Wisconsin Medigap Policies

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, private health insurance companies provide Medicare recipients with supplemental health coverage to provide benefits not covered by federally funded Medicare.

Medicare

• The Wisconsin Department of Health Services explains that Medicare is the largest health insurance program in the U.S., covering over 39 million people in 2010. Medicare provides health insurance for people aged 65 and over, and for those with certain disabilities.

Medigap

• Rules covering Wisconsin's Medigap insurance policies are subject to state legislation regarding basic benefits that must be provided. In January 2001, Wisconsin enacted the Medicare Part D program, making private prescription drug coverage under Medigap policies invalid.

Medicare Select

• The Health Insurance Online website explains the State of Wisconsin introduced the Medicare Select program to provide state-controlled Medigap coverage. Medicare Select differs from private Medigap insurance by providing a list of health professionals available with Medicare Select. Private Medigap insurance offers members their own choice of health care professionals.