Skip to the content

Tag: Medigap Insurance

Your Guide to Medigap and Other Medicare Supplement Plans

Medigap is Medicare supplemental insurance. Private insurance companies sell these policies. They are designed to help cover the gaps in healthcare costs with original Medicare, such as deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance. It can also help with services Medicare does not cover, including travel outside the U.S. Why You Might Need Medigap Insurance Original Medicare Parts A and B will not cover all expenses if you...

Social Security vs. Medicare

Social Security and Medicare are related. Many seniors begin receiving benefits from both at approximately the same time. However, they are two different programs administered by other federal agencies, which provide different benefits to older adults. What Is Social Security? Social Security was created to promote the economic security of Americans. It is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and designed to pay continuing...

How to Avoid Medicare Penalties

Medicare charges late enrollment penalties that take some people by surprise. These penalties are designed to discourage older Americans from passing up Medicare coverage and possibly incurring high medical bills down the road. Take steps to avoid these penalties, so you do not have to pay higher Medicare premiums. What Penalties Does Medicare Impose? You end up paying more for Medicare if you enroll late...

How to Prepare For Your “Welcome to Medicare” Visit

If you are new to Medicare, you are embarking on a new phase in your healthcare journey. One of the first things you will do is schedule a “Welcome to Medicare” visit. Medicare covers this visit. When scheduling this first visit, ensure the medical provider you choose accepts Medicare. When you choose your Medicare plan, ensuring you will retain access to your usual doctor could...

Can I Switch to a Different Medigap Policy?

If you have Medigap insurance (Medicare Supplemental Insurance), you may be considering switching or canceling your policy. Under certain circumstances, you have the right to switch to another policy. If you are within the six-month open enrollment period, you can switch policies, or you could be eligible due to a specific circumstance. Some of the reasons people consider switching Medigap policies include: You would like...