Tag: Medicare Coverage Gap

Comparing Medigap Plans in Michigan

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Medigap is a health insurance policy that is sold by private insurance companies to fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare. There are various Medigap plans available in Michigan.  It is a good idea to understand what Michigan Medigap insurance plans cover to choose a plan that best fits your individual health and budget needs.

When it comes to Medigap it is important to note that it is a supplement to Original Medicare Part A and B in Michigan and is not meant to replace this coverage.  In fact, you must remain enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B for hospital and medical coverage and be current on your premiums to participate in Medigap.  In addition, be aware that Medigap plans in Michigan do not offer prescription drug coverage.  To receive prescription coverage, you must purchase the stand alone Medigap Plan D, prescription drug plan.

Standard Medigap Plans

In the state of Michigan, private insurance companies offer ten standard Medigap plans that participants can choose to enroll in.  Each Medigap plan covers the same benefits no matter who it is purchased through.  Medigap Plan A is the same through Blue Cross Blue Shield as it is through Aetna.  No matter what insurer the plan is purchased through or the premium that is paid the coverage benefits are the exact same.

How Michigan Medigap Works

As previously mentioned, Medigap plans in Michigan are designed to help Medicare beneficiaries pay for costs associated with Medicare Part and Part B.  This can include copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.  Medigap plans cannot be used in conjunction with Medicare Advantage.  There are ten standardized Medicare supplemental insurance plans available in Michigan.  Each is identified by one of ten letters: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N.

Enrolling During Open Enrollment

The Medigap open enrollment period is the best time to enroll in a plan.  Open enrollment for Medigap is the same as Medicare Part A and Part B enrollment starting the first day of the month you turn 65 and lasts for six months, remember that to enroll in Medigap you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

During the Medigap open enrollment period you have a guaranteed right to enroll in any Medigap plan that is available within your service area.  You cannot be denied coverage because of your health status or medical underwriting.  Although if you enroll in or switch plans after the open enrollment period you can be denied coverage, be charged higher premiums, and penalized for pre-existing conditions.

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!

Medigap Insurance Plans

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4 Ways Participants Benefit from Purchasing Medigap

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Are you 65 or is your 65th birthday around the corner? Are you enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B? You have a six-month open enrollment period that begins on the first day of the month in which you are 65 or older. Therefore, this is the best time to start shopping for a Medigap insurance policy. Also known as Medicare supplement insurance, Medigap policies are guaranteed, regardless of the condition of your health and are sold by private insurance companies to fill in some gaps in the coverage you get from Medicare, as long as purchased within your open enrollment period. Consider the following benefits of purchasing Medigap:

  • Medigap Supplements Original Medicare

Medigap is a private insurance policy that picks up where Medicare leaves off, helping you cover co-payments, coinsurance, deductibles, including services such as medical care outside the U.S. This additional cover may not be “necessary” if you already have a supplemental retiree health insurance through a former employer or union. However, it is important because it provides extra protection for high out-of-pocket costs, especially if you become seriously sick or need to receive more care as you age.

  • Guaranteed Coverage

Under federal law, insurance companies cannot deny you a Medigap coverage during a six-month open enrollment period that begins the month you turn 65 and join Medicare. Additionally, even if you lose certain types of health coverage such as Medigap policy, Medicare Advantage plan including private group health insurance, you have the right to buy most Medigap policies within 63 days. Insurance carriers are obligated to offer you the best available rates regardless of your health, which brings us to the next important point.

  • Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions

During the Open Enrollment Period, an insurance company can’t deny a Medicare supplement policy or charge a higher premium because of pre-existing conditions. While participants may face a six-month waiting period, but as a Medigap beneficiary, they have a “guaranteed issue rights” and will receive all Medicare benefits. Therefore, to ensure eligibility and timely approval, it is important to begin shopping for Medigap early.

  • Popular Medigap Plan F

Baby boomers can celebrate because this plan now pays for all the gaps in Original Medicare Part A and Part B, including both hospital and outpatient deductible. This means zero out-of-pocket at the doctor’s office.

