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How Do Medicare Supplements Work?

Medicare Supplement Plans

Also known as Medigap, Medicare Supplement plans help to pay for your Medicare expenses. Things Supplements pay for include deductibles, co-pays as well as co-insurance.


Since Medicare only covers 80% of Part B expenses, many folks choose to add Medicare Supplemental Insurance in order to cover the 20% that isn’t covered by Medicare.


Some advantages of a Medicare Supplement policy are things like choosing your own doctors or hospitals, nationwide coverage, and no referrals are required before you can see a specialist.

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Why Choose a Medicare Supplement?

Some folks are surprised to find out that their Medicare coverage only covers up to 80% of their Part B costs. Part B costs are things like doctor’s visits, ambulance transport, and other outpatient services. So it is easy to see how these costs can add up quickly. The 20% you have to pay can very easily be a very large number, and one that most people don’t budget for.


People that don’t want to be on the hook for this 20% can choose supplemental insurance to cover them in case they have to pay this extra amount. For many people, this extra peace of mind is worth it.

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There are many good reasons to choose a Medicare Supplement plan to add on and fill the gaps in your Medicare coverage, such as:


  • You have the freedom to choose your own doctors/hospitals
  • You can plan for your out-of-pocket expenses for covered services
  • Nationwide Coverage
  • You don't need a referral to see a specialist
  • You will never be dropped, or have your coverage change because of a new health condition
  • Automatic claims paperwork

Plans That Aren't Medigap

  • Advantage Plans
  • Prescription Drug Plans
  • Medicaid
  • Veterans' Benefits
  • Long-term care insurance

Things Not Covered by Medigap

  • Long-term care
  • Vision or Dental Care
  • Hearing Aids
  • Eyeglasses
  • Private-duty nursing

Other things you should know about Medicare Supplement plans

Most importantly, Medigap coverage isn’t meant to be the only coverage you have. You must have Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) before you can apply for supplemental plans.


Also, you should know plans are standardized between insurance companies. The same Plan F sold by one company will cover the SAME EXACT THINGS as the Plan F sold by another insurance company. However, the price may vary. Once you know what plan you want, it is best to shop around for the best price.


Medicare Supplements (Medigap) only cover one person. When you get a Medigap plan, you are only getting coverage for yourself!


Finally, any Part D (Drug Coverage) you have is totally separate to your Medicare Supplement plan. This means, you can shop around for the best Part D coverage, and the best Supplemental insurance prices! Affordable Senior Network, a Vermont Medicare Supplement broker, can help you shop around and find the best fit for you.


If you ever need help finding your best options for your situation – contact Affordable Senior Network. Our job is to help you navigate the Medicare process and get you the best bang for your buck. And the best thing is – this service is always completely free. You’ll never pay a dime to have Affordable Senior Network help you at any point in the process.

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