Sunday, October 16, 2016

Understanding What Medigap Insurance Covers

By Larry Price


If you are reaching the age of retirement, it is a good idea to start looking in to how you apply for Medicare and gap policies. First, it is important to understand what gap plans do. These plans are in addition to your government coverage that is purchased from private companies. The Medigap insurance pays for costs that your Medicare does not such as deductibles, co pays, and care you received outside of the country.

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.

You are only eligible for this type of coverage if you already have Medicare part A and part B. Part A coverage pays for hospital expenses and as mentioned earlier, B covers doctor charges. If you have an Advantage plan you cannot buy gap plans. Learn which gap plans are available in your area. You can find all the information you need through the department of insurance can be found online.

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.

Attempting to purchase a gap policy after this window of opportunity has closed, does not guarantee you will be able to get the coverage. In the event that you do obtain coverage, you run the risk that your premiums will be higher. It is important to know that in addition to the premium you pay for Medicare B, you will be paying a premium to an insurance company for the gap plan.

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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