1. What is a Medicare Supplement?
A Medicare Supplement is health insurance designed to cover expenses in excess of the amount Medicare pays. It is designed to “follow” Medicare in that it pays some or all of the provider’s remaining charges of eligible expenses after Medicare. As a rule of thumb, Medicare Supplement providers do not pay for charges not considered eligible by Medicare.
2. Who can have a Medicare Supplement?
Residents of the U.S. who have Social Security and have attained the age of 65 or are disabled and receive both Parts A & B of Medicare are eligible to apply for a Medicare Supplement.
3. Can they turn me down if I apply?
If you are eligible to apply, have started receiving Social Security payments and apply within six months of turning age 65 or within six months of beginning Social Security you will not be turned down.
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4. Once I have a Medicare Supplement will I be able to change plans?
If you wish to change Medicare Supplement plans you usually will be subject to health questions and underwriting.
5. What are Parts A & B?
Part A of Medicare pays hospital and a limited amount of skilled nursing expenses. Part B pays doctor and certain outpatient expenses.
6. What is Part C of Medicare?
Part C of Medicare refers to Medicare Advantage Plans which replace Medicare and are not Medicare Supplements.
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7. What is Part D of Medicare?
Part D of Medicare refers to the new Prescription Drug plans. Please see our separate section of Part D or Medicare Prescription Drug Insurance FAQs.
8. Do Medicare Supplements cover long-term care in a skilled nursing facility or charges for custodial care or home health care?
Medicare itself covers only limited days in any of the above circumstances and only according to strict criteria. Medicare Supplements follow suit. Adequate protection must be purchased through Long Term Care Insurance policies designed to cover this risk. See our separate FAQs for Long Term Care.
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