Vermont Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)

Senior citizens, low income families, and disabled people can apply to the Medicare/Medicaid offices for policies sometimes referred to as Medi-Medi. Senior citizens are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A but others require enrollment in the plan. Medicare Part A does not cover all expenses associated with health care, however, and has deductibles and co-payments that can be prohibitive.

Medicare Part B must be applied for by everyone who is eligible and has a monthly premium that is deducted from social security income. There are still deductibles and co-payments and none of the government provided Medicare programs cover prescription medicine. In order to get prescription coverage the newer Medicare Part D must be obtained from private Medicare supplemental insurance companies. These companies are regulated by the federal Medicare office so that they are affordable and uniform in their policies. However, some extra health insurance for seniors varies in how they are combined.

In some cases Medicare Advantage plans are offered that combine Medicare Part C with Medicare Part D and even policies called Medigap. Medigap either by itself or through a combined plan helps to bridge the costs of health insurance for seniors caused by Medicare policies that have holes between basic care and catastrophic illness care. You can find out a great deal about the various Medicare supplemental plans or you can call the Medicare office at 1-800-MEDICARE for help in determining what additional coverage you require. For seniors who cannot afford the premiums that are required by private health insurance can seek Medicaid assistance if they qualify.