The History Of Medicare And Medigap Form The Point Of View Of A User Deciding Which Scheme To Buy

By Author: Jagger Esch
Total Articles: 3
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In the mid 1960s it became apparent that a there was a growing health care problem with the elderly in the US. I was found that almost half the population of retired citizens had no insurance covering their increasingly burdensome health care costs. As these costs were escalating fast and faced with the problems associated with this growing hardship Congress legislated a social insurance program guaranteeing all Citizens of 65 years of age and above access to health insurance. In addition certain classes with disabilities below 65 also qualified for enrollment.

While it did not cover everything there is a defined benefit that gives those enrolled in Part A hospital care and Part B covers out patient benefits. In 2010 there were 48 million US citizens enrolled in Medicare which by this stage covers just under half the actual costs, the balance being for the individuals own account.

This is where "Medigap" insurance comes in.

Medigap is the supplemental insurance designed to cover that portion of the health care costs that are not covered by Medicare. All people turning 65 and covered by both Part A and Part ...
... B Medicare have 6 months to take out a "Medigap" insurance policy without the imposition of any restrictions or medical tests. Furthermore the Insurance company they elect to join is obliged to accept them.

(As an aside those electing to get Medicare Advantage are not eligible for a Medigap policy but actually should not need one as the medigap policies generally

The same is not necessarily true of those with disabilities under the age of 65 who may be required to

It is also a paid scheme that requires the individual member to pay monthly premiums.

But the important thing about a Medigap category insurance is that it is a private scheme and is not covered by Medicare or any Federal Government body. As an individual one has the right to join and pay the monthly premium and enjoy the benefits but because of the variety of schemes available on the market the simple fact is that each scheme is slightly different and provides different benefits for its members.

And there are a large number of schemes on the market, which are governed by the legislation of each state but are nevertheless independent and offer different benefits.

As soon as a citizen turns 65 and enrolls in Parts A & B of Medicare they are able to relax in the knowledge that at least 50% of their future medical bills will be covered. But nevertheless the other 50% and the various categories of health care not covered need to be considered.

This is where Medigap Providers comes in. They are a service designed to assist with the selection of a Medigap Insurance which covers the actual real or likely future need of a Citizen who realizes that advanced age increases the likelihood that frailty, illness and long term care are likely to be required in the future and wish to find a suitable and affordable insurance suitable for them

Medigap Providers is a privately ran learning resource agency to help with Medicare and Medigap requirements. Please visit http://medigap.com/ for more information.