Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance to people over 65, but it doesn't cover everything. That's where Medicare Supplement Insurance comes in.
Also known as Medigap, Medicare Supplement Insurance is a type of private insurance that helps cover some out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. There are several different plans available, each offering different levels of coverage.
You must have Medicare Part A and Part B to qualify.
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch to a Medicare Supplement policy during specific enrollment periods or under certain conditions (underwriting may apply). Ensure you can leave your Medicare Advantage Plan before your new coverage begins.
You’ll pay a monthly premium to a private insurer for your Medicare Supplement policy, in addition to your Medicare Part B premium.
Medigap policies cover only one person. If both you and your spouse need coverage, you must buy separate policies.
You can purchase a Medicare Supplement policy from any licensed insurance company in your state.
All standardized Medicare Supplement policies are guaranteed renewable, meaning your insurer can’t cancel your policy if you continue paying your premiums, even if you have health issues.
Policies sold after January 1, 2006, do not include prescription drug coverage. To get prescription coverage, you can enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).
Selling a Medigap policy to someone with a Medicare Advantage Plan is illegal unless they are switching back to Original Medicare.
Source: www.medicare.gov