Medicare provides beneficial coverage for health-related expenses but at the same time leaves gaps that are you either pay for out of pocket or with private insurance. Medigap policies are health insurance policy sold by a private insurance company to help fill in those gaps.
With Medigap there are no restrictive networks. You choose the physicians, specialists, and hospitals who accept Medicare patients that you trust for your care. You can go directly to the physicians you choose without pre-certification and pre-approvals.
The insurance benefits are predictable because Medigap plans are standardized by the government. This insurance may help with deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Medigap Plans in Michigan
If you need help paying for out of pocket expenses related to Original Medicare, you may consider signing up for a Medigap plan. These plans aren’t meant to provide stand-alone coverage but may cover certain costs in Original Medicare such as emergency travel coverage and cost sharing expenses. There are various Medigap plans available in Michigan depending on your zip code so it is a good idea to understand what Medigap in Michigan covers to choose the plan that best fits your individual health and budget needs.
The Ins and Outs of Medigap Plans Work in Michigan
As mentioned, Medigap plans in Michigan are designed to help Medicare beneficiaries pay for costs associated with Original Medicare Part A and Part B, copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. These plans can’t be used to pay for Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) costs. There are 10 standardized Medigap available in 47 states, including Michigan, and each plan is identified by a letter (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N) with plans of the same letter offering the same benefits. Three states, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin offer different types of standardized Medigap plans.
To be eligible for Michigan Medigap you must already be enrolled in Original Medicare Part A and Part B. Your Medigap open enrollment period is usually the best time to enroll in a plan and starts the first day you are both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. This enrollment period lasts for six months. During your Medigap open enrollment period, you have a guaranteed issue to enroll in and Medigap plans available in your service area.
Participants cannot be denied coverage altogether because of their health status or required to undergo medical underwriting; however, insurance companies may require a six month waiting period before covering your pre-existing conditions. If you try to enroll in or switch plans outside of the Medigap open enrollment period there is a chance you may be denied coverage or charged more for your insurance plan unless you have guaranteed issue rights. There are a few situations where you can still enroll in or change plans with guaranteed issues such as your Medigap insurance company misled you or broke the rules when selling you a Medigap policy.
It is important to understand that Medigap in MI is meant to supplement Original Medicare and not to replace it all together. You have to remain enrolled in Original Medicare for your hospital and medical coverage and you will need to keep paying your Medicare Part B premium to keep this coverage. In addition, be aware that Medigap plans in Michigan do not offer prescription drug coverage so if you want to receive that type of coverage you will need to enroll in a standalone Medigap Plan D prescription drug policy.
Learn more about Medigap plans & rates in Michigan at http://emedigap-plans.com/michigan-medicare-supplement-plans. Our Michigan Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans in Michigan today. To talk to an expert in Michigan Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949 today!