Medicare Supplement Center

Seniors Review Health Insurance

At this time of year, many seniors review their current health insurance to see if a Medicare supplement policy would be a good idea.  Seniors that have retired and have insurance through their previous employer are finding out about changes to their health insurance.  Not all the changes are favorable.  Many include higher premiums and higher deductibles.  When the premiums and/or deductibles get too high, Medicare supplement policies combined with Part D coverage become attractive.  One important factor to consider before leaving group coverage is what you might be gaining or losing in RX benefits.  Many seniors with health insurance through previous employers still have very rich RX coverage that does not have a "hole" in the coverage.  A person should be very careful before giving this benefit up, especially if the individual is taking a lot of RXs.  A Medicare supplement policy also known as Medigap policy can be a very attractive alternative to consider at this time of year.

Time to Shop for a New Medicare Supplement Insurance?

November 15th is coming up and many seniors with Medicare supplement insurance believe that this is the time (November 15th - December 31st) they can change to another medicare supplement policy (medigap policy).  This is true and false.  True, you can look for and apply with another medicare supplement company between November 15th and December 31st.  False, if you thought this was the only time of the year you can change Medicare supplements.  Unlike Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D plans Medicare supplement insurance can be changed at any point during the year.  One of the easiest ways to shop for a new medigap policy is to request quotes online and let someone do the work for you.  This way you can compare Medicare supplement plans and medicare supplement quotes from several different companies and decide which one is the best fit.

2009 Medicare Part B Premium

Good news for Medicare recipients!  For the first time since 2000, the Medicare Part B premium will be the same in 2009 as the previous year for most seniors.  Individuals making $85,000 or less or couples making $170,000 or less will pay $96.40/month.  This is good news for seniors with Medicare supplement insurance since every dollar matters.  Having a Medicare supplemental policy combined with Medicare Part A and Part B is a great way for senior to insure their health.  Like almost everything else, premiums increase a little each year on an individual's Medicare supplemental policy so any cost savings helps.  In a few weeks it will be time to take a look at Part D coverage and hope that there is some savings available there for Medigap policyholders as well as all other seniors.