What is supplemental Medicare insurance?
Supplemental Medicare insurance, or Medigap, is sold by private insurance companies. It helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. There are different Medigap plans to choose from, each offering different levels of coverage.
Benefits of supplemental Medicare insurance
One major benefit of supplemental Medicare insurance is that it helps protect you from high out-of-pocket costs. For example, if you have a Medigap plan that covers your deductible, you won't have to pay it each time you receive medical services. Supplemental Medicare insurance also gives you the freedom to choose any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, without worrying about network restrictions.
Drawbacks of supplemental Medicare insurance
One drawback of supplemental Medicare insurance is that it comes with an additional monthly premium. You'll need to pay this premium in addition to your Medicare Part B premium. Another drawback is that not all services are covered by Medigap plans, such as long-term care, dental care, and vision care.
Considering the cost and benefits
When deciding if supplemental Medicare insurance is worth it, you'll need to consider the cost versus the benefits. If you frequently visit doctors or need specialized care, the extra coverage and freedom to choose providers might be worth the monthly premium. On the other hand, if you're generally healthy and don't require many medical services, the additional cost of supplemental Medicare insurance may not be worth it.