Joppel by Health Compare Gives Tips to Help Medicare Beneficiaries Understand Medicare Supplement Plans

Online, April 18, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Joppel by HealthCompare, an online Medicare plan comparison site, has released helpful tips and suggestions for seniors who are considering purchasing a Medicare supplement plan.

Also known as Medigap, a Medicare supplement plan is designed to help pay for some of the costs that Medicare doesn't cover, i.e. gaps in coverage. Some of these costs include deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance. Some Medigap policies also cover services that Medicare excludes, such as coverage for medical care while traveling abroad.

Seniors Medicare beneficiaries should consider the following before making a decision about purchasing Medicare Supplement Plans:

*All Medicare Supplement Plans must follow certain State and Federal laws. There are standardized benefits outlined for each plan available (currently Plan M and Plan N). Each insurance company within the same state will offer the same benefits based on plan letter, however premiums will vary based on individual insurance companies underwriting policies.

*As a general rule, you must have Medicare Parts A and B to be eligible to purchase Medicare Supplement Plans.

*You will pay a premium each month to the insurer and you will also be responsible for paying your monthly Part B premium.

*Each Medicare Supplement Plan only covers one person. You and your spouse will each have to purchase your own policy.

*Those under 65 may have special rights when it comes to purchasing Medicare Supplement Plans, depending on state of residency.

*You are eligible to enroll in a plan during the first six month period after you are 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. Some States offer additional enrollment periods. After this period has passed, you will have limited ability to purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan.

*If you have a Medicare Supplement Plan and subsequently buy a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may want to consider dropping the supplement plan. It is illegal for anyone to sell a Medicare Supplement Plan to a person who already has a Medicare Advantage Plan unless they are also switching back to original Medicare.

* You can't have drug coverage in both your Medicare Supplement policy and a Medicare drug plan.

Those that are approaching age 65 and eligibility for Medicare should consult with a licensed insurance agent to discuss all of their options. The process of choosing between Medicare plans and supplements can be quite challenging, so seniors should use every resource at their disposal, including the Joppel website (https://www.joppel.com) to make the most informed decision possible.