What Gaps do I Need Medigap Insurance For?

There are many questions about what Medigap or supplemental insurance covers and why it is necessary.  With so much information around, it can be a confusing subject. 

There are some definite and basic areas that are important gaps in coverage and that Medigap/supplemental insurance can cover.  Some of these areas are hospital deductibles.  For example, though Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing home stays, home health and hospice services, there are areas that are not covered, such as hospital deductibles, co-payments, so-insurance, payments for stays beyond 150 days, skilled nursing facility co-payments, home health services which are more than part time, skilled nursing facility stays of over 100 days, and more.

These are gaps that need to be covered by some sort of supplemental plan. There are various plans available and it is important to explore what plans are available and the prices that are charged, plus what the plans cover.

There are also gaps for Part B (Supplemental Medicare Insurance) also has some gaps.  Part B covers outpatient care, such as physicians, medical devices and prosthetic devices.  There are deductibles, co-insurance and co-payments and payments for portions of treatments or devices that are not totally covered.  These are items that can be covered by a Medigap plan.

There are also various plans called Qualified Medicare Beneficiary plans (QMB) that some people qualify for.  QMB covers Medicare premiums, co-insurance and deductibles, as long as the individuals qualify financially or the coverage.

There are policies from B through L and they cover various things.  It is important to research on the Medicare website www.Medicare.com, www.cms.com or can call 1-800-MEDICARE to get specific information on each plan to get help determining what pans would work best for them.

There are many options available to make sure you are covered the best way possible.  It is important to research all plans and decide what plan you need.