The financial burden of health currently and in the future, including the level of service you receive, may have huge implications and lasting impact on your life. Switching Medicare supplemental insurance plans shouldn’t be stressful, retirees can talk to a reputable Medicare brokers who will help with identifying the best possible coverage for the best possible rates by comparing Medicare plans and rates from private insurance companies that supply Medigap.

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!

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Understanding Medigap Insurance in MI

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A Medicare Supplement Insurance, often known as Medigap, is an insurance policy that private insurance companies sell to people with health insurance cover, and it helps pay a number of the health care expenses that the original Medicare is not supposed to cover. Some of these costs include deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and health care whenever you are not in the US among others. In Michigan, all the private companies offering Medigap plans will require you to pay a certain amount of money per month, which is often called a monthly premium. For more information you can always view our Medigap guide.

Important things you should know about Medicare Supplement Insurance

Here are some of the most important things you should know about Medigap insurance policies in Michigan.

  1. Part A and Part B coverage required

Apart from Part A Medicare, you are also requires to have Medicare Part B for you to be able to purchase a Medical Supplement Insurance.

  1. The policy covers one person only

When you purchase a Medicare policy, you should know that it doesn’t cover more than one person. This therefore means that if you are married, and you both want the coverage, each of you will have to purchase separate Medicare policies.

  1. You must buy from a licensed company

All insurance companies in Michigan can sell you a Medigap policy provided the company have a license to sell the policy. Remember that it is a criminal offence to buy a Medical Supplement Insurance policy from a company that is not licensed by the state of Michigan to sell the same.

  1. You must pay a monthly premium

In addition to the Part B premium you are required to pay Medicare, you will also have to pay a monthly premium to a private insurance company that sold you a Medigap policy.

  1. It doesn’t cover everything

Contrary to what many people believe, Medigap insurance in MI does not cover everything. Precisely, Medigap Insurance in MI do not cover private-duty nursing, dental care, vision care, eyeglasses and hearing aids among other long-term care expenses.

  1. It doesn’t cover prescription drugs

In the past, a Medigap policy could cover even prescription drugs. In fact, if you bought your policy before January 1, 2006, the law allows you to include even the prescription drug coverage. However, the policy purchased after this date cannot cover prescription drugs because that would be breaching the current law. So, what do you do if you would like to cover prescription drugs? Well, you still have an option. Just join a Medicare Part D (Medical Prescription Drug Plan).

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 today.  To talk to an expert in Michigan Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949!

 

 

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Michigan Medicare Advantage plans

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

You might have the option to join a Michigan Medicare Advantage plan, also called Medicare Part C. To be eligible, you must have both Medicare parts A and B and live in an area that has this plan available.

The federal government contracts with insurance companies and managed care plans to offer Medicare Advantage in specific locations. Medicare pays the plan a set amount each month for the plan to provide Medicare parts A and B services to its members. You pay your monthly Medicare Part B premium and any premium the Medicare Advantage plan charges. You also must pay any copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance the plan requires. If you are in a Medicare advantage plan, you won’t get a Medicare summary notice. You’ll instead get monthly statements from your plan and you might be able to view your claims on the plans website.

The Benefits Of Medicare Advantage Plan

Medicare Advantage plans usually have more benefits that original Medicare. For instance, some Medicare advantage plans cover dental and vision services. However, Medicare advantage might not be the best option for some people. Your choice of doctors and hospitals in a Medicare advantage plan are limited. If you have other insurance, such as a group retirement plan, ask your group plan if it works with an advantage plan or with original Medicare. With a Michigan Medigap plan you can go to any doctor or hospital that uses Medicare, there is no “network”.

Medicare Part D Plan

Because Medicare negotiates contracts with Medicare Advantage plans each year, the plans available and the benefits they provide can change each year. If your plan discontinues services, you will have to find a new plan in your area. eMedigap-plans.com can help with that or you can watch our YouTube video and learn how to do it on Medicare.gov. How to choose your own part D on Medicare.gov. This short video walks you through how to get setup with a Medicare part D plan.

