Medicare Supplemental Insurance

Medicare Supplemental Insurance, also known as Medigap, is a private health insurance policy that can be purchased to help cover some of the things that Medicare Parts A and B don’t.

Cover the gaps in Original Medicare

Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover everything and can still come with a number of out-of-pocket costs. You can purchase a Medigap plan through Highmark to help pay for things like:

— Copayments

— Coinsurance

— Deductibles

Some plans provide coverage when you travel outside the U.S. today, something Original Medicare can’t do. Plus you can see any doctor you choose as long as they accept Original Medicare.

Things to know about Medigap

Before you try to buy a Medigap plan, there are a few things you should know:

— You must have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B first.

— There are 10 plan types available in most states, labeled A through N. Each has different costs, benefits, and eligibility requirements.

— The open enrollment period is six months from the first day of the month of your 65th birthday — as long as you are also signed up for Medicare Part B — or within six months of signing up for Medicare Part B. During this time, you can enroll in any plan, regardless of your health. If you try to buy a plan later, there is no guarantee that you’ll be able to get coverage. If you do get covered, your rates might be higher.

— They only cover one person. You and your spouse will need to purchase plans separately if you both want coverage.

— They stopped covering prescription drugs after Jan. 1, 2006. For prescription drug coverage, you need Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan that comes with prescription drug coverage.

— Medigap is different than Medicare Advantage. To learn the differences between the two, go to the Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage page.

— You’re responsible for both your Medigap plan’s monthly premium and your Medicare Part B monthly premium.

— They usually don’t cover things like hearing aids, dental, vision, eyeglasses, private nursing, and long-term care.

Whole Health Balance Program

Since Medigap plans do not include vision, hearing, dental, or prescription drug coverage, we have a Whole Health Balance Program that you can add to your Medigap plan.

Coverage includes:

— Hearing

— Vision

— Dental

— Fitness services

Paying for your prescription drugs

Highmark has prescription drug plans to help you pay for your prescription drugs. You can learn more about those, here.