It happens just like clockwork. You turn 50 and invitations start rolling in for you to join AARP and AMAC because you’ve hit that golden milestone. It seems like it was just yesterday you were turning 20 and wondering what you were going to do with your life.
Time rocks on though and right before you turn 65, your mailbox starts filling up again. This time it is with reminders that you need to select your Medicare plan and the type of medical benefits that you want.
Both of these milestones signal a new chapter in your life and an opportunity to save some money.
The problem is that while Medicare does provide you with a good deal of medical coverage, it doesn’t cover everything.
This is the reason why some people purchase a separate policy that helps to fill in the holes in their Medicare coverage.
This type of policy is known as Medicare Supplement Insurance.
What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Medicare Supplement Insurance, which is sometimes called Medigap, is a type of extra health insurance that is purchased through a private company.
It pays for some of the costs that occur outside of the benefits that your Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers, such as:
- Co-Insurance
- Co-Payments
- Deductibles
You may think that if you have already chosen a Medicare Advantage Plan you can’t switch to a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, but this is not the case. You can switch at anytime. You just can’t have both types of plans at the same time.
A Good Example of Medicare Supplement Insurance in Action
Let’s take a look at one of my client’s and how this type of plan helped him. In Keith’s case, he started out with a Medicare Advantage Plan, but after we talked, he switched to Medicare Supplement Insurance and got some really great coverage.
He found out just how great that coverage was after he started not feeling well and ended up in the hospital where they discovered he was having an TIA, which is sort of like a mini stroke. Watch the video below and hear directly from Keith on what happened and why having Medicare Supplement Insurance turned out to be the best way he could take care of himself.
You Don’t Have to Wait for Open Enrollment
One of the best parts about Medicare Supplement policies is that you don’t have to wait for Open Enrollment like you do for Medicare Advantage. Most people don’t realize it, but if you’re over the age of 65 and are healthy, you can switch to a Medicare Supplement plan at any time.
As an example, my mom recently had the opportunity to choose a Medicare Supplement plan after her retirement package from work was discontinued. She didn’t even have to go through underwriting, which was really great for my mom.
Now, when she goes to the doctor, has to have another surgery, or anything medical comes up – her out of pocket cost will be zero.
For my mom, this is huge because it means that she will go to the doctor when she is in pain because she knows that she will not have to pay anything, not even the co-payment cost.
She says she loves her new plan. I know that if it is good enough for my mom, then you are going to love it too. I think you will also be very pleasantly surprised when you find out just how reasonable the prices are for getting this much coverage.
I’ll Explain it in Plain English
If you’re 64, I would love the opportunity to have a conversation with you, or even sit down with you at my office and map out your homework that needs to be completed prior to you turning 65.
And, I’ll do it in plain old English, not in government-speak with all that confusing terminology like Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Part A, Part B, and even what-the-heck are Parts C & D.
Don’t you love how the government came up with all this complicated different wording, and as you read through the brochure – you still have no clue what they are even talking about? It almost seems like they do that intentionally just to keep people confused.
How would you like to have someone to sit down and explain all of this to you in words that you are familiar with and can understand?
My Promise to You
I promise that within 10 minutes, I can explain all of this to you in words that you are familiar with and can make sense out of. After our conversation, you’ll have the knowledge to make an educated decision on which plan best fits your needs.
A word of warning though. Don’t wait. You have up to 6 months prior to your 65th birthday to choose a plan and during that time the insurance companies can’t ask you any questions about your health like:
- Are you a diabetic?
- Have you had any heart issues, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or any other health issues?
- Does your family have a history of cancer?
You can choose whatever plan you want and you will get approved. You just have to do it in the open enrollment period that revolves around your 65th birthday.
Up to that point, the insurance companies aren’t allowed to use your medical history or pre-existing conditions as the basis for charging you more or denying you coverage. If you decide to switch after you have turned 65 it’s a whole different story. You have to be underwritten and also in good health.
Therefore, you WILL get approved for whatever plan you want if you choose the plan in your open enrollment that revolves around your 65th birthday. You must choose wisely though – very wisely, because it’s a one shot deal and you won’t get another chance.
If you’re like a lot of people and you like to put things off to the last minute, trust me – this is not one of those times that you want to be a procrastinator.
Don’t Wait – Let’s Talk Today
I don’t say this lightly. This is the one time in your life that you need to talk to a professional about Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Don’t just ask a friend or your family, or call only one company. Instead, ask a health insurance broker who represents all companies, so they can advise you based on your personal situation.
That’s why I’m asking you to contact me today at the information below. Let’s set up an appointment to talk about your Medicare or health insurance needs. I want to help you, it’s what I do. I’m always happy to answer your questions and look forward to hearing from you.