Tag: Medigap Open Enrollment Period

When you are Eligible for Medigap Insurance Plans in TX

To buy Medigap insurance plans if you are in Texas, you must meet the requirements for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. If you want to enhance your well-merited benefits with the state’s Medigap, then the perfect time to consider enrolling in the two basic parts of the Original Medicare should be when you are turning 65 years old. To learn more about this you can view our Medigap Guide.

Many insurance companies in Texas often allow people to apply for their Medigap insurance plans some months earlier. So, this therefore means that you don’t have to wait until you celebrate your 65th birthday.

So, when are you eligible for Medigap plans in Texas? Here is a brief summary of when insurance companies in Texas can accept you for Medicare supplement insurance plans without necessarily subjecting you to answering any health questions.

Senior citizens turning 65

If you are turning 65, the law gives you a 6-month period within which you can be able to enroll for any available Medigap insurance plans in TX that begins by the time you enroll for the first time in Part B of Medicare.

People with disability who are receiving Part B for the first time

If you are physically challenged, you will be required to receive Medicare Part B first. It’s important to note that you will also have the 6-month window to enroll for any available Texas Medigap plans particularly those that begin immediately after your enrollment. However, this is only for Part A Medicare. If you have more questions about Medicare and disability’s you can call us or visit Medicare.gov

Physically challenged persons losing coverage

If you are physically challenged, and losing coverage, you will have an additional guaranteed right to buy. However, this is also for Medicare Plan A only.

Seniors after the expiry of the first Guarantee-issue window

If you are 65 and above, and you happen to lose coverage for whatever reasons, you will be eligible to enjoy another Guarantee-Issue period when Medigap Insurance companies in Texas have to sell you a Medicare supplement insurance. However, this is not for all plans. Precisely, it is for Medigap Plan L, K, F, C, B and A. It is also for High-deductible Plan F.

Conclusion

Therefore, the ideal time you should buy Medigap insurance plan in TX is actually when you first sign up for Part B of Medicare, and have Medicare Part A. Of course, insurance companies may accept you at some other times. However, they might probably require you to answer some health questions. The companies could decline your request, or charge you more at those other times.

 

Learn more about Medigap plans & rates in Texas at www.emedigap-plans.com/texas-medigap-insurance-plans.  Our Texas Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans today.  To talk to an expert in Texas Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949

Top 4 Questions to Ask about Medigap Insurance in TN

Before choosing a private insurance company and buy a Medigap insurance plan in Tennessee, there are some very important questions you should ask. The answers to those questions will help you a great deal when it comes to choosing the best Medigap insurance in TN, the best plan for yourself, and so on. Without much ado, here are some of those questions.

  1. What companies sell Medigap insurance in TN?

First, you must find out what private insurance companies offer Medigap insurance in Tennessee. The best place to find them is from the Department of Finance Services because here, they often maintain the most recent list of all the private insurance companies that are licensed to issue Medigap insurance policies. The list from the Department is the most trusted one.

Alternatively, you can ask your friends and colleagues who have signed up for Medigap insurance plans. You can also search online for the insurance companies near you.

  1. What Medicare Supplement insurance plans do companies offer?

Once you have the list, you can then contact each of them, compare the available options and the rates of insurance plans. This way, you will be in a position to make an informed decision. The total number of standardized plans is 12. Interestingly, not every private insurance company offers all these plans. However, all of them offer two basic plans – Plan A and Plan B. Have a list of all the companies offering the plans that provide the benefits you are interested in, and then do the comparison.

  1. Do I need a Medigap Policy if I already have Medicare Advantage Plan?

Formally known as Medicare + Choice, the Medicare Advantage plan covers everything that a Medigap policy could have covered. It fills all the gaps that are left by normal insurance cover. So, you don’t need to buy a Medigap insurance policy if you already have a Medicare Advantage plan. This is because advantage plans normally contract with Medicare to offer clients all benefits that Medicare provides. Additionally, it also offers vision coverage and other extra benefits.

  1. How much are Medigap Insurance premium?

The rates are not the same because a private insurance company will charge premium rates differently depending on the Medigap plan you sign up to. The rates also vary from company to company. Yes, the benefits that each Medigap plan offers are standardized. However, the premium rates that insurance companies charge for coverage under these plans are not the same.

Learn more about Medigap plans & rates in Tennessee at http://emedigap-plans.com/tennessee-medicare-supplement-plans.  Our Tennessee Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans. To talk to an expert in Tennessee Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949 today!

