Medicare Supplement Options in Bedford, Texas

Medicare Supplement Options

Medicare Supplement insurance, also known as Medigap, is also sold through private insurance companies, but it is not comprehensive medical coverage. Instead, Medigap functions as supplemental coverage to Original Medicare. Current Medigap plans don’t include prescription drug coverage.

To see a list of all the Bedford, TX Medicare supplements available – look at our Medigap supplement chart. This chart can be found in the booklet called “Choosing a Medigap,” which is published by Medicare itself. The chart details the benefits that are included in each Medicare supplement, which are labeled Plan A – Plan N. Don’t forget, Medicare Plan F is no longer available to those who are eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020.

The standardized Medigap plans each cover certain Medicare out-of-pocket costs to at least some degree. Every Medigap plan covers up to one year of Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs after Medicare benefits are used up. But, for example, Medigap Plan G plans don’t cover your Medicare Part B deductible, while Medigap Plan C plans do. So, if you’d like to enroll in a Medicare Supplement insurance plan, you might want to compare the Medigap policies carefully.

While benefits are standardized, the costs are not, meaning they could fluctuate depending on the insurance company offering the plan and location. That is, while Medigap Plan G includes the same coverage no matter where you buy it, the premium for this plan can vary. Also, not every standardized lettered plan is offered in every state.

f you are going to buy a Medigap plan, the open enrollment period is six months from the first day of the month of your 65th birthday — as long as you are also signed up for Medicare Part B — or within six months of signing up for Medicare Part B. During this time, you can buy any Medigap policy at the same price a person in good health pays. If you try to buy a Medigap policy outside this window, there is no guarantee that you’ll be able to get coverage. If you do get covered, your rates might be higher.

If you are eligible for employer retirement insurance, review the plan carefully to understand what benefits are available and how it works with Medicare. Be aware that employer plans are not standardized and are not subject to the requirements governing standardized Medicare supplement policies. Also, it is important to remember, if you leave an employer plan you may not be able to go back on it.

Depending on the Medicare supplement plan you choose, the plan may provide a benefit for (Benefits and cost vary depending on the plan you choose.):

• Part A coinsurance (and most plans provide a benefit for the Part A deductible)
• Some of the out-of-pocket costs not paid by Part B (some plans also cover the Part B deductible)
• Cost of blood transfusions (first 3 pints)
• Cost of up to 365 extra hospital days after you’ve used up your Part A benefits
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance or copayment
• Part A hospice/respite care coinsurance or copayment

You pay a monthly premium and some out-of-pocket costs.

For a Medigap plan, you pay a monthly premium to the insurance company in addition to your Medicare Part B premium. The cost of your Medigap policy depends on the type of plan you buy, the insurance company, your location, and your age. A standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed renewable — even if you have health problems — if you pay your premiums on time.