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What is Medicare Supplement Insurance and what does it cover?

Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, fills the gaps in coverage left by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).While Original Medicare provides essential health insurance coverage for eligible individuals aged 65 and older, it doesn’t cover all healthcare costs. That’s where Medicare Supplement Insurance comes in. In this guide, we’ll explore what Medicare Supplement Insurance is and what it covers to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage needs.

Understanding Medicare Supplement Insurance

Medicare Supplement Insurance is sold by private insurance companies and is designed to work alongside Original Medicare. It helps pay for certain out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. It’s important to note that Medicare Supplement Insurance can’t be used to cover expenses for services not covered by Medicare, such as long-term care, dental care, or eyeglasses.

What Does Medicare Supplement Insurance Cover?

Although Medicare Supplement Insurance plans are standardized and regulated by the federal government, they don’t all offer identical coverage. There are ten standardized plans labeled A through N, each providing a unique combination of benefits.  However, all Medicare Supplement Insurance plans must cover certain basic benefits, including:

Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs

Helps cover the coinsurance and hospital costs associated with Medicare Part A, including hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and certain home health services.

Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment

This helps cover the coinsurance or copayment required for Medicare Part B services, including doctor visits, outpatient care, and durable medical equipment.

Blood (first three pints): This covers the cost of the first three pints needed for a medical procedure, whether received through a blood bank or as part of a blood transfusion.

Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment

Helps cover the coinsurance or copayment required for hospice care services provided under Medicare Part A.

Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance

Helps cover the coinsurance required for skilled nursing facility care provided under Medicare Part A.

Additional Coverage Options

In addition to the basic benefits required by Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, some plans may offer additional coverage options, such as:

  • Medicare Part A deductible
  • Medicare Part B deductible
  • Foreign travel emergency coverage
  • At-home recovery

It’s essential to carefully review the coverage options available in your area and choose a plan that best meets your healthcare needs and budget.

Conclusion

Medicare Supplement Insurance can provide valuable financial protection against the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare. Understand Medicare Supplement Insurance to make informed healthcare decisions as you age. For assistance in selecting a plan, reach out to CT Insurance Agency. Our agents will guide you through Medicare complexities to find the right coverage for your needs.

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