Medicare Supplemental Plan - Supplemental Plans Vs Medigap Policies
For those that are new to the Medicare program, the terms used and the guidelines that must be followed are often very confusing.
When the program began, it was very simple.
It consisted of two parts.
Part A covered many of the expenses associated with hospitalization.
Part B covered medical expenses incurred as a result of outpatient procedures and services.
Due to the changes in the health care industry and the evolving needs of senior citizens, the Medicare supplemental plan was created.
As a Medicare beneficiary, the options provided by these plans enable you to be covered beyond the original program's parameters.
It is not uncommon for people to ask about the difference between a Medicare supplemental plan and a Medigap policy.
These two terms can be used interchangeably, as they refer to the exact same thing.
Supplemental plans help pay for the "gaps" in the original Medicare coverage, hence the term.
The gaps refer to the expenses that you are responsible for, such as deductibles and coinsurance.
These plans also cover some of the expenses that were never addressed by Medicare Parts A and B.
As a senior citizen who is enrolled in the original program, you are helped by a Medigap policy in two primary ways.
The first is that the right plan will help you lower your out of pocket expenses by covering many of the "incidental' costs that are part of a comprehensive health care plan.
The second reason to enroll in a Medicare supplemental plan is that you can get more health coverage.
A variety of therapies and at-home services are covered under some of the plans.
Coverage for emergencies when traveling abroad is also an option.
Medigap policies are not part of a managed care program, such as an HMO, PPO or Fee-for-Service plan.
They are purchased through a Medicare approved private insurance companies.
The list of these companies is extensive, which means you will probably have several companies to choose from in your area.
Although Medicare Part A and Part B cover many of the primary expenses in the event of a catastrophic illness or unexpected emergency, there are many "gaps" that relate to every day health care needs, such as co-payments for physician's visits, prescriptions and diagnostic tests.
A Medicare supplemental plan can help you reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and provide additional benefits not addressed under the original Medicare program guidelines.
They have been created to address the changing health care needs of today's senior citizens.
When the program began, it was very simple.
It consisted of two parts.
Part A covered many of the expenses associated with hospitalization.
Part B covered medical expenses incurred as a result of outpatient procedures and services.
Due to the changes in the health care industry and the evolving needs of senior citizens, the Medicare supplemental plan was created.
As a Medicare beneficiary, the options provided by these plans enable you to be covered beyond the original program's parameters.
It is not uncommon for people to ask about the difference between a Medicare supplemental plan and a Medigap policy.
These two terms can be used interchangeably, as they refer to the exact same thing.
Supplemental plans help pay for the "gaps" in the original Medicare coverage, hence the term.
The gaps refer to the expenses that you are responsible for, such as deductibles and coinsurance.
These plans also cover some of the expenses that were never addressed by Medicare Parts A and B.
As a senior citizen who is enrolled in the original program, you are helped by a Medigap policy in two primary ways.
The first is that the right plan will help you lower your out of pocket expenses by covering many of the "incidental' costs that are part of a comprehensive health care plan.
The second reason to enroll in a Medicare supplemental plan is that you can get more health coverage.
A variety of therapies and at-home services are covered under some of the plans.
Coverage for emergencies when traveling abroad is also an option.
Medigap policies are not part of a managed care program, such as an HMO, PPO or Fee-for-Service plan.
They are purchased through a Medicare approved private insurance companies.
The list of these companies is extensive, which means you will probably have several companies to choose from in your area.
Although Medicare Part A and Part B cover many of the primary expenses in the event of a catastrophic illness or unexpected emergency, there are many "gaps" that relate to every day health care needs, such as co-payments for physician's visits, prescriptions and diagnostic tests.
A Medicare supplemental plan can help you reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and provide additional benefits not addressed under the original Medicare program guidelines.
They have been created to address the changing health care needs of today's senior citizens.
Source...