Learn What Medigap Insurance Will Cover

By Larry Price


If you are reaching the age of retirement, it is a good idea to start looking in to how you apply for Medicare and gap policies. First, it is important to understand what gap plans do. These plans are in addition to your government coverage that is purchased from private companies. The Medigap insurance pays for costs that your Medicare does not such as deductibles, co pays, and care you received outside of the country.

The gap plans do not cover hearing aids, glasses, vision care, or dental work. Additionally, private duty nursing and long term care is not covered by gap plans. Prescription medications are covered by choosing a separate policy under Part D. Gap coverage has its own monthly premium which is separate from Part D, prescription coverage, and Medicare B which covers doctor charges.

You are only eligible for this type of coverage if you already have Medicare part A and part B. Part A coverage pays for hospital expenses and as mentioned earlier, B covers doctor charges. If you have an Advantage plan you cannot buy gap plans. Learn which gap plans are available in your area. You can find all the information you need through the department of insurance can be found online.

Gap plans A through N are the standard plans offering a variety of coverage levels. Do a side by side comparison of the plans that are available. This is the best way to see which plan has the coverage you will need. Keep in mind that if you are a new subscriber you can not get plan E, H, I, and J.

Each company charges different premium amounts for their coverage. It is important to note that all standard plans offer the same benefits. For instance, plan C has the same benefits regardless of the company that is offering it. Not all the states require the same standards for gap coverage plans.

The time to purchase a gap plan is during open enrollment. This is the period of time that is six months prior to the first day of your sixty fifth birthday month. However, you must be signed up for Part B of Medicare or within 6 month of when you signed up. You will be able to purchase the gap coverage for the premium a healthy person pays.

Attempting to purchase a gap policy after this window of opportunity has closed, does not guarantee you will be able to get the coverage. In the event that you do obtain coverage, you run the risk that your premiums will be higher. It is important to know that in addition to the premium you pay for Medicare B, you will be paying a premium to an insurance company for the gap plan.

The amount of the premium will be determined by your age, where you live, the company you purchase from, and the plan that you select. Once you have purchased your standardized plan, it is guaranteed renewable provided you pay your premiums on time. This guarantee extends even to those with pre existing health conditions.




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