Continental Life Insurance Medigap Insurance for Seniors

Continental Life Insurance offers several Medicare supplemental insurance policies for seniors in Illinois. Medicare supplemental insurance, also called 'Medigap', fills in many of the coverage 'gaps' left by Medicare Parts A and B. The policies pay for many of the medical expenses, including co-insurance and deductibles, that Medicare doesn't pay.

There are twelve Medigap policies available in Illinois and throughout the U.S. The policies are sold through private health insurance companies, who are not obligated to offer all twelve policies. Because most companies offer only a handful of policies, so it's important to shop around to find a reputable insurer that offers a policy to suit your individual needs at a reasonable monthly premium.

There are eight Medigap plans available through Continental Life Insurance for seniors in Illinois. To be eligible for a plan, you must be age 65 or better, and already enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. You are also eligible for a policy if you have end-stage renal disease, or if you are under age 65 and have certain disabilities. In both of these cases, you must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

The best time to apply for a Medicare supplemental insurance policy through Continental Life Insurance is during your 'open enrollment period'. Your open enrollment period is the six months after you enroll in Medicare Part B, and are at least age 65. During this time, you are guaranteed acceptance into the Medigap policy of your choosing, and Continental Life Insurance may not, by law, use medical underwriting to determine your eligibility. In addition, any pre-existing medical conditions you may have will receive immediate coverage.

If you apply for Medigap insurance after your open enrollment period, Continental Life Insurance may use underwriting to determine your eligibility for a policy, may require a waiting period of up to six months for pre-existing medical conditions, and is not required by law to sell you the Medicare supplemental insurance policy of your choosing.

The eight Medigap policies available to seniors in Illinois through Continental Life Insurance are Plans A-G, and high-deductible Plan F. High-deductible Plan F consists of the same benefits as regular Plan F, but offers a lower monthly premium in exchange for a higher annual deductible ($1,900 in 2008).