The Medigap plans offered by private insurance companies fill coverage gaps in Medicare Part A and Part B when you are enrolled in Original Medicare Part A and B. The Medigap plans are designed to assist you with out-of-pocket expenses (such as deductibles, copays and coinsurance). The premiums and enrollment eligibility of these plans can vary across all 50 states. Despite the fact that Medigap plans are standardized, not all of the standardized plans may be available in your area.
Costs
Premium A Medigap plan requires you to pay a separate Medigap premium in addition to your Part B premium.
Deductible Deductibles are part of some plans.
Copays Copayments may be required for certain services.
Coinsurance Based on the plan, the coinsurance percentage varies.
Limits and Considerations
There are typically no network limitations with Medigap coverage, and it is available anywhere Medicare is accepted.
The Following Are Some Considerations
The coverage of foreign travel emergency services is available in some Medigap plans.
As long as you pay your premium and the plan is available, you will remain enrolled in the plan every year.
Initial Enrollment Period
When you become eligible for Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B), you are given a limited period of time to enroll. If you are 65 or older and are enrolled in Part B, you can buy a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan through approved private insurers. After this period, you may have limited options and you may pay more for a Medigap plan. Some states have extended open enrollment periods, but others do not.
What you need to know about enrollment
Your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare Part A and Part B lasts seven months once you qualify for Medicare, either because of age or because of a disability.
Individuals Aged 65 or Older
Your Initial Enrollment Period is based on the month in which you turn 65. It begins three months before your birth month and extends until three months after your birth month.
Individuals Aged Under 65 with an Eligible Disability
When you first began receiving disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) or Social Security, your Initial Enrollment Period begins. The process begins the 22nd month after you begin receiving benefits and continues until the 28th month after you begin receiving benefits.
How to Enroll
Before enrolling in a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan, you must first enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B. Get enrolled in a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan by contacting Routt Insurance.
Open Enrollment Period
Medicare's open enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7, but for individuals interested in Medigap (Medicare Supplement) coverage, this isn't the case. The open enrollment period for a Medigap policy is the six-month period that starts the first day of the month that you turn 65 or older and are enrolled in Part B. After this period, your ability to buy a Medigap policy may be limited and it may be more costly. Some states have additional open enrollment periods, but each state handles things differently.
Note: The Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan you enroll in renews every year, provided you pay your premiums.
*Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.
References
Medicare.Gov