Information Covering Medigap In Michigan

Most people realize that they are eligible to enroll in Medicare when they turn 65.  When enrolling for Medicare, many people choose to purchase a Michigan Medigap insurance plan to cover the additional expenses that exceed Medicare’s basic benefits.  There are ten different Medigap policies that are available to participants in Michigan.  While the cost of Medigap policies is important there are a number of other factors to consider when purchasing a Medigap policy in Michigan.

Michigan Medicare Basics 101

Medicare is a traditional fee for service insurance plan that is offered to all US residents once they turn 65 years of age.  Medicare consists of two parts: Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.  Medicare Part A is considered hospital coverage and inpatient care.  Medicare Part B covers other routine medical care such as office visits to the doctor, physical and occupational therapy.  Medicare Part B is subject to a monthly premium paid out of pocket by the Medicare participant.

Many Medicare beneficiaries opt to buy a Medigap policy to cover copayments and other costs that exceed their original Medicare benefits.  Medicare Part C, otherwise known as the Medicare Advantage Plan, is not Medigap.  It is a plan that is offered by insurers and includes traditional fee for service coverage through PPOs and HMOs.  These plans may also include prescription drug coverage often referred to as Medigap Part D coverage.

Michigan Medigap Plans

All MI Medigap insurance plans are identified by letters and contain the minimum benefits that are set aside by the federal government.  For example Medigap Plan G has the exact same benefits whether you buy it from insurance company A or B, the only difference may be the cost.  The same is true state to state.  Michigan Medigap Plan G is the exact same coverage that Texas Medigap Plan G participants will be offered.

Unlike employer sponsored coverage which most of us are familiar with, Michigan Medicare and Medigap policies only offer coverage for one individual. Spouses must obtain their own coverage under a separate policy.  You and your spouse are not required to purchase the same type of policy.

Many plans offer in network and out of network benefits.  Benefits, coverage, will be higher when you choose to use services provided by in network providers.  If you are purchasing a plan, no matter the carrier, it is important to verify that your physician and preferred hospital are part of the network.

If you are looking to avoid limitations that accompany pre-existing conditions than it is critical you enroll in a plan during your open enrollment period.  Participants’ can enroll in Michigan Medigap plans anytime during the year but if enrolled outside of the open enrollment period you are not guaranteed coverage as you are during open enrollment.  Michigan Medigap insurance companies cannot deny you coverage for any reason, during the period, as long as you meet the requirements.

Basic Medigap Coverage Can Include:

• Medicare approved inpatient expenses up to an additional 365 days after the maximum benefit under Medicare expenses have been paid
• You are covered for your approved expenses under Medicare Part B depending on the coverage outlined in your Medigap policy. Some Medigap policies will cover your Medicare Part B deductibles so that you have minimal out of pocket expenses.
• If you are in need of a blood transfusion the first three pints each year are covered.
• Outpatient prescriptions and inpatient respite care coinsurance under Medicare hospice payments

Some plans offer more generous benefits than others.  The more benefits the policy has the higher the cost to participants.

These extra benefits can include:

• Emergency health care when traveling outside the United States
• Coverage for skilled nursing care after Medicare benefits cease
• Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B deductibles at a full or partial level
• Prescription drug coverage, Medigap Part D can be incorporated. Be sure you thoroughly review the benefits prior to adding this provision to your Medigap policy.

Learn more about Medigap plans & rates in Michigan at http://emedigap-plans.com/michigan-medicare-supplement-plans.  The Michigan Medigap Insurance brokers at e Medigap Plans 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!

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!

As old age beckons, we embrace it by ensuring that we have access to the best medical care available in order to stay healthy and happy. The sad truth is that the best medical care does not come cheap. It is very expensive and without planning, you might end up spending your entire retirement nest egg on frequent trips in and out of the hospital.

For people who live with this constant fear in Michigan, you can take advantage of comparing Michigan Medigap quotes and rates so you can get that retirement you truly deserve.

