Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplements are standardized plans that were created to help cover the out-of-pocket expenses from Original Medicare, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance costs. Though Medigap covers a lot of out-of-pocket costs from Medicare Parts A and Part B, there are few things it does not cover.
What Does Medigap Not Cover?
One of the things you cannot receive coverage for with a Medicare Supplement is prescription drug coverage. Original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs, meaning you cannot receive coverage for prescription drugs under Medigap. Also, Medigap does not cover dental, vision, long-term care, eye glasses, or hearing aid costs.
However, many of these services are covered under Medicare Advantage. Many Part C plans cover prescription drugs, routine dental, vision, and hearing, and more, such as gym memberships and transportation for doctor visits. It is impossible to cover your Medicare Advantage out-of-pocket expenses with Medicare Supplements. With this in mind, it’s important to remember that you cannot have a Medicare Supplement and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time. Once you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, you can choose to stick with just Original Medicare coverage, or add on either a Medicare Supplement plan or Medicare Advantage plan.
What Medigap Covers
As previously mentioned, Medicare Supplement plans cover the out-of-pocket costs from Original Medicare such as copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance costs. Medicare Supplement plans differ in terms of coverage. However, most cover Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part A hospice copayment or coinsurance costs, Part B coinsurance and hospital costs, and up to the first three pints of blood transfusions.
More comprehensive plans may cover skilled nursing care facility coinsurance, Part A deductible and/or Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, or foreign travel emergency care.
Want to Learn More? Call Us Today
At Game Changing Benefits, we are dedicated to answering all of your Medicare questions and making sure you have all the information you need to make decisions about the coverage that’s right for you. If you want to learn more about Medicare Supplement plans and what they can provide for you, give us a call today.
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