If you are enrolled in Medicare or approaching Medicare eligibility, you have probably heard about Medicare supplements for 2011 and asked yourself if this is something you need. In fact, you have probably received no end of advertising trying to convince you to buy. So just what is a Medicare supplement plan? In a nutshell, it is a kind of insurance plan written specifically to work with Original Medicare, and it pays the cost sharing. Medicare health insurance does not pay 100 percent, and the coinsurance and deductibles that you have to pay are your share of the costs (hence, cost sharing).
Medicare supplements are also known as Medigap insurance. So, do you need such a policy? That depends on you, your health condition, and how much insurance you need to feel secure. If you typically have lots of medical bills, then a Medigap policy that picks up 100 percent of what Medicare does not pay could very well save you money. If you generally have very good health and very few medical bills but worry about potential costs later on, then you have to decide whether you are willing to assume the risk. If not, you may want to consider a Medicare supplement.
One last thought: Do not confuse Medicare supplements with Medicare Advantage plans, such as Medicare Advantage PPOs. Advantage plans and supplements are not the same thing. In fact, they are very different. An Advantage plan is an optional way for Medicare beneficiaries to receive the core Medicare Part A and B benefits guaranteed by Original Medicare. The are private managed care plans (such as an HMO or PPO) managed by private insurance companies, and do not pay 100 percent. The reason I mention this is that many people are confused about what these plans are and sometimes think that Advantage plans are the same as supplements, but that is not true. In fact, Medicare Advantage plans can sometimes leave you with even higher medical bills than regular, Original Medicare. However, some people really like their plans, so it is very important to give lots of thought to whatever insurance plan you think might meet your needs. Always look beyond the advertising!