The government’s answer to the plight of countless seniors who just want a retirement in good health is Medicare. Medicare is a federally funded program which channels taxpayers’ money into an insurance plan that provides health coverage for specified individuals. Medicare is an insurance plan that provides seniors over 65, younger people with disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) a platform where they can access healthcare for their needs.

Medicare provides a lot of benefits and helps to take off the immediate burden on the people covered by the program. However, it runs on a limited scope which means people might find themselves paying out of their pockets for additional expenses that are not covered by the Medicare program.

When you access Medicare, you either choose Medicare Part A and /or Medicare Part B and Medical Advantage which comes along with HMO and PPO plans. Seniors who pick any of these options in Michigan soon have to face the reality that all their medical expenses will not be covered.

To help solve this problem, certain Medicare supplemental plans or Medigap as it is more commonly referred to have been introduced. There are 10 Medigap plans to choose from in order to cover all the gaps left by Medicare. These plans are standardized meaning that their content is the same across all the states.

They basically cover nine gaps which are outlined below:

Medicare part A Coinsurance

Medicare Part A Deductible

Medicare Part B Coinsurance

Medicare Part B Deductible

Skilled Nursing Care Coinsurance

Hospice/ Care Coinsurance / Co payment

Charges for First Three Pints of Blood

Medicare Part B excess charges

Foreign travel exchange

However different Michigan insurance providers offer different quotes or rates for these plans. We help you compare MI Medigap plans on offer and find the one that is most suited to your health needs. The most important tool why considering which plan to pick is information. First you must first be aware of which gaps you must absolutely fill to give you the best health care possible. This means you must know what each supplementary plan guarantees.

You also have to find a reputable insurance provider. We do not just compare Michigan Medigap quotes and rates but help you choose a solid company that will not go bankrupt, leaving you stranded.

You do not have to lose your entire savings in search of quality healthcare. Let us compare MI Medigap plans that are available and provide the perfect fit for you and your budget.

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 888.404.5049 today!

Enrolling in Medigap is important in a number of ways but the primary benefit is that it can help protect you from financial disaster in cases of prolonged illness or serious accidents.  For those participants that are not familiar with Medigap below is a shot explanation of exactly what it is and what it does for policyholders.

A Medigap policy is a health insurance policy that is sponsored by the federal government and sold through private companies to supplement the benefits and services obtained through Medicare.  Although private companies sell Medigap it is regulated closely by federal, state, and local governments to ensure that participants have the opportunity to be covered if desired.

The name Medigap comes about because of the function that is provides between Medicare and additional services.  The gap that is left between the cost of medical bills and what Medicare actually pays towards these expenses is often covered with the purchase of additional insurance in the form of a Medigap plan.

There are a number of parts to Medicare and ten different plans within Medigap that you can enroll in.  Regardless of which one Medicare recipients in Michigan choose from it is crucial to note that it is not going to cover all of your hospital, pharmaceutical, and doctor’s bills in a medical emergency.  However, it will prevent the financial disaster that would have occurred without participation in the Medicare and Medigap programs.

As we all know medical costs have been skyrocketing for a number of years now and don’t seem to be letting up anytime soon.  A major medical problem which includes a long stay in the hospital could cost you easily $100,000 or more.  Even with Medicare covering 80% of that, you are still responsible for $20,000 or more in leftover medical bills.  For the average American this could wipe out your entire savings at the time when you most need it.

One of the best things about Michigan Medigap Plans is that you can enroll in one of your own choosing at the age of 65 without any medical questions asked.  This opportunity is only available for three months before you turn 65 to three months after you have turned 65.  This means it is very important to participate in a Medigap plan during the period.  If you wait until this window of opportunity is closed you could end up paying a lot more for the same policy or worse yet you could end up without coverage.

Going with a low priced Medigap Plan may sound appealing but remember that you may not be able to change plans after your health deteriorates.  During your open enrollment period the insurer cannot refuse your application for Medigap insurance or charge you a higher than standard rate or limit coverage for pre-existing health problems.