If your Medicare advantage plan leaves your area, or if you move out of the plans service area. You may have the right to join another advantage plan. You may also have the right to buy a Medicare supplemental insurance plan or more commonly known as a Medigap plan. If your advantage plan ends, it must give you written notice of your options and tell you how long you have to buy a supplemental policy. The written notice is your proof to the supplemental company of your right to buy a supplement.

Choosing the Right Policy For You

You have a lot of different options when it comes to Medicare. You can choose one of ten Medigap polices to get the coverage you need and can budget in, or you can go the simple route and choose a Medicare advantage plan. They both have their pros and cons. Once you figure out what you’re paying in total for health care we then can recommend a plan for your health care needs. You can also view our Medigap guide page.

If you end up getting an advantage plan and you don’t like it, there is a 30 day period were you can enroll in a different plan. This is called the “free look” period. This period starts on the day your policy starts. You can switch to a different plan, or even get a refund. If you wait till after 30 days you can still cancel, but you won’t get a refund. You can also wait and switch during open enrollment.

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!

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Choosing a Medigap Plan In Michigan

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The only two new Medicare Supplemental Plans to be added to the list of Medigap Insurance Plans this year boasted lower premiums than some plans that were already on the market.  Medigap Plans M and N keep premiums low by requiring you to pay a portion of Medicare’s charges.

Plans M and Plans N

Medicare Supplement Plan M only covers 50% of the Medicare Part A’s $1, 100 deductible which needs to be met before Medicare starts to pick up your hospital bills.  If hospitalization is unlikely this policy might make sense for you.  Plan N reduces premiums by requiring you to pay for part of your Medicare’s Part B co-insurance amounts for doctor’s services.  This plan could work well if you typically spend little on Medicare Part B co-insurance.

Beyond these new low-cost plans one of the biggest names in health insurance has actually proposed cutting Medicare Supplement Premiums where the need is the greatest.  A name you don’t often think of as being a leader in low-cost health insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield, wants to offer larger discounts on Medicare Supplement Plans to Michigan seniors with the lowest incomes.

How Does The Blue Cross Plan Lower Medicare Supplemental Insurance Premiums?

As the largest insurer in Michigan, Blue Cross already uses 1% of what it collects in premiums to help lower the price for people with Medigap Insurance to supplement their Medicare coverage.  Blue Cross representatives say that this translates into a 39% discount which is currently being evenly distributed to those with Michigan Medigap Policies.  Blue Cross is requesting to skew that distribution in order to make the largest discounts available those who need the most help.

All seniors would still benefit from discounts of at least 25% but those with the greatest need in Michigan would get extra assistance.  For example, the Blue Cross plan would mean that a senior with an income of $16,245 would need to pay only half of the $191 monthly premium.

If this change is approved by the state Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation more than 200,000 Michigan seniors could see a change in their Blue Cross Medicare Supplement Premiums.  If you have an income above $32,600 you would see an increase but all others would get a reduction in their premiums.  Is it possible this idea will spread to other states beyond Michigan?

How Can Participants Reduce Their Medicare Insurance Premiums?

No matter what state you live in there is a simple way to keep your premiums low.  One of the easiest ways to be sure you are getting the best Medicare Supplement value is to request an annual review where independent agents compare your needs to other Medigap Policies.

If your health makes it simple to change policies you may find a lower priced plan that works better for you.  It is a good idea to request such a free policy review once a year so you don’t miss out as new plans become available.  If your needs change, of course, anytime is the right time to see if a different Medicare Supplement can save you money.

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!

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What Medigap options do I have in Michigan

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Many people will think that they can easily purchase Medicare when they reach 65. In that case they prefer going for the Michigan Medigap insurance policy, that can accommodate the all additional expenses that can go beyond to the Medicare’s primary benefits.  As of now, they have ten standard plans for the seniors. Where each program possess different benefits and cost associated with it. Hence it is always recommendable to go for the licensed agent that may guide you thoroughly about every single aspect of it moreover your mind will be clear enough about those plans. And you can go for the one that will suit you the most.

