Medicare supplemental insurance, also known as Medigap, can help cover out-of-pocket healthcare costs not covered by Original Medicare. At compare.edu.vn, we provide you with a detailed comparison of available Medigap plans to help you make an informed decision. Finding the right supplemental Medicare coverage involves understanding the different plan types, their benefits, and how they fit your individual healthcare needs, so compare supplemental plans and make the right choice.
1. What Is Supplemental Medicare Insurance (Medigap)?
Supplemental Medicare insurance, often referred to as Medigap, is a private health insurance policy designed to cover the “gaps” in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). These gaps include deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, which can accumulate significantly during a health crisis. Medigap policies are standardized, meaning that benefits are the same across different insurance companies, although premiums can vary. Understanding what Medigap covers is essential for making an informed decision.
1.1. Core Benefits of Medigap Plans
Medigap plans offer several core benefits:
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Coverage for Medicare Part A Coinsurance and Hospital Costs: This covers your share of costs for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
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Coverage for Medicare Part B Coinsurance and Copayments: This covers your share of costs for doctor visits, outpatient care, and other medical services.
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Coverage for Blood (First 3 Pints): Medigap covers the cost of the first three pints of blood you receive in a calendar year.
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Hospice Care Coinsurance or Copayment: This covers your share of the costs for hospice care.
These core benefits provide a safety net, protecting you from significant out-of-pocket expenses associated with healthcare services covered by Original Medicare.
1.2. Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
It’s essential to understand the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. Medigap plans supplement Original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage plans replace it. You cannot have both a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan simultaneously.
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Medigap: Works with Original Medicare, offering comprehensive coverage and flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. You pay a monthly premium for your Medigap policy in addition to your Medicare Part B premium.
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Medicare Advantage: Provides all your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company. These plans often have networks of doctors and hospitals you must use to receive coverage, and they may require referrals to see specialists.
