How to Get a Medigap Plan

Americans over age 65 have access to health insurance coverage through Medicare, a federally funded insurance program. While Medicare Parts A and B offer basic doctor and hospital coverage, there are some things that Medicare does not cover. Some Medicare beneficiaries choose to purchase a Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, plan to pay for some of the costs that Medicare doesn't cover, such as co-payments and deductibles. Several types of Medigap policies are available, each with different costs and levels of coverage. Purchasing a plan requires that you know your budget and the level of coverage you need.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit the Medicare website. Hover over the "Resource Locator" on the top of the page to reveal a drop-down menu. Click on "Medigap Policies" in the menu.

• 2

  Complete the questionnaire on the Medigap Policy Search page. Enter your Zip Code and health status, and choose "No" if you do not already have a Medigap policy. Click Continue.

• 3

  Compare the policies that are available in your area. The chart offers basic information about costs and benefits. Click on the link for the policy you're interested in for more details.

• 4

  Click the link to the companies that offer the policy you want in your area, and then on the individual company. The Medicare site will redirect you to the insurance company website.

• 5

  Contact the insurance company directly using the contact information on their website. Some insurance companies will help you over the phone, while others will set an appointment to have an agent meet with you to go over your insurance options.

• 6

  Complete the application for the insurance plan of your choice. If you are enrolling during your open enrollment period, the insurance company cannot decline your application. If you're outside of the open enrollment period, your application may be subject to underwriting, meaning that the company may reject you or charge more for the policy.

• 7

  Purchase the policy in accordance with company policy. Some companies bill monthly, while others request quarterly payments.