What You Need to Know About Medicare: Medigap
Medigap is a “supplemental insurance” policy that is sold and administered by a private company meant to fill the gaps in the coverage provided by Part A and Part B. Most plans will help with Medicare co-payments and with paying for some care not otherwise covered by Medicare.
Usually, if you decide to drop Medigap you will not be able to get the same policy again.
You can directly compare Medigap plans by going to medicare.gov.
Remember the following when considering a Medigap plan:
- Be sure to buy your chosen Medigap plan within six months of getting Medicare Part B. Enrolling during the six-month open enrollment period will mean you are guaranteed to get the policy you want; otherwise the company can charge you more for the same coverage or can turn you down for coverage altogether.
- Make sure to keep your existing insurance coverage until your Medigap policy is in place to make sure you are not excluded from treatment or charged more for any preexisting conditions. If you do not sign up for coverage during the open enrollment period and have not had six months of medical insurance without a 63-day lapse immediately before enrollment, you can be charged more if you have preexisting health problems or they can exclude preexisting condition coverage for up to six months.
- Medigap plans are labeled A through N and offer varying levels of coverage. Each of the letters stands for a standardized plan so you know that you are getting the same coverage with one company’s plan G as you will get with another company’s plan G. (The types of coverage offered by each plan are detailed in a table at http://www.medicare.gov/supplement-other-insurance/compare-medigap/compare-medigap.html). This does not mean that you will pay the same premium with both companies or that the customer experience will be the same, so be sure to compare insurance providers. The cost will also vary depending on your location and age.
- In 2020, Medicare was no longer allowed to cover the Part B deductible, thus, Medigap Plan F and Plan C have been phased out. If you are enrolled in either of these plans, you will be grandfathered in, however, premiums will be subject to increases. Once prices increase, you may want to revisit your plan. Changes can be made during the open enrollment period between October 15th and December 7th every year. Medigap plans C and F are not available to people who were newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
Sources:
- “When Can I Buy Medigap?” www.medicare.gov, www.medicare.gov/supplement-other-insurance/when-can-i-buy-medigap/when-can-i-buy-medigap.html.
- “When Can I Buy Medigap?” www.medicare.gov, www.medicare.gov/supplement-other-insurance/when-can-i-buy-medigap/when-can-i-buy-medigap.html. Under “I have a pre-existing condition.”
Categories
Recent Insights
-
Merging More Than Just Companies: Your Guide to Seamless Retirement Plan Integration
When companies merge, much attention is often given to combining operations, technology, and corporate cultures. However, one of the most complex—and crucial—tasks that often gets overlooked is how to integrate retirement plans. Getting this step right can ensure that employees stay confident in their benefits and the process runs smoothly. Below, we dive into the…
-
New Year, New Wealth: Fitness-Inspired Lessons for Financial Success
It’s resolution season – a time to reassess, refocus, and set meaningful goals. As a wealth management advisor, I’ve learned that the principles of financial success mirror those of physical fitness. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting your wealth-building journey, these three critical lessons will help transform your financial health. Lesson 1: The…
-
What is an ERISA Bond for a 401(k) Plan, and Why Does It Matter?
When managing a business, staying compliant with legal requirements can feel overwhelming. One critical but often overlooked necessity when setting up a 401(k) plan is securing an ERISA bond. This essential safeguard protects employees’ retirement savings and ensures compliance with federal regulations. Understanding the Basics: What is an ERISA Bond? An ERISA bond is a…
-
Bridging the Confidence Gap: Women and Financial Independence
Reflecting on my collegiate years, I already had a passion for community outreach, specifically supporting those who were not confident or empowered in their personal relationship with money. I was a part of a peer-to-peer organization, Red to Black, at Texas Tech University, where I volunteered to coach my fellow classmates with the goal of…
-
Digital Threats, Organized Solutions: Your Playbook for Financial Protection
Why Your Personal Information is at Risk Not a month goes by without seeing a headline that such and such company was hacked and consumer data was exposed to the dark web. In fact, the credit bureau Experian sent me an email with this exact message not even one week ago. If you don’t believe…