Anyone 65 years or older and some individuals under 65 with certain disabilities or illnesses.
Original Medicare, Part A and Part B do not cover all expenses. There are deductibles and coinsurance payments for Part A and premiums for Part B. You may be able to cover up to 100% of deductibles and coinsurance by selecting Medicare Supplemental Insurance.
You are able to enroll in a Medicare Supplemental Insurance policy, also known as Medigap, once you turn 65. There is a 6 month window during which you cannot be denied or a Medicare Supplemental Insurance policy. If you wait until after the 6 month window, you are still eligible to enroll, but you may be subject to a waiting policy for any pre-existing conditions.
Not during the 6 month open enrollment period. If you enroll during this time, you are guaranteed coverage. If you wait until after that 6 month open enrollment period, you may be subject to pre-existing conditions limitations.
You are able to purchase Medicare Supplemental Insurance through private insurance companies. But like any insurance product, the price of coverage may vary by provider. It is recommended that you compare pricing before making a decision.
Medicare is split into 3 basic plans, and each plan has sub plans. The description below is just an overview. It is advised you speak with a licensed agent to explain the plans in more detail before making a purchasing decision. OriginalMedicare (Parts A & B)
Original Medicare is available to anyone meeting one or more of the following conditions. Original Medicare is also referred to as Medicare Parts A and B,
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance which will cover:
Medicare Part B is your medical insurance and will cover:
Medicare Advance plans are much like an HMO or PPO plan in that costs and coverage my vary. The government has approved certain private insurance companies and pays the insurance company a flat fee every month based on the individual. The Medicare Advantage Plan provider must follow rules set by Medicare.
Medicare Part D is a prescription drug coverage that is added to Original Medicare. There may be a significant difference in coverage and price based on the medication you take and the co-pays.
Medicare Supplemental Insurance policies are purchased in addition to Original Medicare and are intended to provide coverage for those things not coverage by Parts A & B. While you buy these policies through private insurance companies, the government standardizes the coverage using a letter system of A through N. Therefore, your coverage will not change from one insurance provider to the next, but the cost may.