Medicare Supplement FAQ

What is Medicare Supplement?

Medicare supplement insurance is a supplemental insurance plan to cover gaps in traditional Medicare coverage. Private companies, like Capital Blue Cross, offer Medicare supplement plans.

What is Medigap?

Medigap is another name for Medicare supplement insurance. Medigap gets its name because it covers some gaps in Medicare Part A and Part B insurance.

When can you enroll in Medicare Supplement?

The best time to enroll in a Medicare supplement policy is during your initial Medigap open enrollment period. A person has an open enrollment period if they are within six months of getting Part B or are within six months of turning 65. If you enroll during this time, you are not subject to medical underwriting. Another instance where you may not be subject to medical underwriting is if you qualify for a guaranteed issue right. You can enroll in a Medicare supplement policy at any other time but may be subject to underwriting.

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?

While Medicare supplement coverage is designed to work in conjunction with original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan is a standalone plan.

Medicare Advantage plans bundle Part A and Part B coverage and can include Part D prescription drug coverage as well.

If you have Original Medicare, Part A and B, Medicare supplement coverage can be purchased to cover the gaps in coverage. Medicare supplement coverage cannot be used to pay for Medicare Advantage premiums, deductibles, or copayments.

Do I need Medicare supplement insurance?

While you are not required to get Medigap coverage, it is an important consideration to make when you are choosing between different Medicare coverage options. Medigap plans can offer protection against high costs of care, including out-of-pocket costs from hospitals and doctors. Consider a Medicare Supplement plan if you travel often outside of the country or expect frequent doctor and hospital visits in a year.

What do Medicare supplement plans cover?

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Some Medigap policies could cover these services and deductibles, which are out-of-pocket costs with traditional Medicare:

  • Part A hospital costs and coinsurance (up to an extra year after Medicare benefits are exhausted)
  • Part A hospice care copays and/or coinsurance
  • Part B copays and coinsurance
  • Certain skilled nursing facility costs
  • Part B excess charge (covers the additional costs that some providers charge above the Medicare limit)
  • Some Medigap policies may also cover you if you experience a health emergency during foreign travel

Carefully explore your Medigap plan options to ensure you find the coverage that is right for you.

What companies offer Medicare supplement plans in Pennsylvania?

Capital Blue Cross is one of several companies that offer Medicare supplement plans. Discover more about our Medigap coverage. You can call a specialist at 888.732.4968, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, with additional hours October 1 through December 7. You can also visit one of our Capital Blue Cross Connect health and wellness centers or read more about your options and enroll online.