Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Understanding What Medigap Insurance Covers

By Larry Price


People who are close to retirement age should take the time to find out how they apply for Medicare benefits as well as gap coverage. The first thing to do is learn what gap coverage will do. Gap plans are purchased from a private company to supplement your Medicare coverage. The Medigap insurance coverage picks up the costs that the original Medicare does not cover. These costs include co pays, deductibles, and cost for care outside the US.

What the gap coverage will not pay for is dental and vision care or eyeglasses and hearing aids. In addition, there is no coverage for long term care or private duty nurses. Also, for prescription drug coverage folks will have to acquire a separate policy under Part D to cover their medications. Individuals will pay a premium each month for gap coverage that is separate from the Medicare B coverage.

Only folks who are already covered by Medicare A and B are eligible for gap insurance. Part A covers hospital and part B pays for doctor costs. It is important to know that if you have an Advantage plan, the gap coverage is not available to you. It is also important to learn which plans are offered where you live. Information is available online or through the department of insurance for your state.

The standard plans, A through N, offer diverse levels of coverage. It is a good idea to compare the plans side by side. This comparison will help you understand which policy will best meet your needs. New subscribers can no longer get plans E, H, I, or J.

Each company charges different premium amounts for their coverage. It is important to note that all standard plans offer the same benefits. For instance, plan C has the same benefits regardless of the company that is offering it. Not all the states require the same standards for gap coverage plans.

The time to buy gap policies is during the period of open enrollment. Enrollment time is 6 months before the first day of the month you turn sixty five. In order to qualify for gap coverage need to have Medicare part B or be within six months of the date of enrolled. People can buy coverage during this time for the same cost a person with no health issues.

If you attempt to buy gap coverage once the opportunity has passed, there is no guarantee that you will get coverage. If you do get a gap policy, there is some risk that you will pay a higher premium. You should understand that you will be paying a premium for part B Medicare, and a premium for gap insurance to a private company.

Of course, your premium will depend on the plan you choose, the insurance company, where you live, and how old you are. When you purchase a standardized gap plan you are guaranteed that it is renewable as long as your premiums are paid on time. This is true even for those who have pre existing health issues.




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