The basics you may require about the Medigap plan in Michigan:

Before you register yourself, you need to know that Medicare is a typical institute that works as the fee-for-service insurance that is there to provide to all US residents once they turn 65 years old. Medicare includes two major parts the Part A and the other part B. while the Part A is there to provide you the hospital coverage and all the inpatient care. Part B may have the routine medical care and check up.

More about the plans:

You must have an idea that All the Michigan Medigap insurance programs might have identification through a letter that will possess the benefits set by the state. For instance talking about the Plan G that has the same typical benefits that every insurance company that provides to the Medigap Plan G policy, while the price may differ.  Unlike the other aspect of employer-sponsored health coverage, which most people are familiar, Michigan Medigap policy is capable of covering only one individual. The one individual might have not any benefits to the siblings or the relatives.  Michigan Medigap Plan F provide you the most costly healthcare services upon comparing it to the other plans. It includes every possible benefit. Michigan Medigap Plan A will have the only the prime policy benefits, while the Plan C will be there to know about all boxes on the outline of advantages moreover a; coverage charts.  While the only benefit never accommodates is the  Part B that excess charges for the doctor.

Do the people have any advantage that is less than 65:

The answer is yes for sure.  But the rate will vary from the people that have age 65 and over. The right detail can only be attained through contacting the licensed agent that will be aware of every aspect of the concerning rules, benefits, and cost.

What are the actual benefits the person will enjoy:

Here you go with the benefits:

  • They will be providing you the emergency health care when you may go outside the US.
  • The other benefits are that you will be given full benefits for the skilled nursing care right after the Medicare benefits will get expire.
  • The part A and the Part B will offer you deduction either complete or partial.
  • The drug description can also be incorporated.

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!

 

 

Medigap Insurance Plans

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How To Find Medigap in Michigan?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Have you been in search of the best medigap in Michigan? Have you been thinking about getting the supplement plan from the Medicare Medigap? If yes, then we are sure that this piece of article would be coming up a lot effective best information for you. If you have been thinking about using the Medigap, then for sure you would be quite a lot interested to know about it even more. To learn about the Medigap, it is important that you should know about their plans and what sort of needs each single plan is coming up with.

What is a Medigap Supplement plan?

First of all, we would be starting off with the little background that is related with the Medigap plans. Medigap is also known by the name of Medicare supplement as well. There are different kinds of the private insurance companies that are being offering out with the high range of the best quality Medicare Supplement plans to help out to pay Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs. There are different Medicare Supplement plans that will be paying off with the different amounts of those costs, mentioning with the copayments, as well as coinsurance, and also the range of deductibles.

Is a Medigap Supplement Plan Best for You?

As we did mention in the earlier beginning that medigap supplement plans are being categorized into so many divisions and each single division has its own need and necessity. You should choose the plan that stands best according to your needs and wants. There are certain level of circumstances that if they are true, then you should alternate out the use of Medigap supplement plan right now!

  • If in case you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B and have been undergone with so many of the doctor visits or frequent hospitalizations.
  • You are very much interested in choosing with the flexibility where you can make the selection of the doctor or the hospital that accepts your medicare serivces.
  • Sometimes you do often divide your time just as in between two homes in different regions of the United States.

How To Shop For the Best Medigap Supplement Plan?

Now the main question that do hit so many minds is that how you should find the best Medigap in Michigan! Well, as you would shop around you would particularly be finding some of the plans that are covering hence 100% of the Medicare Part A deductible, and some of the portion are deductible, and some plans are not covering the modes of deductible at all. There are some of the plans that do cover emergency medical care at the time of your travel.

  • To choose the best one we would suggest you to have a look at the chart first.
  • You should think about the services which you want the most and also at what point your highest Medicare out-of-pocket costs have been.
  • For the information of the readers we would like to mention the fact that Medicare Supplement Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N may cover all of these Medicare-approved costs at the range of about 100%.
  • Be sure that you are paying off the monthly premium with a Medicare Supplement policy and also be paying off with the Medicare Part B premium as well.

 

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!

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Michigan Medigap Plans

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Michigan insurance allows private insurance companies to offer something called Medigap. This can help pay some of the health care costs that original Medicare doesn’t cover. These gaps in coverage are things such as coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments. Medigap policies are here to help cover gaps in original Medicare.

