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
    physical health
    5 Ways Playing Games Can Improve Neural and Physical Health
    September 9, 2022
    Reasons For Hair Loss and Its Treatment
    Reasons For Hair Loss and Its Treatment
    February 16, 2022
    healthcare organization
    5 Actionable Strategies For Healthcare Organizations
    August 15, 2022
    Latest News
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
    Chewing Matters More Than You Think: Why Proper Chewing Supports Better Health
    May 22, 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
    Obamacare vs. Romneycare
    October 11, 2012
    HIMSS recap
    HIMSS Privacy and Security Forum: Managing Social Media While Protecting Privacy and Security
    September 12, 2014
    Almost Anybody Qualifies for Medicaid in Maine
    November 23, 2012
    Latest News
    Strengthening Healthcare Systems Through Clinical and Administrative Career Development
    June 13, 2025
    Building Smarter Care Teams: Aligning Roles, Structure, and Clinical Expertise
    May 18, 2025
    The Critical Role of Healthcare in Personal Injury Recovery: A Comprehensive Guide for Victims
    May 14, 2025
    The Backbone of Successful Trials: Clinical Data Management
    April 28, 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
Last updated: October 14, 2021 5:07 am
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

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy
How TMS Therapy Helps with Treatment-Resistant Mental Illness
Mental Health Therapies
June 13, 2025
Strengthening Healthcare Systems Through Clinical and Administrative Career Development
Global Healthcare Policy & Law
June 11, 2025
magnesium supplements
The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
Health
June 11, 2025
preparing for next pendamic
Preparing for the Next Pandemic: How Technology is Changing the Game
Technology
June 6, 2025

You Might also Like

Home HealthMedical EducationPublic Health

Smooth Transition: Reducing Senior Readmissions to Hospitals

March 1, 2014
medical marijuana
NewsPolicy & LawPublic Health

New Research on Health Benefits of Marijuana Use

May 17, 2017
Healthcare 2014
BusinessHealth ReformPolicy & LawPublic Health

Healthcare 2014: A Retrospective

December 18, 2014
medicare for all
Health ReformPolicy & LawPublic Health

What Krugman Doesn’t Understand about Medicare for All

November 1, 2013
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?