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The Difference Between Medicare Insurance and Medigap Insurance

BY Richard Cantu | 07-29-2009 | 12:57 PM
This blog is written by a member of our blogging community and expresses that member's views alone.
There is a fairly common tendency for people to lump Medicare and Medigap insurance together, but they are actually two different plans that do two different things.

Confusion is a four letter word when it comes to trying to figure
out the difference between Medicare insurance and Medigap insurance.

There is a fairly common tendency for people to lump Medicare and
Medigap insurance together, but they are actually two different plans
that do two different things. So it's best to know the differences
before trying to select what is needed for coverage.

Medicare insurance is a government-sponsored program that a person is eligible for when they reach 65 years of age or have Medicare
due to a disability. All of the coverage is standardized, in other
words, it's all the same for each individual, unless they want to
change something. This is where the differences come into play. If a
person wants to add something to the basic Medicare insurance, they
need to buy Medicare supplement insurance.

Of course, if the standardized version of Medicare suits a person's
circumstances, there is no need to get Medicare supplement insurance.
That is as rare as hen's teeth though, as most people need their health
benefits tailored to meet their circumstances. So, the deal is that
Medicare supplements do just that – supplement the main Medicare
program. Don't get confused here by the term Medicare supplement
insurance, as it's just another term for Medigap, simply because it
fills in the "gaps" the main program leaves open.

The usual difficulty becomes what Medigap plan will work the best,
and provides the greatest coverage. This isn't something that a lot of
people like to try and do on their own because they find it too
confusing. This is where an expert insurance broker comes into the
picture. Find a broker with a sterling track record to assist with
making the right choices for each person that requires coverage.
Finding one that truly understands all the ramifications of each
different situation is precisely the answer to a Medicare insurance
shopper's prayers.
Be aware that when requesting quotes for various options, the results
will overwhelm the inbox on the computer, or the snail mailbox. This of
course means hours of comparison work and this is where most people opt
to speak to a trusted insurance broker to help them whittle down their
extensive choices. It's best to deal with brokers who have a large
number of insurance companies on board, because this will ultimately
provide everyone with what they need.

To learn more about Medicare, Medicare supplements, or Medicare supplement insurance visit GoMedigap.com.