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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a Medicare Supplement plan?
A Medicare Supplement (MediGap) is an insurance policy that helps cover the "gaps" in coverage that are left after Medicare Parts A and B pay their portion of your healthcare expenses. They are available from private insurance companies. Plan for plan all insurance companies must provide the same standardized benefits as outlined by law. The cost of a Medigap plan can vary widely and MedigapShopper can help you find the lowest cost Pennsylvania Medicare Supplement plans.
Q. Am I eligible to purchase a Medicare Supplement plan?
You may apply for a Medicare Supplement when you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. During your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period - for people 65 or older, that's six months after you sign up for Medicare Part B - companies must allow you to buy any Medicare Supplement plan offered. In Pennsylvania if you become eligible for Medicare due to disability you can also apply for a Medicare Supplement during your open enrollment period.
Q. Does a Medicare Supplement plan replace Medicare Parts A and B?
No. A Medicare Supplement plan works with Original Medicare Part A and B.
Q. What are the Medicare Supplement enrollment dates?
There are no specific enrollment dates for a Medicare Supplement plan. You can apply for a new plan or change plans any time as long as you have Medicare Parts A and B.
Q. Can my Medicare Supplement plan be cancelled?
Medicare Supplement coverage is guaranteed renewable, which means your insurance company cannot cancel your policy because of your age or health. Your policy can only be cancelled if you fail to pay your premium.
Q. Do I have to take a physical examination when I apply for a Medicare Supplement Plan?
No, but if you apply outside of your open enrollment period some insurance companies require you to answer health questions to determine your eligibility.
Q. What is a Medicare Advantage plan?
A Medicare Advantage plan is an insurance policy designed to replace the benefits provided by Medicare Part A and B on an 'actuarial equivalent" basis.
Q. Am I eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?
When you have Medicare Part A and Part B, you may enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during a qualified enrollment period. This includes your initial coverage election period which begins three months before your Part B enrollment date through the three months following your Part B enrollment date. You may also enroll during the annual open enrollment period or during a qualified special enrollment period.
Q. Does a Medicare Advantage plan replace Medicare Parts A and B?
While you must have Medicare Parts A and B in order to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare does not directly pay your bills when you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Q. What are the Medicare Supplement enrollment dates?
- Your initial coverage election period (open enrollment)
- Annual open enrollment period
- Qualified special enrollment period
Q. Can my Medicare Advantage plan be cancelled?
Once enrolled you are required to keep a Medicare Advantage plan for an entire calendar year. You may not cancel or change plans unless you meet the requirements of a special enrollment period such as moving out of the plan’s service area. The plan can only cancel your coverage for failure to pay your required premiums.
Q. Do I have to take a physical examination when I apply for a Medicare Advantage Plan?
No, and there is only one medical qualifying question that can prevent you from having coverage under a Medicare Advantage plan, you cannot have end stage renal disease.