Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare Supplement Plans are offered by Private Health Insurance companies to help pay the costs that Original Government Medicare does not cover, like Part A & B Deductibles and Co-payments. Medicare Supplement companies charge Policy holders a Monthly Insurance Premium for the Plans. Because these plans fill "the gaps" in Government Medicare coverage, they are often referred to as Medigap Insurance.
Medicare Supplement Plans provide the most Flexibility when compared to Medicare Advantage type Plans. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Supplement Plan you are able to see EVERY doctor and receive Medical Care at EVERY hospital, which has a Medicare Contract, Nationwide. These providers have agreed to accept payments from Original Government Medicare (Primary Medicare) and Every Medicare Supplement Plan.
There is a Monthly Cost for these plans. But my clients tell me that it's the Best Coverage you can get. Some Plans cover All deductibles and co-payments. So that your Medical Costs are covered 100%. You simply pay your Monthly Premium, and never pay another Penny for Medical Care.
Please note that these plans will generally Not include the Extra, Non-Health benefits that we see advertised with Medicare Advantage Plans. Benefits like Dental, eye glasses, and over-the-counter products are often called Ancillary benefits, and will rarely be included with any Medicare Supplement plan.
Also, please remember, that Prescription Drug Costs are Not included in these plans, either, so if you purchase a Medicare Supplement plan, you will need to also buy a Stand Alone Prescription Drug plan (PDP) to help cover the cost of your Medications.
The process of researching and choosing these plans can be intimidating for many people. This is why your First Step in choosing your Medicare Plan is Choosing the Right Agent.
Medicare Supplement Plans Access to Doctors
The Main Reason that Most Clients choose a Medicare Supplement Plan, is that they are allowed to see Every Doctor and receive treatment at Every Hospital who has a Medicare Contract, in the Country.
Unlike Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplements do Not have a Network of Doctors. Members of Medicare Supplement Plans have Open Access to Every Doctor with a Medicare Contract, no matter where they are located. This is the Major Difference between Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans.
Many Medicare Advantage plans offer Extra, Non-Health benefits, to appeal to clients. But some people who believe that having the Freedom to Choose Any Doctor is their First Priority, will often choose to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan. Because they feel that this is the most important issue, they are willing to spend a higher Monthly premium in order to have Access to Every Doctor and Every Hospital.
Medicare Supplement Plans Plans and Costs
Government Medicare has provided 10 choices of Medicare Supplement Policy. Each is designated with a Letter, (Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, all the way through Plan G and Plan N, etc)
For this reason, you might think It Is Best to consult An Independent Medicare Insurance Agent, who can help you understand the differences in the Plan Benefits, and can help you choose which plan is best for you. Some Medicare Supplement plans have a Higher Monthly Premium, but might cover nearly All Medical Bills. So, it might feel Hassle Free to the Members. Other Med Supp Plans have a Lower monthly cost, but will have a Higher Deductible, and more copayments required when you receive Medical Care.
Please keep in mind, often the Medicare Supplement with the higher Monthly Premium might actually cost Less than a Medicare Advantage plan, in the Long Run. Often the copays of a Medicare HMO or PPO plan can add up and exceed the cost that a Client would spend on their Medicare Supplement. The Lowest Priced plan is not always the Lowest Cost plan. This is another reason that you should discuss your options with an Independent Medicare Agent.
There are Many Medicare Supplement plans, offered by a variety of Insurance Companies. These plans are Standardized, so you'll need a little help getting the most updated Pricing information. You can receive help from an Experienced, Professional Agent if you call MedicareFreeHelp. Speak with an Independent Agent who will help you find the Best Plan for you.
MedicareFreeHelp
When you are planning for your future health care, it's not only important to Choose the Best Plan available, it is also important to have a good Agent who will keep you informed when the Costs of different Plans change or when New Plans are Introduced. By having a Relationship with an Experienced Medicare Agent who offers a Variety of plans, you can make the changes necessary if your Medical Needs change, or if a more cost effective plan becomes available.
This is why your First Step in choosing a Medicare Plan is choosing Your Agent.
Choose the Right Agent, Enroll in the Best Plan, and Face the Future with Confidence.
