
A photo of different medicinal drugs, tablets and pills on blue background.
There are a lot of questions that people have about Medicare and Medigap insurance plans. Some people wonder if they’ll really be able to save as much money on premiums if they change their doctor. Other people wonder if they’ll need to change their Medicare plan if they ever move. Fortunately, there are several suggestions that you should keep in mind if you’re thinking about Medicare supplement plans 2022.
One of the most important factors to remember when comparing Medicare and Medigap insurance plans is the co-payment rule. This rule says that you only have to pay the Part A coinsurance if your doctor picks up the tab for at least one office visit that you’ve had. That’s because the government covers the entire cost of your hospital costs up to a prescribed maximum, which is the hospital costs plus other out-of-pocket expenses like lost income due to missed work days and the cost of any medication. With medigap plans, however, you only have to pay coinsurance on the first hospitalization or first time that you miss a scheduled appointment.
Compare both types of plans to determine which will give you the most basic benefits for your needs. Medigap policies will cover the basics, which means there won’t be any deductibles. Medigap policies also will cover annual physicals. There will be nothing for prescription drugs, vision and hearing care, or dental care. Both types of plans will give you a discount for annual preventive care visits such as cholesterol screenings and blood pressure checks. The cost of visits and screening tests will depend on how much of a deductible you have, so you should calculate these into your budget to determine what you can afford.
If you’re between jobs or are changing jobs, check with the human resources department of your first insurer. Many carriers offer flexible plans for new employees. Inform your insurer if you’ve been laid off or if you plan to change jobs within the next six months. The HR department at your first insurer will help you find a plan with the least coverage required by the state you’re looking in. If this is an option, your HR department can also help you choose the most beneficial plan f for you.
When comparing the prices of medical insurance plans, you should also consider deductibles and coinsurance. Premium prices for Medicare supplement plans vary depending on the type of service you select. Some insurers require higher co-pays and coinsurance than others, but all insurers offer different combinations of deductibles and coinsurance.
Another factor you may want to compare is the enrollment process. If you enroll in Medicare Advantage Plans and elect to use a hospital network, you’ll pay less for your coverage than if you enroll in a Medicare Part A and B program. Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage Plan is a monthly process; therefore, you won’t be enrolled in Medicare advantage plan until the following month. The Medicare Advantage Plan usually pays 100% of your out-of-pocket expenses, so it pays to enroll in a plan as soon as you can.
One advantage of the Medicare supplement Insurance Plan is its guaranteed issue. Although you may encounter a higher monthly premium due to having certain pre-existing conditions, it typically doesn’t apply if you’re between jobs or changing jobs. Also, it generally doesn’t apply if you have a serious chronic condition. You can learn more about the features and benefits of Medicare supplement Insurance plans by registering for a free guidebook. You can also get a list of questions and answers, as well as learn how to contact your Medicare Plan Administrator.