Medicare supplement insurance is meant to bridge the gap between the amount a provider charges and the amount Medicare covers. While Medicare covers the majority of your healthcare expenses, it does not foot the entire bill.

Medigap Plans aid in covering the rest of the amount that is owed. Some Medigap Plans even cover the entire amount that Medicare does not, leaving you with virtually zero out of pocket expenses (at least for your medical needs.)

Medicare supplement Plans are regulated and made standard by the federal government. Each Plan type must contain the same coverage. However, Medicare supplement prices are not standardized. Medicare supplements are provided by private insurance companies which name their prices according to their own guidelines.

One of the best traits of Medicare supplements (also known as Medigap) is that they do not have networks of doctors and other health practitioners. As long as the practitioner accepts Medicare, he or she will accept a Medicare supplement. The claim will simply go through Medicare first then onto the supplement to pick up the specified remainder (according to the Plan chosen.)

One of the most popular Medicare supplement Plans is the Plan F simply because it does pick up the entire remainder of what Medicare does not cover. No muss no fuss! However, due to Plan F’s all encompassing nature it is a bit more expensive than its also popular brethren the Plans G and N.

Please be sure to do your research before you decide which Medicare supplement to apply for, and make sure to start researching your options a good few months before you will need that extra coverage. You want choose a Plan that will be a good fit for you. If you choose wisely the first time, you may never need to go through the hassle of finding a new Plan and making a new application again.

Want to find out more about Medicare supplement insurance, then visit Richard Cantu’s site on how to choose the best Plan for your needs.

Most Americans still know little about the new PP&AC Act laws that have taken effect and of those that will over the next couple of years. Senior citizens are the most confused and concerned segment of the population, as the changes will greatly impact the health care system they depend on for their well-being. This confusion and concern creates opportunities for devious individuals who will do their best to take advantage of senior citizens through the country.

Shortly after President Obama signed the PP&AC Act into law, there was a cable television advertisement that told viewers to call an 800 number to take advantage of a “limited enrollment” period to get special coverage that is now entitled to them by the passage of health care reform. There are also several news articles going around reporting that there are door-to-door salespeople going around selling “Obamacare” insurance policies.

Combine confusion about the new laws and the fear generated by the worst economy since the depression and you have a perfect mix for scammers to take advantage of consumers, especially senior citizens. As agents, we encourage you to talk to your clients and tell them to beware of any potential offers they receive in relation to their health care. This also means you’ll have to stay abreast of the latest scams as well. Here are some areas of the Act that could potentially be exploited:

The $250 prescription drug rebate for Part D - scammers may offer expedited payment for a price.

Better access to nursing home records - scammers may offer bogus data services whereby they try to get seniors and their families to pay a lump sum or for a subscription for data on nursing homes that is either falsified or that is freely available elsewhere.

The $250 prescription drug rebate for Part D - scammers may offer expedited payment for a price.

Of course there are numerous areas of the bill that will be exploited so prepare to see all manner of exploits. To verify any offer received by your clients, one of the best ways to do so is to call your state insurance department and see if the entity offering the deal to your client is licensed to do business in your state. If you come across any scams, we encourage you to let the department of insurance know and spread the word as much as possible. Stay vigilant my friends.

Want to find out more about medicare supplements? Then visit Alex Stone’s site on how to choose the best medicare supplement for your needs.