A Medicare Supplement Plan, often referred to as Medigap, is a type of insurance policy offered by private companies to help cover certain costs not paid by Original Medicare. Original Medicare, which includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), covers a significant portion of healthcare expenses, but not all.
This is where Medigap plans come into play, providing coverage for additional costs such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. In New Hampshire, these plans can be particularly beneficial as they provide peace of mind by minimizing unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
Private insurance companies offer various Medigap policies, each standardized and identified by letters like Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Although the benefits of each plan remain uniform across providers, premiums may vary.
Therefore, it’s important to compare plans based on both coverage benefits and costs. This comparison ensures that seniors in NH select a plan best suited to their individual needs. Notably, Medigap plans don’t cover services like vision or dental care, which must be sought through separate policies.
Understanding the open enrollment period is key when considering a Medicare Supplement Plan. This period starts the month you’re both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B, lasting six months.
During this time, you can purchase any Medigap policy sold in New Hampshire, regardless of pre-existing health conditions. This is a critical opportunity for seniors to find a policy that offers the necessary coverage at a manageable cost.