Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, are designed to help cover the gaps in coverage that Original Medicare does not provide. For example, Original Medicare does not cover all of the costs associated with healthcare services like prescription drugs and long-term care. This is where Medicare Supplement plans come in. They can help cover some of these additional expenses so that you don’t have to pay out of pocket for them. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about Medicare Supplement insurance plans.

What is Covered by a Medicare Supplement Plan?

Medicare Supplement plans generally cover most of the same things as Original Medicare (Parts A and B), such as hospital stays, doctor visits, lab tests, and durable medical equipment like wheelchairs and walkers. In addition, they often include coverage for foreign travel emergencies, preventive care services like annual physicals, and out-of-pocket costs like copays and coinsurance amounts. It’s important to note that unlike Original Medicare, which covers only up to 80% of your medical expenses related to service or supplies received from providers who accept assignment from Part B (your doctors), most Medigap policies will cover 100% of those expenses up to certain limits specified in the policy.

Costs Associated with a Medigap Plan

The cost of a Medigap plan varies depending on several factors including the type of plan you choose, your age when you purchase the plan, where you live, and whether or not you use tobacco products. Generally speaking, however, premiums for these types of policies tend to be higher than those for other types of health insurance. That said, there are still ways that you can save money on your Medigap plan premiums such as opting for an HMO plan or taking advantage of discounts offered by some providers if you are willing to pay your premiums annually rather than monthly or quarterly.  Additionally, if you qualify based on income level or other criteria set forth by your state government then you may be eligible for assistance with the cost of your coverage through programs such as Medicaid or Extra Help from Social Security Administration.

Choosing the Right Plan

There are 10 different types of Medigap plans available in most states; each one offers different levels and combinations of benefits so it is important that you carefully review all options before deciding which one is right for you. Additionally it is important to keep in mind that while many insurers offer similar plans across multiple states there may be slight differences in coverage between states so make sure that you understand exactly what is covered under each plan before making any decisions about which one best fits your needs and budget. Finally it is important to remember that once enrolled in a particular plan thatyou cannot switch without going through an open enrollment period so make sure thatyou select the right plan for yourself at least initially!

Selecting a Medicare Supplement Plan can seem overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be! By doing research into available options and understanding what’s covered by each type of policy available it’s easy find the right fit – both financially and medically – for yourself. Ultimately taking control over your healthcare decisions will give peace of mind knowing that no matter what life throws at you health-wise there won’t be any unexpected bills due because all necessary medical costs will already be taken care off!