Nebraska Department of Insurance
THE NEBRASKA HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION, COUNSELING, AND ASSISTANCE (NICA) PROGRAM
DECEMBER 1999 NICA NEWS
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q. What is a Medigap policy?
A. Though Medicare covers many health care costs, you will still have to pay Medicare's coinsurance and deductibles. There are also many medical services that Medicare does not cover and, therefore, you may want to buy a Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap) policy. Medigap is private insurance that is designed to help pay your Medicare cost-sharing amounts. There are 10 standard Medigap policies, A-J, and each offers a different combination of benefits.
Q. When is the best time to buy a Medigap policy?
A. The best time to buy a policy is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. For a period of 6 months from the date you are first enrolled in Medicare Part B and are age 65 or older, you have a right to buy the Medigap policy of your choice. That is your Open Enrollment Period.
Q. During my Open Enrollment Period, can I be turned down or charged higher premiums because of poor health?
A. No, not if you buy a Medigap policy during your Open Enrollment Period. Once your Medigap Open Enrollment Period ends, you may not be able to buy the policy of your choice. You may have to accept whatever Medigap policy an insurance company is willing to sell you.
Q. If I am a Nebraskan under age 65, but already have my part B Medicare due to a disability, do I still get the Open Enrollment Period when I turn 65?
A. Yes. If you have Medicare Part B but are not yet 65, your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins when you turn 65.
Q. If Social Security determines that I have a disability, am I automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A & B?
A. If you have been determined to have a disability, you will be automatically enrolled in both Part A and Part B of Medicare beginning in your 25th month of disability. Your card will be mailed to you about 3 months before you are entitled to Medicare.