Medicare doesn't cover all of your health costs? Find Agents in Your State 

Select State:

How Does My Medicare Supplemental Insurance Help?

Medicare Part A, Hospital Insurance, and Medicare Part B, Medical Insurance, are both solid health insurance plans, but contrary to popular belief, they do not pay for all medical care in all situations. To make sure an illness or injury will not send you on the path to financial ruin, it’s a good idea to purchase Medicare supplemental insurance.

What is Not Covered by Medicare Part A?

Hospitalizations and periods of stay in a skilled nursing facility are not fully covered. In 2010, the deductible for a hospital stay was $1100, with increasing co-pays from day sixty on. In skilled nursing facilities, the first twenty days of rehabilitative care cost the patient nothing, but from days 21 through 100 the patient was billed $137.50/day. Medicare coverage ended after 100 days.

What is Not Covered by Medicare Part B?

As of 2010, There was a $155 deductible for all of Medicare Part B services. After that deductible was met, there was still a 20% co-pay for doctor’s visits and other medical services. Outpatient mental health visits cost a 45% co-pay.

Choosing the Right Medicare Supplemental Insurance

Medicare supplemental insurance, also known as Medigap insurance, is sold by private insurers to help cover Medicare co-pays and deductibles. Except in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, the plans are standardized by letter. For instance, a Medigap A plan from Humana will cover exactly the same things as a Medigap A plan from Blue Cross. Study the plans carefully for the ones that best suit your lifestyle. For example, some plans cover you for medical emergencies while you are out of the country.

Don’t Be Fooled – Medicare Part C and Medicare Part D

Medicare Part C, sometimes known as a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare replacement plan, is operated by a private company that contracts with Medicare. It covers Part A and Part B services and may cover prescription drugs. You are not allowed to supplement a Medicare Advantage Plan. Similarly, you cannot have both Medicare Part D (the new prescription insurance plan) and a supplemental plan that pays for your prescriptions.

One Response to “How Does My Medicare Supplemental Insurance Help?”

Juan Secord says:

December 2, 2011 at 11:28 am

Beautiful photos of a fabulous couple on a fantastic day

Send this page to a friend ...