Medicare Supplements

Medicare Supplement Insurance (also called Medigap coverage or senior health insurance)

Medicare Supplement Insurance is a form of health insurance, and is one of the many options seniors have to supplement Medicare. Medicare supplements serve as a "secondary insurance", covering the gaps in coverage that Medicare itself will not cover (i.e. deductibles for hospital stays etc.). Private health insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield,  AARP, and Secure Horizons are a few of the nations leading health insurance companies that sell senior health plans. Medicare supplement benefit structures are closely regulated and health insurance companies sell the same ten standardized Medicare supplement plans (Plans A-J). Each plan A through J has a different set of benefits. Plan A covers only the basic (core) benefits. These basic benefits are included in all the Plans A through J. Plan J offers the most benefits.

When you buy a Medicare supplement policy, you pay a premium to the insurance company. This premium is different than the Medicare Part B premium you must also pay. As long as you pay your premium, your policy is guaranteed renewable, which means it is automatically renewed each year. Your coverage will continue year after year as long as you pay your premium. Your Medicare Supplement policy only covers your health care costs. It doesn't cover any health care costs for your spouse, or children.