Medigap Basics | You can only buy Medigap if you have Original Medicare

Medigap Basics

Snippet of Article: "You can only buy Medigap if you have Original Medicare. Generally, that means you have to sign up for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) before you can buy a Medigap policy. ...You get a 6 month “Medigap Open Enrollment” period, which starts the first month you have Medicare Part B and you’re 65 or older. During this time, you can enroll in any Medigap policy and the insurance company can’t deny you coverage due to pre-existing health problems. After this period, you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy, or it may cost more. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time enrollment. It doesn’t repeat every year, like the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.

All Medigap policies are standardized. This means, policies with the same letter offer the same basic benefits no matter where you live or which insurance company you buy the policy from. There are 10 different types of Medigap plans offered in most states, which are named by letters: A-D, F, G, and K-N. Price is the only difference between plans with the same letter that are sold by different insurance companies. In some states, you may be able to buy another type of Medigap policy called Medicare SELECT . If you buy a Medicare SELECT policy, you have the right to change your mind within 12 months and switch to a standard Medigap policy. ..."

Source: www.medicare.gov

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How Medicare Part D will work in upcoming USPS insurance program

Snippet of Article: "...One part of the final regulations, which gained attention from many stakeholders, clarifies how Medicare Part D and prescription drug coverage will function for Medicare-eligible USPS annuitants and family members. According to OPM, PSHB plans are required to integrate Medicare Part D and offer prescription drug coverage to eligible Postal annuitants through what the program calls an “Employer Group Waiver Plan” (EGWP).

During Open Season, all Medicare-eligible Postal retirees will be automatically enrolled in an EGWP through the PSHB program. The EGWP will include prescription drug coverage through Medicare Part D. Individuals who are not eligible for Medicare, such as those living overseas, will get prescription drug benefits through their PSHB plan.

Notably, according to the final rule, Medicare-eligible USPS enrollees who opt out of Part D coverage will lose access to any underlying prescription drug coverage through PSHB. Despite concerns that arose in reaction to the proposed regulations, OPM maintained the same plans it initially proposed for opting out of Part D. ..."

Source: federalnewsnetwork.com

Employer Group Waiver Plan” (EGWP), EGWPs are an alternative to offering traditional Medicare supplemental coverage for retirees, and these plans are a subset of the MA market.

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