Medicare Supplement Plan B is only one of ten different supplement plans available to Medicare recipients and is different from the regular Medicare Plan B which is not a supplement plan. These are completely different insurance plans.
The Original Medicare Plan B is the doctor portion of your coverage and the Plan B supplemental policy for covering the gaps. You can get Medicare Part B supplemental plans if you have the Original Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B insurance coverage.
Plan B supplemental coverage will be best suited for beneficiaries who:
If you are suffering from any medical conditions which will require regular medical attention, then you might consider a supplement plan which can help cover any future or unforeseen medical expenses.
Of the 10 different Medicare Supplemental Plans; Plan B has some of the least benefits offered.
Eligibility for a Medicare Supplemental Plan generally requires an individual must have the traditional Medicare coverage. The best time to purchase your policy is during the OEP (Open Enrollment Period). Medigap OEP dates will begin the 1st day of the month you turn 65 or if you are older. You must also be enrolled in Medicare Part B.
You will have 6 months to find your insurance company, figure out what your monthly premiums will be then sign up.
This is the period of time which carriers cannot refuse to sell an individual a policy for any preexisting health conditions or charge additional fees for any health conditions a person might have when joining the plan.
If you apply after the 6-month period, insurance companies can deny your application for coverage or charge more based on your existing health condition or medical history.
For the sale of these plans, insurance companies must follow the Medicare Supplement regulations and guidelines set by individual states. This will mean that depending on the state you live in a Medicare Supplemental Plan B might not be available to you. Make sure you check your states labeling for supplemental insurance coverage to find the details for figuring out what coverage you need. Use the chart below to compare Medigap Plan B to the other options available.