Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Medigap is an Important Supplement for Medicare

A common misconception is that Medicare was designed to cover all your health-care needs once you reach the age for eligibility. This is a dangerous assumption that often leaves individuals unprepared to enjoy their golden years. A federal health insurance program for people 65 years and older, and individuals with certain, qualifying disabilities, Medicare pays for many of your health-care needs, but it does not pay for everything. The program includes “gaps” in coverage, requiring you to cover such expenses as co-insurance, co-payments and deductibles. That is why it is so important to protect your assets, and those of your loved ones, by investigating Medicare supplement plans. There are so many Medicare Supplements from which to choose -- it is important to take the time and do the research.

First it is important to understand the differences between the two types of Medicare coverage—Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B—and what each covers during a calendar year. There are services and expenses that are not covered in each plan, thus making it important to carry Medicare Supplement Insurance. Part A covers most of the expense for inpatient hospital care, up to the first 60 days, as well as some of the costs for stays in skilled nursing facilities, and hospice and home health care. If you spend more than 61 days in the hospital, your out-of-pocket expense in co-pays is $267 per day, for days 61-90 and $512 per day, for every day after that. Part B pays for some services and supplies that are considered medically necessary, but are not covered by Part A. Medicare Part B also assists you in paying for doctors’ services and outpatient care, and some other services that Part A does not pay. While Part B deductibles are less expensive compared to Part A, once you meet that deductible in a calendar year, are you responsible for 20 percent of additional expenses related to Medicare Part B. If you have to have major surgery or medical treatments, this can become extremely costly. This is why having a Medigap policy is so important.

Having a Medicare supplement is a smart move when you consider the costs you and your loved ones will be expected to incur after you receive your Medicare benefits, whatever plan you are under. A Medicare supplement plan will help you significantly reduce what you pay overall for services, supplies and hospitalizations. When examining a Medicare supplement policy or Medicare supplement plans, you must consider your individual needs, and do your best to anticipate any future needs.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Don't Be Confused By Medicare Supplement Policies

Sometimes it can be a bit difficult to understand everything there is to know about the various forms of Medicare Supplement Plans. You receive a bunch of paperwork that you can't make sense of and it even serves to confuse you more. You likely have questions about which one will be the most cost effective, what is covered and not covered, what are the details in fine print and many other questions are likely flooding your mind. You may even wonder if you need Medicare Supplement Insurance to begin with.


A Medigap insurance policy is designed to cover the needs of what Medicare does not provide, to “fill in the gaps” so to speak. Go Medigap is a free online resource designed to answer all the questions and help you easily understand why you need to have a Medicare Supplement Plan. A Medicare Supplement will help you defray the costs of health care that are not covered by your original Medicare policy. For most people, a policy like this can protect against financial ruin because of the rising costs of medical procedures, prescription medications and medical supplies.

Because the costs of Medicare Supplement Insurance plans will vary, it's important that you do thorough research and compare prices before you commit to buying a Medicare Supplement Policy. An insurance company may show you rates on up to 12 or more Medicare Supplement Plans; each policy must have easy to comprehend information to allow for easy comparison.

Another issue arising from Medicare Supplement Plans is that you must purchase a policy for yourself and your spouse, separately. A policy purchased just for you will not provide coverage for your spouse. When you purchase a Medigap policy, you must also have Medicare Part A and B and also you have to pay the monthly fees for Part B. Additionally, you are also responsible for paying your Medigap premiums every month as well.

Go Medigap can show you the rates and preliminary quotes before you decide which Medicare Supplement Policy to purchase. Some of the companies Go Medigap works with are Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, New Era, AARP, Sterling Investors, Unicare and many others. You are sure to find the right Medicare Supplement that will work for your needs and fit into your budget parameters. You do not have to go into the unsure world of Medicare Supplement Plans unarmed, you can get the information you need that will allow you to protect your most important asset: you.