Learn how Medicare Supplement insurance works with Original Medicare. Compare benefits and enrollment rights with local help in Louisiana and Mississippi.
What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Medicare supplement (Medigap) insurance can help pay some of the health care costs that original Medicare does not cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Some Medigap policies also offer coverage for services that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like medical care when you travel outside the U.S. If you have Original Medicare and you buy a Medigap policy, Medicare will pay its share of the Medicare-approved amount for covered health care costs. Then your Medicare supplement insurance policy pays its share. A Medigap policy is different from a Medicare Advantage Plan. Those plans are ways to get Medicare benefits, while a Medigap policy only supplements your Original Medicare benefits.
Important Things to Know About Medicare Supplement Coverage
You must have Parts A and B to buy a Medigap policy. You keep Original Medicare, which pays first for covered services; the Supplement helps with the costs included in your policy. You pay a separate Supplement premium in addition to Part B. Medigap is different from Medicare Advantage (Part C). A Supplement does not pay Medicare Advantage copays. Policies sold today do not include Part D prescription coverage, so consider a separate drug plan unless you have other creditable drug coverage. Your federal Medigap Open Enrollment Period lasts six months, beginning the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Outside protected enrollment or guaranteed-issue situations, insurers may use medical underwriting. State-specific rights can differ, including for people under 65. AEP does not automatically guarantee acceptance into a Supplement. In Louisiana and Mississippi, standardized policies with the same letter have the same basic benefits, but premiums and company service can differ. Compare the exact policy, including high-deductible and Medicare SELECT variations. Review travel needs, expected medical spending and premiums over time. Before switching coverage, confirm your enrollment rights, acceptance and effective dates. Do not cancel an existing policy based only on a quote. Start with a general online request and your ZIP code for email follow-up. Our Medicare Answers page explains Parts A and B, deductibles, enrollment and drug coverage. Medicare.gov provides official policy information and comparison resources.
Serving Louisiana and Mississippi. Request help online for email follow-up: [email protected]