How Do Medicare Supplement Plans Work?

Medicare supplement plans, also known as Medigap policies, can save you money and ensure complete health care coverage. As the name suggests, these plans fill in the gaps in your Original Medicare coverage. Supplement plans exist because Original Medicare, which includes Medicare Part A and Part B, typically doesn’t cover all of your health care costs, such as deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.
medicare paperwork

The most common supplemental plans provide coverage for non-Medicare covered out-of-pocket expenses. For example, when you have a hospital or doctor bill, Medicare pays its approved amount first, then supplemental insurance pays additional costs. Supplemental plans don’t cover services like dental, vision or hearing care—nor do they cover prescription drugs.

Medigap policies vary, but the team at Reviello’s Insurance Agency can help you find a plan that provides the right coverage for your health care needs.

Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for Medicare supplement plans, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, and you must not be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. However, you may be able to switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap. If you want to switch to Original Medicare and buy a Medigap policy, contact your Medicare Advantage Plan to see if you’re able to disenroll.

If you’re under age 65 and receive Medicare as part of your disability benefits in Pennsylvania, you are guaranteed access to a Medicare supplement plan. Each Medicare supplement plan can cover only one person. You’ll need to purchase separate policies if both you and your spouse want this type of coverage.

How Do I Enroll?
The ideal time to purchase a Medicare supplement plan is during your Medigap open enrollment period. That’s the six-month period beginning on the first day of the month that you turn age 65 or older and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, you won’t be denied coverage for any pre-existing health conditions.

Keep in mind that if you don’t enroll in a Medicare supplement plan during your Medigap open enrollment period, you won’t be guaranteed coverage. Also, you may be denied coverage or charged a higher premium due to your medical history or pre-existing health conditions.

How Much Do Supplemental Plans Cost?
The cost of Medicare supplement plans can vary based on various factors, including the following:

The plan’s service area
The age you enrolled in Medicare
The age you currently are when enrolling in a Medicare supplement plan

Reviello’s Insurance Agency can review your coverage options to determine which supplement plan is best for your needs. Since all plans vary, our research can help you find the policy that will offer you the right combination of benefits and affordability.

If you’re one of the more than 1.5 million Pennsylvanians who depend on Original Medicare, Reviello’s Insurance Agency can help reduce your out-of-pocket health insurance costs by finding supplemental plans that match your budget and health care needs. To learn more about Medicare supplements and your coverage, call us today at 570-497-4784 or request an online quote.

How Do Medicare Supplement Plans Work?

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