For those who do not know what Medicare it is the federally provided insurance that covers the millions of American seniors who have qualified for and been accepted to receive Social Security payments from the Federal Government. The insurance premiums are paid directly from your Social Security check, so you never really see it. Unfortunately, much like all other insurance plans available across the country, Medicare does not cover everything at 100%.
This will leave a gap in the total coverage that each covered senior have and that would leave them responsible for the balance. One of the big reason for this is because the cost of healthcare has gotten way too out of control. Fortunately, there are plans available that are designed to fill the gap beyond what Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B cover.
These plans are government approved and are referred to as plan A all the way through plan L. Each one of these Medigap insurance plans are federally regulated in order to attempt to keep them at least somewhat cheaper for the senior.
Medigap Insurance Eligibility
A good rule of thumb to certain if you are eligible for one of the 10 Medigap insurance plans is that if you are at least 65 years of age and signed up for Medicare Part A and Part B. There are also a few requirements that you must meet in order to be able to qualify for coverage under Medigap insurance plans. You must at least meet the following tough requirements:
- You must be a legal resident or US citizen
- You have lived in the United States for at least 5 years
- Worked at least 10 years at a job that is Medicare covered
Common misconceptions about Medicare and why Medigap insurance is so important
One would think that a health care plan established by the US Federal Government that is designed to cover the medical expenses for senior citizens that are currently receiving Social Security payments would truly cover everything. Unfortunately, you would totally wrong and on top of that, each and every Medicare recipient has to pay their own premiums that are automatically taken out of your monthly SS check.
These Medigap plans are also not automatic and if you don’t qualify, you would be financially responsible for all of the doctor bills above what Medicare allows. Then there is the list of services that are not covered by Medicare at all. This list is actually quite extensive and is filled with things that might surprise you to find out that Medicare does not cover and that the Medigap plan you chose would have to be able to cover as much of those things.
Here is a brief list of some of the medical procedures that are not covered by Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B
- Routine eye care or glasses
- Eye refractions
- No yearly exams
- No Chiropractic services
- Hearing aids, tests, or exams
- Prescription drugs
Learn more about Medigap plans and rates at http://emedigap-plans.com. Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans. To talk to an expert in Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949!