Arkansas Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)

Medicare is a huge issue for any senior and the health insurance for seniors is often confusing. Many Arkansas residents reaching retirement age are shocked to learn that the automatic Medicare Part A they receive from the government is not as all encompassing as they thought it would be—expected it to be. Instead it only pays a portion of the medical expenses and only certain ones. For everything else seniors must rely on private insurance just as they did before they hit retirement age. At 65 it is important for seniors to look into supplemental health insurance designed especially for them to fit with their automatic Medicare.

Medicare supplement insurance includes Part B, C, and D and each has specific attributes, although all come with monthly premium costs. Those extra policies, however, can mean the difference between being able to afford health care as a senior citizen, and going without. Medicare Part B covers many extra areas of health care including extended hospitalization, as well as helping to cover the extra costs left by deductibles and co-payments. Medicare Part C is a combination program that includes Part B as well as extra coverage for such necessities as wheel chair or other medical accessories for home care, and even in-home assistance. Medicare Part D is a vital aspect of the health insurance for seniors because it is the only portion of coverage that covers prescription medicines.

Even if you can't afford extra premiums you might want to look into Medigap insurance. This is the coverage that will help pay the deductible and co-payments that are left over by standard Medicare Part A without other supplemental health insurance for seniors.

If you cannot afford any supplemental health insurance be sure to check with the Medicare office or Arkansas Medicaid office to see if you qualify for medical assistance beyond standard Medicare Part A.