Medicare supplemental insurance

[joeyboi]

Does anyone have medicare supplemental insurance to cover the 20% portion of costa that medicare does not cover?

I have tried to get information on acquiring supplemental insurance, but each website I go to, when I type in th required information, I see a notice that I am not eligible because I am not 62 (I am 53 and receive medicare because I receive SS disability). It is my understanding that if you receive medicare, you are supposed to be eligible to purchase a medicare supplement insurance (or gap insurance), regardless of age.

Anyone have any experience with this or ideas? Or even be able to tell me what ballpark figure a medicare supplemental policy would run?

[KitOP]

Hi joey,
I too did some searching for a supplemental policy once I started on medicare.

I called a local independent insurance agency in my town and spoke to one of the agents there. She told me that because of my age (56 at the time) and that I got medicare because of disability and not because of age, that my premium would be that of an 85 year old person! I was floored to say the least.

I don't know that this is the case though.

I would suggest contacting an insurance agent and see what they have to offer. I know a friend of mines husband got a policy I think through a State Farm agent that they could afford. I don't know that it's through State Farm or somewhere else.

It would be a good place to start. Or perhaps making some phone calls to reputable companies to see what they have to offer.

I ended up getting a Medicare Advantage policy through Humana which has been pretty good. With this type of a policy, you cannot get a supplement though.

I'm sure that our members will have lots of suggestions for you.

Good luck!

[there]

Yes I have medicare supplemental insurance to cover the 20% portion of the cost that medicare does not cover. And yes of course it is as expensive or more expensive as insuring 85+ year olds as they are often quite healthy and someone with MS is for obvious reasons not desirable to insure. I am on SSDI and under 60. I have not looked online since I got the the insurance 5 year ago so I cannot help you there, but I cannot imagine none are offered where you are.

[kmallory1]

Eligibility for Medigap insurance if you are under 65 varies by state. Even though Medicare is a Federal program, the states set their own rules for Medigap coverage.

I am 64, and in my state that allows me to buy coverage. However, my premium is pretty high. It is $250 per month for a high deductible ($2,500 per year) policy. The premium for a policy with $100 per year deductible was $750 per month.

That does not include prescription coverage, Medicare Part D.
It is another $50 per month.

The insurer told me that the premium will drop significantly when I reach retirement age.

[palmtree]

I asked an agent about Medigap insurance. He asked me my health and I told him I had MS. He said, FORGET IT! No company would touch it with a ten foot pole.

[xrayeyes]

mutual of omaha

I have mutual of Omaha plan f covers 100% of what medicare doesn't cover. Love it!

[kryptonite]

How much do you pay for the Mutual of Omaha? How old do you have to be?

[akafearless]

You need to go to Medicare's website an see which advantage plan you would like. I have the Humana Gold, it is an HMO. I do not pay any extra for it. My docs and hospitals were in it. Make sure you check out the drug formulary!! To see if your drugs are covered.
I'm 53.
I also get SilverSneakers (gym membership), dental, etc bennies included.

Now my MIL has UHC. It is a supplement plan, she can go to any Medicare doc, it cover the copays. Her premium is $200 plus a month. She also has a separate Part D plan.