By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    bowl of vegetable salad
    Raw Foods: benefits and harms
    November 9, 2021
    pros and cons of the keto diet
    Read This Before You Follow the Keto Diet
    May 18, 2022
    spinal cord injuries
    4 Potential Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries (and How to Seek Compensation)
    May 25, 2022
    Latest News
    7 Most Common Healthcare Accreditation Programs: Which Should You Use?
    August 20, 2025
    Hospital Pest Control and the Fight Against Superbugs
    August 20, 2025
    Hygiene Beyond The Clinic: Attention To Overlooked Non-Clinical Spaces
    August 13, 2025
    5 Steps to a Promising Career as a Healthcare Administrator
    August 3, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    TBI: Some Surprising Statistics
    February 9, 2016
    Your Keys to Safer, Even More Secure Healthcare Cloud Services
    January 13, 2015
    4 Career Options in Healthcare Industry that Combine Big Data & Healthcare
    February 5, 2021
    Latest News
    How Social Security Disability Shapes Access to Care and Everyday Health
    August 22, 2025
    How a DUI Lawyer Can Help When Your Future Health Feels Uncertain
    August 22, 2025
    How One Fall Can Lead to a Long Road of Medical Complications
    August 22, 2025
    How IT and Marketing Teams Can Collaborate to Protect Patient Trust
    July 17, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Policy & Law > Health care > What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Health carePublic Health

What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Sean Mallon
Sean Mallon
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE



Medicare supplement insurance is a type of insurance that is designed to cover the expenses that are not covered by Medicare. It is also referred to as Medigap. Many people who have Medicare are surprised to find out that Part B will only cover about 80 percent of their medical expenses. If you are living on a tight budget, then the 20 percent can create a major problem for you. Fortunately, Medicare insurance can pay for the remaining expenses.

Contents
  • Am I Eligible for Medicare Supplement Insurance?
  • Is There Anything That Is Not Covered By Medigap?

Am I Eligible for Medicare Supplement Insurance?

You need to have Medicare Part A and Part B in order to get Medigap insurance. It is also important to note that there is a difference between a Medigap policy and Medicare Advantage plan. A Medicare advantage plan is a type of Medicare plan that you get from a private company instead of the government. Medigap is designed to supplement an existing Medicare insurance plan.

You will have to pay a private insurance company for your Medigap plan or go through medicare broker like Medicareusa. You will have a premium that you will have to pay each month. You will have to buy from a company in your state. A Medigap plan will only cover one person. If you are married, then your spouse will need their own separate plan.

Keep in mind that you cannot have a Medigap plan if you have a Medicare advantage plan. However, you can get a Medigap plan if you switch back to original Medicare.

How a Medigap Plan Works

Your doctor will send you a bill for the services that have been provided. Medicare will pay their portion. Medigap will pay the remaining balance.

The Benefits of Using a Medicare Supplement Plan

  • You are free to choose your own hospitals and doctors.
  • You won’t have to get a referral to see a specialist.
  • Your out-of-pocket expenses will be more predictable.
  • You will be able to use it anywhere in the United States.
  • You won’t have to worry about getting your coverage dropped if you develop a health condition.

Is There Anything That Is Not Covered By Medigap?

Medigap will cover your hospital expenses, doctor’s bills and medications. However, there are some things that will not be covered. This includes long-term care, such as assisted living, nursing home and home care. Vision care, dental care and hearing aids also aren’t covered.

The Cost of Medicare Supplemental Insurance

Because you get Medicare supplemental insurance through a private company, the cost of it can vary. You may have to shop around to find a premium that fits your budget. Insurance companies offer the following pricing structures.

Community No-Age-Rated

The insurance company will charge the same rate across the board.

Issue Age-Rated

Your premium will be based on the age that you are when you first enroll. The younger you are when you enroll, the more money you will be able to save.

Attained-Age-Rated

The age you are when you first enroll will determine your premium. However, you will have to pay more for your insurance as you get older.

Will I Be Able to Change My Medicare Supplement Plan Any Time?

You can make a change to your plan any time. However, it is a good idea for you to wait until the enrollment period. You will have to answer any questions about your health if you attempt to change the plan outside of the enrollment period. The company can choose to accept or decline you.

However, there are some states that have exceptions to this. Washington, California, Oregon and Connecticut have established exceptions.

TAGGED:healthcare costsMedicare supplement insurance
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

engineer fitting prosthetic arm
How Social Security Disability Shapes Access to Care and Everyday Health
Health care
August 20, 2025
a woman explaining the document
How a DUI Lawyer Can Help When Your Future Health Feels Uncertain
Public Health
August 20, 2025
physiotherapist at work
How One Fall Can Lead to a Long Road of Medical Complications
Health care
August 20, 2025
Common Healthcare Accreditation Programs
7 Most Common Healthcare Accreditation Programs: Which Should You Use?
Health News
August 20, 2025

You Might also Like

Health careTechnology

How Technology Solutions Are Shaping The Future Of Home Healthcare

October 30, 2018
medicare prevention and quality of care
Health ReformHospital AdministrationPolicy & LawPublic HealthWellness

Medicare Needs to Emphasize Prevention and Quality of Care

July 7, 2013
Yaz lawsuit
Policy & LawPublic Health

What’s Really Going on With Yaz

October 9, 2013

Consumers More Choosy About Cars and Appliances than Health Care

December 15, 2011
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?