11 things you should know about medicare supplemental plans

1. They Do Not Provide Standalone Coverage

Medicare Supplement plans are only available to people who are already enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B. The plans, which are offered through private insurers, help supplement your existing Medicare coverage.

2. They Help Cover the Out-of-Pocket Expenses That Are Left After Part A and Part B Pay

Even though Original Medicare covers a significant portion of your medical expenses, it still leaves some out-of-pocket costs. Medicare supplemental plans cover the costs that are left after Original Medicare pays, such as copayments, deductibles, and co-insurance.

3. Any Medicare Supplemental Plan That You Choose Is Standardized

Even though Medicare supplemental plans are offered by private insurance companies, the plans are standardized by Medicare. This means that the general benefits provided by a particular supplemental plan are the same, regardless of the insurer that provides them. Medicare Supplement Plan G  is the same when it is offered by one insurance company as it is when the plan is offered by another insurer.

4. You Choose the Best Plan for You

There are a wide variety of Medicare supplemental plans to choose from. You can select the plan with the right coverage and cost to suit your needs.

5. You Can Still Receive Prescription Drug Coverage

If you need Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, you don't have to choose it over a Medicare Supplement plan. You have the option of enrolling in both plans. Still, both types of coverage are optional.

6. With a Medicare Supplemental Plan, You Have No Network Restrictions

With a Medicare Supplement plan, you can keep your current doctors or choose others. Additionally, you can see a specialist without a referral. As long a provider accepts Medicare, you can see them.

7. You Don't Have to Submit a Claim Form

Submitting claim forms can be time-consuming and inconvenient. With a Medicare supplemental plan, you never have to submit a form. Your provider submits the needed claim information to the insurer for you.

8. Your Coverage Does Not End As Your Health Changes

Once you are enrolled in a Medicare supplemental plan, your coverage continues, even as you grow older or your health declines.

9. If You Are an Original Medicare Beneficiary, You Don't Have to Wait for Open Enrollment to Apply For a Medicare Supplemental Plan

You are usually advised to apply for a Medicare supplemental plan during Open Enrollment, which begins the first day of your birth month once you reach 65. However, you can apply for supplemental coverage whenever you wish as long as you are already enrolled in Part A and Part B. Still, in some states, you may be underwritten or not accepted into the supplemental plan if you apply outside of the Open Enrollment timeframe.

10. Your Coverage Does Not End at Your State's Borders

Regardless of the state that you live in, your Medicare supplemental coverage goes with you as you visit other areas of the U.S. If you live in Wyoming and are planning to vacation in Florida or Hawaii, your benefits remain in place, so you can receive the care that you need wherever you roam. With some supplement plans, you can even receive coverage for emergency care as you travel overseas.

11. You Cannot Use Medicare Supplemental Plans With Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage, which is also called Medicare Part C, replaces the coverage provided by Original Medicare, Part A and Part B. However, Advantage plans do not work with Medicare supplemental plans. The supplemental plans are only available to cover the cost of out-of-pocket expenses that are associated with Original Medicare, Part A and Part B

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