 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF MEDIGAP IN TEXAS?

Medicare is a government-sponsored health care benefit that covers senior citizens and persons with special health conditions in the 50 U.S. States including Texas. Medicare covers basic health care needs, but it still leaves some bills that are covered out of one’s pocket or with Medicare supplement plans. Medigap is one of those provisions for out-of-pocket health expenses.

Expenses Not Covered

Some of the health care expenses that are not covered by Medicare are long-term conditions, dental conditions, custodial care, specialized care in a nursing home, home maker services, cosmetic surgeries, abroad health care services, eyes surgeries amongst others. These bills are either footed as they come out of the pocket or with Medicare Advantage Plans or Medigap Plans. Medigap is one of the Medicare Supplement plans. In Texas, there are ten standardized Medigap plans.

Standardized Plans

According to the Texas Department of Insurance, every private insurance firm that offers Medigap plans must offer Plan A. Insurance firms must also offer plans C and F if they decide to offer other plans apart from Plan A. Services included in the different Medigap plans include hospitalization, blood, hospice and medical expenses. The ten standardized Medigap plans are plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. You can always visit our Texas Medigap Insurance Plans page to view our Medigap chart.

According to data provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), there are 2,466,000 Medicare enrolees in Texas as at 2017. 29.1% of Medicare enrolees in Texas, as at 2015, are Medigap policyholders, according to the American Health Insurance Plans (AHIP). The Plan F has been noted as the most popular plan in Texas with 456,627 enrollees, according to AHIP. Plan F is closely followed by Plans C, N, C, and D with 116,842, 45,867, 22,026, and 9,275 enrolees respectively.

Laws in Texas

Certain laws apply to Medigap in Texas, and these include the 30-day look policy which allows a return of plans after 30 days of purchase with a full refund. Texan laws also allow a 60-day open registration period where senior citizens and younger residents of Texas can buy any Medicare supplement plan.

The laws of Texas also ensure that during the open registration, Medicare plan A and B holders can buy any policy irrespective of their health history. Medicare users are also covered by a guarantee issue right that enables them to register for another Medigap policy outside the open registration period.

The overall purpose of Medigap is to make provision for out-of-pocket health expenses that are not covered by Medicare. The government of Texas also increases the benefits of Medigap with the different laws. It is, however, noteworthy that the Medigap plans vary with county and most plans in Texas are priced with attained-age rates.

Learn more about Medigap plans & rates in Texas at http://emedigap-plans.com/texas-medigap-insurance.plans.php.  Our Texas Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans today.  To talk to an expert in Texas Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949 today!

Texas Medigap Explained

Medigap insurance is always known to be providing the most affordable plans to the resident of their area.  When it comes to the Selection your Medical coverage program, then it is as simple as a natural process. Unluckily in most cases, it will never be that easy. The agents are there to help you simplify the process for you, by either filling their form available on their official page. Moreover, you will be getting a rate comparison of the cheapest carriers in your area. But one thing you need to be clear about that this is 100% free, and you may not have any additional obligation to sign up. One should opt for it when he or she turns into 65 at the open enrollment period.

The current Medicare cover available:

Read it thoroughly to have the clear idea about the medicare cover:

  • The Medicare Part A will be giving you the 80% of in all the hospital expense.
  • The Medicare Part B will be bearing the costs for your doctors or outpatient surgeries and medicines.
  • The Medicare Part C that is termed as the Medicare advantage that might never combine with those of supplements.
  • The Medicare Part D is there to deal with the prescription related to the medical coverage.

The benefits of plan F:

  • Part A hospital is giving the coinsurance costs having a limit of additional 365 days or a year after the Medicare benefits are completely frustrated.
  • Part B coinsurance provides the coverageand co-payments especially for the outpatient services, medicines, doctors, services, and treatment or the other essential requirement.
  • First three units of blood for an approved medical procedure
  • Medicare Part A will offer the deduction for the expenses related to the hospital.
  • Medicare Part B will provide the deduction from the services named as an outpatient.
  • Medicare Part B will be dealing with all the excess charges. These charges are the difference between a provider fee and other charges.
  • It will bear the foreign Travel emergency cost set up toparticular limits.
  • Medicare preventive care Part B is there to provide you the co-insurance.

