As original Medicare plans do not cover all health care costs, most beneficiaries choose to supplement Medicare benefits with a private health plan that works with Medicare - either a Medicare Supplement Plan, also called 'Medigap', or a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) Medicare supplement plans help pay the bills Medicare does not, and provide you with protection from the ever-increasing gaps in Medicare.
To qualify for a supplemental Medicare plan you must have part A and B medical coverage.
Acceptance of your application is guaranteed if you are 65 or older and apply within six (6) months of your initial enrollment in Plan B of Medicare.
Under certain circumstances pre-existing conditions might be waived.
Medicare Advantage Plans Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C) are plans that are approved by Medicare run by private companies.
Some plans are at no cost and provide extra benefits that are not included by Medicare.
The Annual Election Period is 11/15 to 12/31.
You are able to make changes to your insurance during this time.
The Open Enrollment Period is 1/1 to 3/31.
You are able to make changes to your plan during this time.
Some plans may also include a prescription drug plan, (Part D).
As a result, members not only get quality health care coverage without the expense of high plan premiums or deductibles, they have virtually no paperwork to contend with.
And at the same time, they still enjoy more health care benefits and services than original Medicare offers for little or no additional cost.