How to Enroll in the Medicare Medigap Policy

Medicare provides medical coverage for seniors and the disabled. About 80 percent of the cost of doctor visits is covered. Hospitalization is covered after meeting a deductible of $1,000 or more. These out-of-pocket costs can add up quickly, which is why many seniors enroll in a Medicare supplement, or Medigap, policy. These policies help control out-of-pocket costs and add some additional benefits, like emergency coverage if you're traveling overseas. There are several plans to choose from; some cover all of your out-of-pocket costs, others cover a percentage of your costs. Premiums vary widely depending on your age and which plan you enroll in.

Things You'll Need

• Medicare card
• "Medicare & You" Handbook (mailed annually)
• Phone and/or computer with Internet access
• Money for the first month's premium

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Instructions

• 1

  Confirm that you are enrolled in both Medicare parts A and B. Medicare part A covers hospitalization, and Medicare part B covers doctor visits. Also confirm that you do not have any other coverage, like through employment or a retirement plan.

• 2

  Decide how much you (and your spouse, if applicable) can afford for your monthly premiums. Don't forget that you will be responsible for the Medicare part B premium as well as the Medigap premium.

• 3

  Review the standardized plan options. You can review the basic plan benefits before contacting any companies by using the "Choosing a Medigap Policy" handbook published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. You can download this at www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/02110.pdf. The guidebook for the current year will have all of the standardized plans listed. Medicare supplement plans have the same coverage from company to company. A plan C with one company will cover the same things as a plan C with another company. Plans cover 50 percent to 100 percent of your Medicare part A co-insurance, your part B deductible, and your part B co-pays. Some plans also include foreign emergency coverage, as Medicare alone does not cover any medical care overseas.

• 4

  Get a list of companies that sell Medigap policies in your state. Many state departments of insurance have lists on their websites. You can also call your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (known as SHIP). You can find the number if the back of your "Medicare & You" handbook. You can also get your local SHIP office by calling Medicare at 800-Medicare.

• 5

  Review the list and choose three to five companies to get further information from. If you have access to a computer with Internet access, go to each company's website and get an exact quote for the plan you're interested in. You can also do this by phone. After reviewing the quotes, choose a company to enroll with and either enroll online or ask for enrollment forms to be mailed to you. Fill out and return the enrollment forms, if applicable. Print out a copy of your enrollment forms and confirmation of receipt if you enrolled online.

• 6

  Review the written information you receive from the company you enrolled with. At a minimum, you should receive a member card with your policy number and company contact information to present at medical appointments and a written policy. Ask questions about anything you don't understand.

• 7

  Choose a Medicare part D prescription drug plan. Medigap policies do not include prescription coverage, and there is a penalty if you wait to enroll in a prescription plan. Medicare part D plans are not standardized, so premiums and co-pays can vary widely. Compile an up-to-date list of your prescriptions, then either contact your local SHIP office, which can provide assistance in choosing the best plan for you, or go to the official Medicare website (www.medicare.gov), which has an online tool to help you choose the best plan. Both resources can help you enroll in a drug plan as well.