Choosing Medigap Insurance
Only you can determine what is the right Medigap Insurance policy to meet your needs. You can do a quick comparison of the various plans, by looking at the chart, or you can look at the individual Plans A, B and C, - F, K and L, - or M and N.
Remember that the plans are standardized, meaning that no matter who you purchase a particular plan from, the details of the coverage have to be the same. All these letters can be a bit confusing, and start to sound like so much alphabet soup! You can find some assistance in selecting the plan that is right for you by calling your State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Or, better yet schedule an appointment with one of our qualified experts in Medigap Insurance. Our agents have already done all of the research, and can easily match you with the Medigap plan that is best for you.
Not every health insurance provider that sells Medigap Insurance has to sell all Plans, but if they are going to offer any plans at all they must offer the basic Plan A, and now since June 2010, either Plans C or F as well.
A typical Medigap policy only covers one person. If you want a policy for yourself and a spouse, you must each purchase separate policies.
Once you have selected the health insurance provider from which you wish to purchase your Supplemental Medicare Insurance, the next step is to submit an actual application for coverage. Make sure you get a clearly worded summary of the policy, and be sure that you are 100% sure about what it covers and what it does not - do not be embarrassed to ask questions. Your broker or insurance agent is the expert in Medicare, not you!
It is up to you to specify when you want your Medigap insurance policy to become effective. Most people elect the first of the month of the following month after you apply. You should receive your actual policy documents within 30 days of approval of your application and submission of payment. Again, once you receive the policy documents, make sure you understand them, and that they match to the Summary of Coverage you were given upon approval of your application.
Keep two things in mind, remember you can only have one Medigap Health Insurance policy in place, and you cannot have, nor do you need a Medigap plan if you are enrolled in Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C). It is illegal for any insurance company to try to sell you multiple Medigap plans, or a Medigap Plan if you already have a Medicare Advantage insurance policy.