Wisconsin Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)

Medicare was created to provide equal access to medical services and reduce the financial burden of senior citizens. However, many expenses are not covered by Medicare insurance, such co-insurance and deductibles for doctors visits. Medicare supplemental insurance, also known as Medigap, is designed to fill in the gaps in the coverage provided by the Original Medicare Plan (Medicare Parts A and B).

Medigap insurance is available to senior citizens of Wisconsin through private health insurance companies. While regulations for Medigap policies and usage are set by the federal government, insurance companies have relative freedom over issues like how they price their policies, or what types of value-added services they include with your Medicare supplemental insurance plan. Often times, the most significant difference between the same Wisconsin Medigap plan from two different companies is the price. It's important, therefore, to check out several insurance companies when shopping for a Medigap policy. A little extra research can save you money on your premium each month, even as you receive equal coverage benefits.

The state of Wisconsin adapted its Medicare supplemental insurance rule on January 6, 2001, in compliance with a federally-mandated prescription drug program. The program changed Medigap policy nationwide by making Medigap's prescription drug benefits invalid. In place of the previous policies, it instituted a new branch of Medicare, called Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drug benefits for senior citizens. If you need prescription drug benefits, but haven't yet enrolled in Medicare Part D, it's important that you do so soon. Medigap insurance will not cover your prescription drug requirements.

In addition to the range of regular Medicare supplemental insurance plans available in Wisconsin, senior residents also have access to Medicare SELECT policies. Medicare SELECT policies contain the same primary benefits as the corresponding Medigap plans. However, unlike regular Medigap policies, which allow you to use any hospital or health care provider of your choice, Medicare SELECT permits you to choose from a range of pre-selected network providers. In exchange, you receive the advantage of a lower monthly premium.