Rhode Island Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)

The SHIP program in Rhode Island makes getting help with Medicare supplemental insurance easier for seniors of the state. They help individuals over 65 make sure they have the coverage they need and coordinate plans to get them complete coverage. It is important for seniors to understand that basic Medicare provided by Part A does not include many services and although it is free and they are automatically enrolled in the program there are deductibles and co-payments that make health care expensive.

Regular Medicare does not cover prescription medicines, and there are many routine health needs and treatments not included in the plan. In order to get more extensive coverage seniors will have to apply to enroll in Medicare Part B. This plan is a part of the government Medicare program but there are monthly fees that are deducted from social security checks each month. Medicare supplemental insurance Part B does provide further coverage for standard health care needs but does not include prescription medicines and still has deductibles and co-payments that add up to a great deal of out of pocket expense for a senior on a fixed income.

In order to help with those expenses private health insurance for seniors is available. There is Medicare Part C which provides more coverage for complicated and long term illnesses, and Part D which is the prescription medicine plan. Some Part C plans called Advantage or other names include Medicare Part D as a part of the program. These plans have monthly premiums but save seniors a lot of money over the course of a year. To help with Medicare associated out of pocket expenses there is Medigap coverage. Some plans make a package to cover all of the Medicare supplemental insurance in one easy to afford program.