Your medical history is completely irrelevant during open enrollment which typically begins on the first day of the month in which you are at least 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B.  This golden opportunity only lasts for six months.  Outside of open enrollment you may not be able to find an insurer that will allow you to enroll in a different plan with a pre-existing condition.  That’s why you may save in the long run by enrolling in the Medigap Plans in Michigan with the best protection when you have the chance.

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!

MI Medigap verse Michigan Medicare Advantage Plan

While you are looking through Medigap plans it is a good idea to look at Medicare Advantage plan that offer full coverage Medicare benefits.  A Medicare Advantage plan can protect you from big bills and provide you with additional options including prescription drug coverage, vision, dental, hearing, and more.  We make shopping easy without complete catalog of Michigan Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare Part D Plans Work With Michigan Medigap Plans

Don’t forget that Original Medicare and MI Medigap plans do not cover the cost of your prescriptions.  For this you need Medicare Part D.  We offer the complete catalog of Medicare prescription drug plans that are available in Michigan.

Eligibility and Availability

You are eligible to apply for Medigap in Michigan if you are a resident enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B and if you are over the age of 65.

MI Medigap Subsidy:

The MI Medigap subsidy is a program administered by the Michigan Health endowment Fund that helps residents pay for Medigap coverage.  If the program finds you eligible, beginning in January 2017, the program will pay a subsidy directly to your Medigap insurer.  This subsidy is subtracted from the amount of premium you owe thus lowering your monthly premium.

If you have a household income of $26,730 or less for one person or $36,045 or less for two people and have a Medigap plan with a participating insurance company, you may qualify for the subsidy.  You can find out more by visiting www.MichiganMedigapSubsidy.com.

Medigap Plans Basic Core Benefits

Every Medigap plan includes all of the following:

• Hospitalization: Medicare Part A coinsurance plus coverage for 365 additional days after Medicare benefits end
• Medical Expenses: Medicare Part B coinsurance (generally 20% of Medicare approved expenses) for hospital outpatient department services
• Medicare Part A and Part B Blood Coverage: The first three pints of blood per calendar year
• Medicare Part A: Hospice Coinsurance

Standardized Medigap Plans

• Medigap Plan A includes only the basic core benefits
• Medigap Plan B includes the basic core benefits and the Medicare Part A deductible
• Medigap Plan C includes the basic core benefits, the Medicare Part A deductible, skilled nursing facility care, the Medicare Part B deductible, and medically necessary emergency care in a foreign country
• Medigap Plan D includes the basic core benefits, the Medicare Part A deductible, skilled nursing facility care, the Medicare Part B deductible, 100% of the Medicare Part B excess charges, and medically necessary emergency care in a foreign country
• Medigap Plan F includes the basic core benefits, the Medicare Part A deductible, skilled nursing facility care, the Medicare Part B deductible, 100% of the Medicare Part B excess charges, and medically necessary emergency care in a foreign country
• * Medigap Plan F also offers a higher deductible option. The deductible increases every year and premiums are typically lower than other Medigap policies. However, you must meet the deductible before the policy will cover your health claims
• Medigap Plan G includes the basic core benefits, the Medicare Part A deductible, skilled nursing facility care, 100% of the Medicare Part B excess charges and medically necessary emergency care in a foreign country
• Medigap Plan K includes the core benefits, 50% of the cost sharing for Medicare Part A covered hospice expenses and the first three pints of blood. It pays 50% of the Medicare Part B coinsurance after you meet your annual deductible.  Once the participants meet their annual deductible
• Medigap Plan L includes the core benefits, 75% of the cost sharing for Medicare Part A covered hospice expenses and the first three pints of blood. It pays 75% of the Medicare Part B coinsurance after the annual deductible.  Once the annual out of pocket spending limit is met than 100%
• Medigap Plan M includes the core benefits, 50% of the Medicare Part A deductible, skilled nursing facility care and medically necessary care in a foreign country
• Medigap Plan N includes the core benefits, the Medicare Part A deductible, skilled nursing facility care, and medically necessarily emergency care in a foreign country
• *Medigap Plan N pays 100% of the Medicare Part B coinsurance except up to $20 copayments for office visits and up to $50 for emergency department visits

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!