Michigan Medicare Supplemental Insurance Overview
Medigap is a type of health insurance designed to fill in the 'gaps' in coverage left by the Original Medicare Plan. It's goal is to help minimize your out-of-pocket health care expenses by paying for things Medicare doesn't pay for, such as coinsurance and deductibles. If you are enrolled in the Original Medicare Plan, and you also have a Medigap policy, each will pay their share of covered health care costs. You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B before enrolling in a Medigap policy.
There are some things Medigap doesn't pay for, such as: long-term care services, vision and dental care, hearing aids, and private skilled nursing. Some insurance companies offering Medicare supplemental insurance in Michigan may offer additional services with your Medigap policy, such as vision and/or dental care, either in the form of complementary care or discounted services.
To be eligible for enrollment in a Medigap policy in Michigan, you must be a Michigan resident, a senior aged 65 or better, and already enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. You may not be eligible to buy a Medigap policy if you are enrolled in the Michigan Medicaid program, if you're have a Medicare Advantage Plan, or if you already have a Medigap policy.
If you already have a Medigap policy in Michigan, and you'd like to switch policies, you may be able to do so if you're still in your six-month 'open enrollment period' (the six months after you a) are age 65 or better, AND b) have enrolled in Medicare Part B). You may also be able to switch policies under certain types of guaranteed issue rights. Check with your current and prospective insurers to learn more about their policies.
It is illegal for anyone to pressure you into buying a Medigap policy, sell you a policy when you already have one, or sell you a policy that is not valid outside of Michigan state boundaries. To understand your Medigap rights and protections under state and federal law, contact the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services.
