don’t cover.  If you’re interested in supplemental insurance like Medigap, the best time to purchase this insurance is during the 6-month Medigap enrollment period that starts the month a person turns 65.  Participants must also be enrolled in both parts of Original Medicare, Part A and Part B. After this enrollment period, you can’t purchase a policy without undergoing medical assessments and paying higher priced premiums.

If you purchase during Medigap enrollment, insurance companies can’t use underwriting to decide if they should accept you or not and how much they’ll charge you. And if you have any health problems, you’ll be able to purchase the same coverage at the same price as those in good health.  If you wait until after this period of time you may be required to undergo the underwriting policy.

To find Medicare supplemental insurance plans, do some research on providers near you. That way you can compare plans to see what’s best for you and your health needs, discuss any questions you might have with a representative and get professional insights from a licensed insurance agent.  This will allow you to compare policies and premiums before you sign up for Medigap insurance.

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

Medigap Plan F and Plan C To Be Closed For Enrollment After 2020

There are a number of questions surrounding Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans.  One thing that we do know is that the federal government has decided that in the year 2020, Medigap Plan F and Plan C will no longer be available to new participants.  Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan enrollees that are currently enrolled in either Plan F or Plan C will be allowed continue coverage under these two plans.

With these changes fast approaching it is critical that seniors turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare or if they are looking to switch Medigap plans within the next few years they must diligently scrutinize all insurance possibilities before two options are no longer available.

It has never been easy to choose a Medigap plan.  With ten different options to cover the gaps found in Original Medicare, which consists of Medicare Plan and Plan B, there is a lot to consider.  Many participants have leaned towards Medigap Plan F, as it covers the most medical costs but without this option in 2020 participants will have more to consider.  Medigap Plan F does not pay dental, vision, or medicine however with premiums paid monthly, participants shouldn’t have to put any money out of pocket for doctors, tests, or hospitals.  Even medical coverage overseas is partially covered with Medigap Plan F.

The federal government has decided to close out enrollment to popular Medigap Plan F and Plan C to help reduce spending on Medicare.  This decision was made in 2015 by Congress.  Even though Medigap plans are purchased through private insurance companies they are regulated by the federal government and Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, are provided through the federal government.  Congress estimates that shutting down enrollment into Medigap Plans F and Plan C will reduce Medicare spending by about four hundred million dollars between 2020 and 2025.

Even though Medicare enrollees previously enrolled in Medigap Plan F and Plan C will still be allowed to continue coverage in these plans speculation is that the premiums for these plans will rise.  An alternative to Medigap Plan F is Medigap Plan G. Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan G offers comprehensive coverage equivalent to Medigap Plan F but requires participants to pay an annual deductible for Medicare.

It is important before committing to or switching to a different Medigap plan that you truly look into the options available.  Even if you are enrolled in Plan F and you switch out of it, you will no longer be able to enroll in this coverage after it is shut down to new enrollment in 2020.

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

 

Compare 2018 Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

All Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans are regulated by the US government. This means that your choice of insurance provider has no impact on the benefits you’ll get from the coverage. The benefits are the same across the board.  There are only three states that regulate their Medigap plans and these are Minnesota, Massachusetts and Wisconsin.

In 2018, there are ten Medigap plans which start with letter A and end with letter N. Each Medicare supplemental insurance plan has varying degrees of benefits and cost implication. All Medicare Part A and Part B beneficiaries have a chance to purchase Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans out of pocket to provide coverage that fills in the gaps left open by original Medicare.

In this article, we will look at the top three Medicare supplemental insurance plans and compare the benefits that come with each.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan N

This plan is one of the most chosen options in 2018. The premiums are lower than other plans and you get lots of benefits such as 100% copayment of any coinsurance for out of pocket expenses that are covered in Part B of Medicare. In addition, if you require a skilled nurse, the plan coverage is 100% of the expense from day 21 of getting services from a skilled nurse. The first 20 days are paid for by Part A of your Medicare cover.  Should you fall ill or get into an accident while traveling outside the USA, this Medicare Supplemental Insurance coverage will cater for your foreign emergency care within your plan’s limit.

2018 Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan G

This plan is second favorite to many. It has the same benefits and Plan N but unlike Plan N, it does not necessitate copayments for visits to emergency rooms and doctor’s office.  Just like plan N, it provides full cover for a skilled nurse and upkeep facility coinsurance. You also get your Part A Medicare deductible and foreign emergency coverage if travelling outside the U.S.

2018 Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan F

Third on the list is the Supplement Plan F. It encompasses all the benefits of Medicare supplement insurance plan G but also provides greater benefits. These include covering your deducible for Medicare Part B. The premiums you pay for this supplemental cover are higher but the value you get from the coverage is the best out there. To make it more affordable to as many people as possible, there exists a high deductible version of this coverage where premiums are significantly lower but benefits equally astounding.

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

 

 

5 Steps to Take When Comparing Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

Medicare supplemental insurance plans are also known as ‘Medigap’. It is a procedural setup devised to benefit patients with waved off expenditures including coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles. These insurance plans are formulated and offered by private companies. Other Medicare supplemental insurance plans also sometimes apply to patients traveling outside their country.

A difference between a Medigap policy and a Medicare Advantage Plan needs to be made clear is that the latter is directed towards gaining medical benefits. On the other hand, the prior is attributed and functions primarily on increasing the already existing Original Medicare benefits.

To choose the right Medicare supplemental insurance plan takes a certain amount of assessments, comparisons, and trials. For your convenience here are five important steps to keep in mind when choosing a Medigap insurance plan:

Devise your HealthCare Costs

First and foremost, you should calculate the amount of money you spend on your healthcare products yearly or monthly. In doing so, you should also keep in mind the costs of services provided and covered by Medigap plans. Once you’ve gone through the Medigap plans and chosen your fix i.e. the one that fulfills your criteria of benefits required then move onto the next step.

Choice of Insurance Company

Once you’ve chosen your Medicare supplemental insurance plan, then you need to decide and scrutinize which insurance company offers your preferred choice of the Medigap plan. The vast range of companies should not overwhelm you, rather you should take ample time to decide which one you want to proceed with.

Comparing the costs of Medigap plans

Comparing the required premium costs, the insurance company would charge you on your choice of Medigap plan will help you exclude those companies that exceed your range for a premium charge. Also, some companies have ranging methods that might increase from what you paid in the beginning.

Premium Charges

Furthermore, some companies automatically file your Medicare supplemental insurance plans. If they do it, it saves a lot of your time and headspace for a little extra charge of course. After comparison investigate how stable the insurance being offered by the company is in the long run. Seek assistance from Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers to help compare prices between carriers.

One Person Policy

Keep in mind that one Medicare supplemental insurance plan is only applicable for a single person to whom it is initially made for. Your spouse or any other family member will require a separate insurance made for them. On that note, it is also illegal to sell your Medigap policy to someone else.

As previously mentioned, Medicare Advantage Plans are not Medigap plans. In a similar way, Veterans’ benefits, Medicare Prescription drug plans, Medicaid, Long-Term Care insurance policies aren’t either. The Medicare supplemental insurance plans take a lot of reading into and rightfully so. To have a better grip at the medical, procedural and legality jargons, one must take ample time to digest every piece of information and then devise. The idea is to choose the best offering available that helps and doesn’t exceed your premium charge limit.

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