The methods introduced in Texas:

There are standardized ten programs each will have certain rates and benefits while the one can choose the plan that will fit its needs.  Talking about the major parts like the  Part A and B. It also will provide you the services in the foreign travel emergency coverage to a particular period that is predetermined by the company. The Insurance company rates will always vary. , Texas Medigap Plan F coverage is the most attractive option, since it offers the most benefits when you compare to the substitutes plans.  The healthcare companies are currently serving to the 66.7 million people.

The plans designed for the disabled people have aged less than 65:

Some states provide great opportunity or the supplement plans to Medicare beneficiaries having the age less than of65. The rate will definitely vary from the people that are above 65 and they might be enjoying the other benefits.

Learn more about Medigap plans & rates in Texas at http://emedigap-plans.com/texas-medigap-insurance.plans.php.  Our Texas Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans in Texas today.  To talk to an expert in Texas Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949 today!

Qualifying For Medigap in Tennessee

If you are a Tennessee resident and are looking to qualify for a Medigap plan, then you will have to take into account a few different things. First of all, Medigap recipients must be enrolled in a Medicare program (Parts A and B) before signing up for Medigap. There two different Medicare programs available in Tennessee Medicare plan A and Medicare plan B. Additionally, in order to qualify for the Medigap supplemental insurance plan in Tennessee, patients must be 65 years of age or older.

Enrollment Period

It is advised that patients who are 65 or older sign up for Medigap during the six month enrollment period that is offered at the beginning of the month. The reason for this is because during this period, no medical underwriting is required. Patients who are 65 or older interested in Tennessee Medigap may still qualify for the supplemental insurance after the six month enrollment period is over. The problem is that after the period is over, medical underwriting might be required, which could put some patients at risk for paying a higher amount or even getting denied completely due to long withstanding medical issues that they currently have.

Coverage with Medigap

Some costs that Tennessee Medigap Supplemental Plans help with include travel expenses, cost-sharing expenses, and more. But, take note, Medigap plans in Tennessee do not cover prescription drug expenses. If you are looking for prescription drug coverage, it is strongly advised that you sign up for Medicare part D prescription drug plan. Some other costs that Medigap plans cover in Tennessee include:

  • First three pints of blood
  • Hospice care coinsurance or copayment
  • Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
  • Medicare part A deductible
  • Medicare part B deductible
  • Medicare part C deductible
  • Medicare part B excess charges
  • Medicare part B coinsurance or copayment

Comparing Rates

Now this all depends on what Tennessee Medigap plan you pick, as each plan has different levels of coverage. You can compare Tennessee Medigap plans with our chart. After you pick a plan you can enter in your zip code and compare rates.

Learn more about Medigap plans & rates in Tennessee at http://emedigap-plans.com/tennessee-medicare-supplement-plans.  Our Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans in Tennessee today.  To talk to an expert in Tennessee Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949 today!

Texas Medigap Insurance and its Plans

If you are in Texas and thinking of what Tx Medigap insurance is, and maybe at the point, you are also thinking of how to enroll in a plan. This article will provide you with details on how you can better understand the various supplemental options available in Texas.

First of all, what is a Medigap Supplement Plan?

The supplemental medical plan is an additional coverage that supplements the Medicare policy. It covers cost that is associated with original Medicare, which includes: copayments, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses. The Medigap plans are not made to be a standalone plan, but to work in combination with the original Medicare plans A and B.

Coverage such as prescription drug is not always part of the Medigap insurance policy. However, beneficiaries have the opportunity to choose a prescription drug coverage by enrolling in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

Medicare Supplement Medigap Plans in Texas

Companies offer Texas Medigap insurance, and each company may only provide one or more plan among the ten different plan categories. Each of the plan types is associated with a standardized alphabet under Medigap. What that means is this: each of the plan in any alphabet that is being offered in Texas, have an identical coverage. The only difference may be seen in the company that will be providing the service as well as individuals location within the state.

 How to Select Medigap Insurance Plan in Texas

In Texas, Medigap Insurance rates differ from company to company and state to state. So in the quest to choosing one that suits you, it would be good to consider all the available options in your area so you could find the best plan type that suits your special need.

The plans do not vary within states and companies; they also vary with letters, which forms the plan category and coverage. Some of the category offers higher premium with less out of pocket expenses while the other way round is often the option for some others. Whichever way the case, choose the one that would be more beneficial to you after weighing the premium – out of the pocket relationship in tandem with your needs.

Also note that prescription drug is only available for plan D, so it is left for you to take further a close examination of what you need and what you want out of the Medicare Medigap insurance plan and that will determine the kind of supplemental insurance plan that would be suitable for you.

