Missouri Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)

The Missouri Foundation for Health is responsible for distribution of Medicare plans for its senior residents. It is a formidable task and like many states in the U.S. basic Medicare falls short of necessary health care elements for its participants. Standard Medicare Part A does not cover many of the necessary health care needs including medical transportation, extensive treatments such as dialysis, or one of the biggest health insurance needs for senior citizens—prescription drugs. For any senior at or over the age of 65 there is Medicare Part B that is also regulated by the federal government and administered in Missouri by the MFH. This plan has a monthly fee that can be immediately deducted from social security payments. You can contact your Social Security Office, the Medicare office at 1-800-MEDICARE or the MFH for more information on what Part A and Part B cover.

Citizens of Missouri are wise to consider Medigap as a Medicare supplemental insurance in order to cover all of their extra needs including help with paying deductibles and co-payments. Many Medigap, also called Medicare Part C also includes Medicare Part D but make sure your chosen plan has it. If your plan does not include Part D which is the plan that covers prescription medicines then it is wise to consult your health insurance carrier to find out how to add Medicare Part D to your plan.

Some low income individuals may be eligible for Medicaid to help with the extra costs of health insurance for seniors. You can contact the state Medicaid office to see if you qualify. Consult the Medicare office or the MFH to find out if any of the state aid programs that are additional to Medicare can provide relief from the rising costs of health insurance for seniors. There are 162 plans covering everything from drug plans to special needs plans and one of them may be perfect for your situation.