Medicare Supplement Plans

A Medicare Supplemental Insurance plan is an additional policy designed to help cover healthcare costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay. It gives you more predictable costs and greater financial protection, reducing the risk of high medical bills.

Even with Medicare, you may face out-of-pocket costs for hospital stays, doctor visits, other medical services, and prescriptions. A supplemental plan helps fill these gaps, offering peace of mind and financial stability.

That's Medicare Part D! Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage that helps lower the cost of your medications. It’s offered by private insurance companies and works alongside your Medicare plan to make prescriptions more affordable. Whether you take daily medications or just want coverage for the unexpected, Part D can help keep your costs down.

Medicare Advantage (also called Part C) is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and include everything Medicare Parts A and B cover — plus extras like vision, dental, and even gym memberships in some cases! Many plans also include prescription drug coverage. It’s a great option if you want more benefits bundled into one plan.

The best time to enroll is during your Initial Election Period (or IEP). Turning 65 allows for a 7-month opportunity to enroll - 3 months before your birthday, your birth month, and 3 months after. During this time, you can sign up with guaranteed coverage, regardless of pre-existing conditions. If you apply later, you may be subject to medical underwriting.

If you are outside the IEP, you do have other opportunities to still enroll, even while continuing to work, without undergoing medical underwriting, and / or while dealing with pre-existing conditions. Known as a Special Election Period (or SEP), we can help you navigate this type of situation during a consultation.

If you’re still covered by your employer’s health plan, you may not need to sign up for Medicare right away. Here’s a quick guide:

• If your employer has 20 or more employees, your group plan is usually your primary coverage, so you can delay Medicare without penalties.
• If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare may become your primary coverage, meaning you might need to enroll in Part A and / or Part B.

Not sure what’s best for you? Contact Policyline to speak with a Medicare Specialist, or check with your HR department and Medicare to make the right choice for your situation.