Learn more about Texas Medigap plans & rates at http://emedigap-plans.com/texas-medigap-insurance.plans.php.  Our Texas Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans today.  To talk to an expert in Texas Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949.

 

TENNESSEE MEDIGAP AND WHY I NEED IT

Medicare is a U.S. federal health insurance that covers certain health expenses for senior citizens and other qualifying members of the society. Since it doesn’t cover every aspect of health insurance, there is a need for supplements. TN Medigap is one of those supplements. Medigap covers expenses such as foreign health care bills that are not covered by Medicare. Medigap, however, differs from Medicare Advantage Plans.

For one to be eligible for Medicare, there must be a history of tax payment. Medicare comes in different plans. Medigap plans are only available for persons with Medicare plans A and B. In Tennessee, there are over 806,000 persons registered for Medicare Plan A and/or Plan B. This is according to data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2017.

Medigap Plans To Choose From

Medigap, just like Medicaid also comes in plans which include Plan Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. These plans come with specific coverage and make the payment out-of-pocket medical bills for senior citizens and persons with disabilities and others an easier process.

In Tennessee, all the ten standardized Medigap plans are available. The most popular Tennessee Medigap Policy is Plan F which has 161,323 enrolees as stated by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP). This is distantly followed by Plans G, C, and N with 28,332, 17,876, 16,112, and 6,659 enrolees respectively. This data is according to an AHIP publication in 2015.

Issue- Age, Attained-Age, or Community

Medigap plans are either priced based in issue-age, attained-age or community. The premiums of attained-age rated plans increase as the insured gets older. For issue- age rated plans, increase in premiums may be as a result of inflation and other factors, but not age. However, the initial premium is based on age. Community-rated plans are offered at the same premium for everyone independent of age and other factors. Most of the plans in Tennessee are attained-age rated.

Medigap plans in Tennessee also include options for under 65s. The Kaiser Family Foundation states that all insurance companies must offer Medigap plans for persons being covered by Medicare plans under 65. This is, however, offered at a different premium rate. Please contact us for more details on this.

Medigap for Public and Education Sectors

In 2015 alone, 272,860 residents of Tennessee registered for a Medigap plan, according to AHIP. This is in the light The Tennessee Plan, a special Medigap plan that is state-sponsored and offered to retirees from the public and education sectors that have access to Medicare Part A. The Tennessee plan also has special benefits for those who spent at least 15 years in the public or education sector. These retirees get reduced premiums which have been extended to their spouses from 2015.

The different private insurance companies in Tennessee offer Medigap plans that vary in terms of premium, pricing and services covered.  And with the Tennessee plan, residents of TN get to enjoy better health care insurance service.

Learn more about Tennessee Medigap plans & rates at http://emedigap-plans.com/tennessee-medicare-supplement-plans.  Our Tennessee Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans today.  To talk to an expert in Tennessee Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949!

 

 

Texas Medigap Enrollment

Some Texas beneficiaries may find their Original Medicare out of pocket expenses and monthly premiums are too high for their budgets.  Original Medicare consists of Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, which is the health insurance plan sponsored by the U.S. Federal Government for qualifying individuals who have reached 65.  Medigap Insurance Plans in Texas may help cover some of those expenses, which may make basic health-care benefits more affordable.

 Medigap plans cover costs associated with Original Medicare, including copayments, deductibles, and other out of pocket expenses.  These plans are designed to work in combination with Original Medicare and cannot be used as a standalone health insurance plan. Medigap plans themselves do not include prescription coverage however by enrolling in a separate Medicare Part D, prescription drug plan.

Texas Medigap Supplemental Insurance Plan Choices

It is important to note that Medigap plans offering lower premiums may have higher out of pocket expenses.  When comparing plans it is important to weigh both factors to find the best plan for your needs.

Companies offering Medigap Insurance plans in Texas may offer one or more of ten different plan categories.  Each plan type is designated with a letter of the alphabet, which is standardized under Medigap.  This means that each state offering Plan A in Texas offers identical basic benefits.  However, the cost and out of pocket expenses will vary from insurance company to insurance company and even from location to location within the state.

Selecting Medigap In Texas

Each company and county will provide a different selection of Medigap plans.  Consider all of the options available in your area to find the best plan type for your specific needs.  Basic benefit levels vary between plan types.  For example one Medigap Plan C may charge higher premiums but cover more copayments and out of pocket expenses than another type of Medigap Insurance Plan.

