Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Learn What Medigap Insurance Will Cover

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.

The gap plans do not cover hearing aids, glasses, vision care, or dental work. Additionally, private duty nursing and long term care is not covered by gap plans. Prescription medications are covered by choosing a separate policy under Part D. Gap coverage has its own monthly premium which is separate from Part D, prescription coverage, and Medicare B which covers doctor charges.

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.

Monthly premiums for gap plans vary from company to company. However, the standard plans offered are always the same regardless who is offering them. The plans offer the identical set of benefits across companies. Some states have different standards for their gap coverage.

Folks can only buy their gap coverage during the open enrollment period. This period of time covers the 6 months before the first day of the month you turn sixty five. You must already be signed up to receive Medicare part B or it must be within six months of the date you signed up for it to be eligible to purchase. In addition, you can buy gap plans for the same premium amount of a healthy person.

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.

The amount of the premium will be determined by your age, where you live, the company you purchase from, and the plan that you select. Once you have purchased your standardized plan, it is guaranteed renewable provided you pay your premiums on time. This guarantee extends even to those with pre existing health conditions.




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