Do I need Medicare Supplements?

You’re probably among the thousands of other Medicare participants who wonder if Medicare Supplements are worth the try and whether or not you need them at all. Your hesitation is quite understandable. However, the answer to this question depends on your health needs, your budget, and the overall costs.

To enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan, you need to be enrolled in Medicare Part A or B. If you haven’t enrolled in Part A and B, you won’t be eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan. 

If you have enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B, you will be entitled to pay out-of-pocket for a deductible, coinsurance, or copayment. This is known as the out-of-pocket fee. 

Overview Of The Medicare Insurance Plans

There is a difference between what your Medicare pays for and what you owe for medical care. This is usually called a gap, that is, the gap in your medical coverage.

Your Medicare Supplement Plan can pay the out-of-pocket costs from your Medicare Part A and B. Your Medicare Supplement insurance allows you to visit any doctor, health professional, or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare patients. One type of Medicare Supplement plan, called the Medicare SELECT, may restrict you to only seeing doctors or hospitals within their network area. 

Do You Need Medicare Supplements 

This Medicare insurance plan provides you with protection against the expensive out-of-pocket medical fees. This is enough reason to consider enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan, which helps with Part A and B coverage. Enrolling for the Medicare Supplement plan is encouraged if you belong to any of the following categories: 

  • If you frequently travel outside the U.S. and prefer to have coverage if you have any emergency medical care. Medicare Part A and B may not often cover for this.  
  • If you have to visit the hospital multiple times, frequently see a doctor, or use many medical services within a year.

If you do have as many visits to the doctor or the hospital, you can consider the Medicare Advantage Plan.

Medigap eligibility

If you are 65 or older and currently enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, you are eligible to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan. You can do this during the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, which starts the first day you become enrolled in Part B, and will last for six months. 

By enrolling during this period, you won’t be turned down for any reason. You can also avoid answering any medical questions that could impact your eligibility. 

At Hitcho Insurance, we work with you to find the best Medicare policy that suits your needs, goals, and finances. If you’re wondering which Medicare Supplement plan is right for you, give us a call today at (610) 694-9435 and receive a free consultation.