These Medigap plans in Michigan are standardized. This means you will get the same coverage for the same plan, No matter which company you choose. However, pricing is the main concern; each private insurance company will charge a different premium. We work with a lot of different companies to get you the best Medigap price possible.

Currently in 2017 there are ten Medigap plans in Michigan. These plans are labeled by letters. One thing is, don’t confuse these Medigap plans with the original Medigap plans, as they are both labeled by letters. Plan A will cover basic benefits while plan F has the most comprehensive coverage.

The other plans offer varying amounts of coverage. Plan Premiums increase as you move from plan A to plan F.

We can help you compare plans in all of Michigan including Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint and beyond!

You may qualify for a Medigap savings program if you are receiving or are eligible for Medicare part A and have a low income and limited assets. If you qualify, you can get discounts on certain health expenses, like premiums, copayments and deductibles.

If you are looking for more plan information, we at eMedigap-plans.com can help! We have a lot of resources available to you. You can view more information on our website, Blog or even contact one of our US based, licensed agents.

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!

 

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Basic information about Medigap in New York

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If you registered in Medicare part A and part B you actually have the alternative to also enroll in a Medigap plan in New York. These add on plans help cover holes or ‘Gap’ costs in original Medicare. These types of cost consist of copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses. In most states, including New York, there are ten Standardized Medigap plan options. These plans are labeled as letters just like original Medicare.

What do we mean standardized plans?

Regardless of where you buy your plans from, each plan will be the same. Coverage from Plan A from one insurance company to another has the same benefits. The only different is the price tag. Each company charges a different premium. Another important thing to consider is customer service. If you need answers and the companies you are working with cant answer them, it might be time to look for another company. We at eMedigap-plans are 100% dedicated to customer service. We listen to what health coverage you need and recommend a plan on your requirements.

When’s the best time to enroll in Medigap?

While a beneficiary already enrolled in Medicare part B may enroll in a Medigap policy in New York at any time after age 65, the best time to do so is during the six month Medigap open enrollment period (OEP). The OEP begins on the first day of the month that you are both age 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this six-month period, you have the guaranteed-issue right to enroll in any plan, without fear of medical underwriting, higher monthly premiums, or exclusion from complete coverage.

However, if you choose to enroll after OEP, you may be required to submit a medical history for underwriting purposes, and could be denied or charged more for coverage due to any pre-existing conditions.

Learn more about Medigap plans and rates at http://emedigap-plans.com/new-york-medigap-insurance-plans. Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare New York  Medigap Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medigap New York coverage call toll free 888-452-7949 today!

 

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How and When To Change Michigan Medigap Plans

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A brief overview on Michigan Medigap:

Medigap is supplemental insurance for Medicare. If you have Medicare Part A and Part B, You might have heard of Medigap or also known as Medicare Supplemental Insurance. This type of insurance is for individuals that need more coverage then just Part A and Part B of Medicare. It is sold by private insurance companies and all the plans are regulated by the federal government. If you need more information on Medigap please feel free to browse our blog or website. Now that you know more about the topic, let’s move on to why you would need to change plans.

Why would I need to switch my Medigap policy?

As your medical needs change over time, you might want to look over your policy. Maybe you need more coverage or maybe you need less coverage? Or maybe you can’t afford your current plan and need to switch. Medicare.gov does a great job covering this and breaks it down to 4 parts. You can read about that here.

When can I switch?

This becomes tricky as a lot of variables come into play when trying to switch plans. In most cases, you are “locked” into a plan, but like I said it really depends on things like: did you just get the plan? Or are you within your 6-month open enrollment period? If you are not sure you can give us a call and double check. We have USA, Licensed agents ready and happy to help.

Medigap free look period

If you decided to change your plan for whatever reason, you have what is called a Medigap “free look period”. This allows you to take 30 days and decide if you want the new policy. This period starts when you sign up for the new plan. We recommend not canceling your 1st plan, just in case you want to go back to it. However, this means you have to pay for both plans. Once you determine what plan you want to go with you have to cancel the other one.

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!

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