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Medicare Supplement Plan – Types of Plans

Do you need Medicare supplements to make sure you get the best coverage? Not everybody needs a Medicare supplement plan. There are times when Medicare will pay for most of what you need out of pocket. However, Medicare does not cover everything, such as prescriptions and some dental care.

To determine if you need additional coverage you should contact Medicare representatives. They will be able to help you decide if you qualify for the Medigap supplemental Medicare supplement plans. Not every Medicare recipient qualifies for all the plans available.

There are four different Medicare supplement plans available to qualified beneficiaries. Medigap Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, and Plan D. Each plan are standardized but cover different aspects of the Medicare program. Plan A is the least expensive of the four. It covers the most out of pocket expenses and is usually selected by seniors who have an annual income that is just below the poverty level. Seniors who earn too much and do not qualify for Medicaid are often on Medicare plan A.

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Medigap Plan B, also called Medicare Part D, is more expensive than the other plans. It offers more comprehensive coverage for prescription medications, doctor visits, durable medical equipment, and dental care. Seniors who purchase the original Medicare Parts A and B and stay within the open enrollment age each year receive a subsidized premium. Seniors who choose to enroll in the open enrollment option to have the opportunity to switch between the different supplement plans. They also have the opportunity to upgrade to a higher coverage plan at any time.

The fourth type of Medicare Supplement Plans are the Medigap Advantage Plans. Advantage Plans are standardized plans that offer coverage only to the “Advantage” patient. These are often not subject to the same deductibles or coinsurance requirements as the Original Medicare Parts A and B. The most popular Medigap Advantage Plan is the Medicare Part D Plus. This plan provides maximum Medicare coverage with no monthly premium and does not cover any out of pocket costs, except for the Medicare Part A deductible.

When choosing a Medicare supplement plan, it is important to remember that there are variations between the plans. It is important to compare all the different plans to make sure you are choosing a plan that will cover everything you need. It is also important to remember that all plans are standardized so it is important to read the summary notice for each plan. It will outline all the differences between each plan. Finally, if you feel you may need to be covered by one of the additional benefits of a plan may offer, review the summary notice and call the customer service number on the document.