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  • Medicare Readiness Quiz
  • Original Medicare
  • Medicare Supplement
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  • Part D - Prescriptions
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Get Straight Answers Before You Enroll.

Get Straight Answers Before You Enroll. Get Straight Answers Before You Enroll. Get Straight Answers Before You Enroll.

Medicare Supplement (medigap)

Important DatesWhat is this?Understanding your cost!

Important dates

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

**this is the same INITIAL Medicare enrollment**

You can first sign up for Original Medicare during the 7 month period that begins 3 months before you turn 65 and it ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.  

If you enroll in months 1-3, and your birthday is not on the 1st, your coverage begins on the 1st of your 65th birthday month.  If your birthday is on the 1st, your coverage starts the month before your 65th birthday.  If you enroll in months 4-7, your coverage starts on the 1st of the month after you enroll.  

Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

This open enrollment last 6 months.  The 6 month period begins on your Part B effective date.  It is important to know that this period happens only once for most people.  It is not annual.  During this Medigap OEP you are able to enroll into a Medigap plan and not go through underwriting.  Underwriting is when you have to answer health questions before the insurance will approve your coverage.

Guaranteed Issue Period (GI)

There are some instances where you may qualify for guaranteed issue period.  Some situations include:

  • your MAPD plan stops offering coverage in your area
  • you move out of your plan's service area and lose your MAPD coverage by doing so
  • you enroll in a MAPD plan for the first time.  Within the first 12 months, you decide to switch back to Original Medicare

What is this?

Medigap

Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare to cover many of the cost that Medicare does not cover.  Medigap plans are standardized by the government.  This means that no matter what insurance company you purchase your plan from, the benefits are the same.  


Before you can buy Medicare Supplement Insurance, you must generall

Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare to cover many of the cost that Medicare does not cover.  Medigap plans are standardized by the government.  This means that no matter what insurance company you purchase your plan from, the benefits are the same.  


Before you can buy Medicare Supplement Insurance, you must generally have Part A and Part B.  With Medigap, you pay a monthly premium to a private insurance company in addition to the monthly  Part B premium you pay to Medicare.   

Understanding SOME of your cost!

Monthly Premiums

Monthly Premiums

Monthly Premiums

Medicare Supplement plans come with a monthly premium and these premiums increase over time.  This premium is in addition to any Part B premium that you are paying.  Another important thing to consider is that Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs.  You will need to add a standalone Part D plan.

Cost Share

Monthly Premiums

Monthly Premiums

Original Medicare does not pay all of the cost for covered health care services and supplies.  Medigap plans can help pay some of the remaining health care costs for covered services and supplies like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.

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