Search Around For Best Plan

It is also important to compare costs of monthly premiums and out of pocket expenses between different companies since these can fluctuate.  Get quotes from a number of different companies in your area to see which plan will be the most affordable for you.  If prescription drug coverage is a concern, consider enrolling in Medicare Part D, prescription drug coverage to receive these basic benefits with your Original Medicare and Medigap Plans.

Learn more about Medigap plans & rates in Texas at http://emedigap-plans.com/texas-medigap-insurance.plans.php.  Our Texas Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans in Texas today.  To talk to an expert in Texas Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949 today!

Tennessee State Medigap Facts

  • There are over 1.2 million residents receiving Medicare benefits in 2015 – That is 19% of the entire state population
  • 21% of beneficiaries that became eligible in 2013 were disabled
  • A little less than 1.0% of recipients that started receiving benefits in 2013 were diagnoses with End State Renal Disease (ESRD)

Choosing the Correct TN Medigap Insurance for Your Needs

When you are shopping for Tennessee Medigap Insurance rates & Plans it is critical that you get as many quotes as possible from as many companies as you can.  While there are only ten standardized policies across the board, companies will charge different rates for the same plans.  Also, know that plans offering lower monthly premiums have higher deductibles.

Choosing The Right Plan for You

In addition, you may pay more depending on where in Tennessee you reside as prices can vary from county to county. All ten of the plans offer different benefits and it is imperative that you select the one that will best fit your need.  If you spend a lot of time in the hospital and need to purchase a great deal on medical supplies, then you will benefit for a plan with a low deductible.

Shopping for Supplemental Insurance in Tennessee with a Pre-Existing Medical Condition

If you are shopping for Medigap plans in Tennessee and have a pre-existing condition you will want to familiarize yourself with each company’s guidelines regarding coverage of individuals who suffer from a pre-existing health problem.  Some companies require that beneficiaries wait six months until coverage for the condition can begin while others only require a two or three  month waiting period.  This waiting period can be avoided all together by enrolling in a Supplemental Insurance Plan during your open enrollment period, otherwise known as OEP.  This is the period between the first day of the month in which you turn sixty five and are enrolled in Original Medicare Part A and Part B.  The time frame for your Open Enrollment Period, OEP, is six months.

 

Medicare can be confusing, we often joke at the office that you could have a whole college course on the subject. Jokes aside, if you need help we can recommend a plan that meets your requirements and save you money! Give us a call at 888-452-7949 or visit our website at emedigap-plans.com/tennessee-medicare-supplement-plans.

 

Medigap Enrollment In Texas

These days, we all want to save as much money as possible, and that is why we are doing all that we can in order to save as much money as possible and cut costs whenever applicable. Well, this is where Medigap supplemental insurance plans come in. Medigap is a supplemental insurance plan that is an add-on to Medicare. Medigap is beneficial for people that are looking to cut costs in terms of their medical expenses.

How do you get a Medigap plan?

The problem with Medigap in Texas is that it is not available to just anyone. In order to qualify for Medigap supplemental insurance, an individual must be senior age, which means age 65 or older. They must also already have a Medicare type A or type B plan. Medigap does not merely standalone; it only works as an addition or add-on to Medicare. Thankfully, in the great state of Texas, there are many Medigap insurance plans available from a variety of different companies. Each of these plans offer something different in terms of coverage as well as associated costs. It is usually true that the more the Medigap insurance plan happens to be, the more coverage the plan will offer to the patient. So it does make sense for patients to pay a little more initially and then be able to get the best Texas Medigap plan available.

Changing your Medigap coverage

 

You are only locked into the plan you choose for a year. Once open enrollment opens up you can shop around again to change your plan. This is great for people that need more coverage, or for people that are over paying and want reduced coverage. But, in our opinion it is always best to get more coverage then you need, just in case!

What Texas Medigap Covers

Medigap supplemental insurance plans cover everything from copayments to deductibles to travel-related expenses and more. What they don’t cover, however, is prescription drug costs. If prescription drug coverage is needed, then a Medicare type D prescription drug plan would need to be obtained by the patient. In the state of Texas, there are 10 different types of Medigap insurance plans, and they are differentiated by a letter in the alphabet. The various types of Medigap plans available include Medigap plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N.

 

If you are looking to save money on your Texas Medigap plan contact us at 888-452-7949 or visit our website at www.eMedigap-Plans.com. We are experts in everything Medicare and Medigap. Plan for your tomorrow, today and let us help you save money on your Texas Medigap policy.