What is Medigap? Medicare Supplement Plans Explained (2024)

[@RhettBeeson]

If you ever find you moving into an area where you current MAPD does not service or your plan is no longer being offered in your county this is a great time for a Guaranteed Issue to get into a supplement plan. Supplement plans are also great for snowbirds as they are the easiest to use while traveling. In my opinion these plans offer you the best access to healthcare and ensure that your doctor can provide the best options for your healthcare needs. MAPDs are referred to as managed care plans, meaning your insurance company is managing your care, this can sometimes cause issues where a doctor and an insurance company arent seeing eye to eye on your treatment needs. You wont run into these problems with Med Supp, just my $0.02 as the child of a person on Medicare!

[@conniehealth]

Thank you for your insights. I agree that Medigap plans give you greater flexibility compared to Medicare Advantage or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans (MAPD). You can use it anywhere in the United States and with any provider that accepts Medicare. Appreciated you pointing out that when you move you get a Guaranteed Issue Right again, as if it was your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. That's important!

[@RavenCall3334]

This is so helpful and informative! There’s so much different terminology in the Medicare and you made it very easy to understand. Thank you so much for the information.

[@conniehealth]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aprilabaray8410]

Great video for new to Medicare beneficiaries who need more information before they decide what type of coverage they may need.

[@conniehealth]

Thanks for watching!

[@sidmartinez3240]

Wow, thanks for explaining Medigap....I thought medigap/medicare supplements were the same as Medicare advantage.....I needed this

[@conniehealth]

While they are both ways to get additional coverage compared to Original Medicare, alone, they are different. I'm glad this video helped clarify that for you!

[@timothybird781]

Very informative video. Thank you.

[@conniehealth]

Glad it was helpful! Stay tuned every month between now and October!

[@Vicson-bh4qt]

This is a great breakdown of how the parts of Medicare work together and what they cover!

[@conniehealth]

Thank you! Glad that it was helpful!

[@hildahilpert5018]

Why in God,s green earth cant we just have NATIONAL HEALTH CARE???? Just go to any hospital, doctor, specialist,etc.Pay for it by using the income tax as a payment.Do like the military do with TRICARE!!!!

[@MonicaAcosta-gq6vi]

Thank you for explaining Medigap it helps so much.

[@conniehealth]

You're very welcome!

[@edithmeyer3171]

Great explanation for those looking for a standardized plan or an alternative to Medicare Advantage.

[@conniehealth]

Thanks!

[@JustinWestervelt]

Thank you! So much good stuff.

[@conniehealth]

Our pleasure!

[@SherrieMulvaney]

Wow! I appreciate explaining the Medigap/Supplements. I thought they were the same as Part C

[@conniehealth]

Yes, it's important to know the different between Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans and Medicare Advantage. They both do one important thing! Protect you from Original Medicare's unforeseen out-of-pocket costs and help prevent medical debt!

[@RitaBancroft-x2t]

An Agent once told me, "I call these no headache no hassle" plans!

[@conniehealth]

That's clever. Yes, compared to a Medicare Advantage plan, Medigap plans allow you to see any Medicare assigned provider, it travels with you nationally, and prior authorization is not as difficult. It will, however, depend on which plan you choose. There are 10 standardized plans, some that cover more, and some that cover less of Original Medicare's out-of-pocket expenses. It all depends on how high of a premium your budget can afford.

[@RitaBancroft-x2t]

such a simple way to digest complicated information. "Medigap" "Medicare Supplements" same difference, but often times so confusing!

[@conniehealth]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CharlesMcMillan-ly1sw]

This is something to think about if you go to the doctor often. Also, keep in mind not all providers take Medicare Advantage plans.

[@conniehealth]

Yes, Medigap plans are great for people who go to the doctor often and want greater flexibility in seeing providers. Any provider that accepts Medicare is covered with a Medigap plan. Thanks for sharing.

[@CrystolbrassNoelle]

So these kinds of plans dont come with the benefits you mentioned in those other videos but it does pretty much cover you full after meeting the deductible? That is really something to think about if i understand it correctly.

[@conniehealth]

There are 10 Medigap plans to choose from. I recommend you take a look at the article in the video's description - about Medigap plans. Not all plans cover you in full after meeting the deductible, but some do. It depends on how much you're willing to pay for your monthly premium, and your health. You're right, Medigap plans don't offer things like dental, vision, hearing and other benefits that Medicare Advantage plans cover.

[@judievictor8359]

Makes sense to make sure you look for something besides Medicare to cover the gap so you don’t get stuck with unexpected out of pocket costs.

[@conniehealth]

Those out-of-pocket costs can get scary! Either a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan is recommended to avoid high out-of-pocket costs, or worse, medical debt.