Supplemental Plans Fill in the Gaps in Medicare Coverage

For those relying upon Medicare, out-of-pocket costs can often feel burdensome. And when your coverage has gaps – in other words, all the services you need are not covered – those costs can quickly exceed your expected budget. Medicare Supplemental Insurance, or Medigap plans, can help bridge those gaps.

Understanding Medigap Plans

Medigap plans are private insurance policies that help pay for health care costs that original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover. These costs may include deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. There are various Medigap plans, each denoted by a letter (e.g., Plan A, Plan F, Plan G), and they are standardized by the government to ensure consistency in benefits. While Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies, the benefits for each plan type are the same regardless of the insurer.

Benefits of Medigap Plans:

• Comprehensive Coverage; Medigap plans provide additional coverage that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses associated with Medicare-covered services. This includes copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance, allowing beneficiaries to plan and budget for their healthcare expenses with greater predictability.
• Freedom to Choose Providers; With Medigap plans, individuals have the freedom to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare patients. This flexibility ensures that beneficiaries can access the healthcare they need without worrying about network restrictions.
• Predictable Costs; Medigap plans offer predictability in healthcare costs, which can be crucial for individuals living on fixed incomes. Knowing that most of their healthcare expenses will be covered by the Medigap plan provides peace of mind and financial security.
• No Referral Requirement; Unlike some other insurance plans, Medigap policies generally do not require referrals to see specialists. This means individuals can seek specialized care without the need for a primary care physician’s approval.
• Travel Coverage; Some Medigap plans offer coverage for healthcare services received outside of the United States, making them ideal for those who travel frequently or reside in multiple locations.

Medigap plans play a critical role in helping Medicare beneficiaries manage their healthcare costs and gain comprehensive coverage. These plans bridge the gaps in original Medicare, providing financial peace of mind and ensuring that individuals can access necessary medical care without the burden of high out-of-pocket expenses. Considering the potential benefits, exploring Medigap plans is a prudent step towards securing a more robust and well-rounded healthcare coverage.

As your Medicare enrollment window approaches, call one of our licensed brokers so that we can discuss potential gaps in your coverage. Together we can determine if a Medigap plan is right for you. And remember; this help is always free! So you might as well take advantage of it before you enroll.