Looking for a Medigap Policy?

Everything we do at OnwardShield.com is focused on helping clients like you avoid financial disaster. 

• Insurance is the transfer of risk. 

• We think about risk differently. 

• We like the phrase - avoiding financial disaster.

 Read on to see how a Medigap Policy can help you avoid a financial disaster.

As you know Original Medicare includes:

Part A - Hospital - $0.00*

Part B - Medical - $174.70/month**

*Currently Part A is free for most people (If you or your spouse have worked at least 10 years and had FICA taxes taken out of your check)

**For 2024 Part B is $174.70 for most people. If your income is over $103,000 (for single filers) or $206,000 for married filing jointly you will be subject to the Part B premium and Part D IRMAA. (yes, IRMMA is like a penalty for making too much) 

It doesn't matter what route you chose. If you select a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plan you still must pay the Part B Premium of $174.70 per month. 

Original Medicare does not cover your Part A and B Deductibles, and it only covers 80% of the medical cost. Likewise, it doesn't have a max-out-of-pocket. Finally, Original Medicare does NOT cover preventive appointments (like a yearly physical) and it doesn't have a prescription drug plan, dental, or vision coverage.

We will assume if you have gone this far - then you are interested in a Medigap plan.

 But lets review TEN of the PROS for deciding to go with a Medigap Plan vs a Medicare Advantage Plan.

1. You keep Original Medicare coverage. A Medicare Advantage plan is a contract with an insurance company that is designed to replace the benefits of Medicare.

2. Guaranteed renewable for life. As long as you keep paying your premium.

3. Free to visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare patients.

4. If you need to cancel the Medigap plan you can at any time and you still have Medicare Part A & B. Reminder: The downfall of only having parts A & B is the Part A deductible and the 20% coinsurance with no max-out-of-pocket. 

5. The Medigap insurer may offer, with the approval of the state commissioner, new or innovative benefits in addition to Medicare's standardized plans.

6. If Medicare covers the medical service provided, the supplement will also cover the service. For example: let's say you have a $10,000 Medicare covered  surgery. Original Medicare pays $8,000, you pay the $240 deductible, and the Medigap plan pays the remaining $1,760.  If you had another surgery in the same year, then Original Medicare would pay $8,000 and your Medigap would pay $2,000. (assuming a Plan G here.)

7. You are covered anywhere you travel throughout the United States.

8. No referrals of any kind are required to see a specialist.

9.  A Medigap plan can provide supplemental coverage in addition to Original Medicare.

10. If you move out of state, you can take the plan with you and have the same coverage you have always had.

 Still wonder why some people choose a Medicare Advantage Plan? 

Let's look at the top reasons that some people opt for a Medicare Advantage Plan.

1. Most plans have a $0 premium per month and little or no deductible.

2. Medicare Advantage plans "bundle" medical, drug, dental, vision, and hearing. If you opt for a Medigap Plan you will also need to add a stand alone prescription drug plan. 

3. Medicare Advantage Plans work with Medicaid recipients and individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney and cardiovascular disease.

4. If you no long have a guaranteed issue option for obtaining a Medigap Policy and if you can't pass underwriting - then a Medicare Advantage Plan will accept you with any preexisting conditions.

5. Some plans come with special incentives like a $100 Part B Premium buyback, a grocery card, a gym membership etc...

Honestly - we sell both Medicare Advantage Plans and Medigap Plans. 

The truth is one is not "better" than the other one. You need to review your personal situation and see which one is right for you. 

The bottom line is that a Medigap plan includes a monthly premium that you must pay (every month) to keep the policy. You get what you pay for. 

On the surface, a Medicare Advantage Plan might seem cheaper ($0 per month premium) - but once you start looking into the various copays and coinsurance amounts and the max-out-of-pocket limits that can reach $5,000-$8,500 per year it's really a toss up. 

If you have a medically "bad" or expensive year then you will be glad you have the nearly 100% coverage that a Medigap plan can offer. Most healthy 65 year old's aren't considering what their health might be like in their 70's or 80's or beyond. Most likely you will have several good years and a few expensive years. Regardless of which route you pick. 

So, how do you pick?

This is a decision that you will have to make. We can help educate you on the different companies, programs and rates - but ultimately the decision is yours.

Medicare Advantage vs Medigap

If you have already done your research and you are ready to enroll in a Medigap plan then schedule your appointment below. (you might have to scroll down...)

If you would like to go the Medicare Advantage Plan route - then you will need to call Patrick Hackenberry at 706-699-2301 to request a Scope of Appointment Form / permission to contact form. Then.... following a 48 hour wait - an appointment can be set. Reminder - calls will be recorded.

Ready to learn more and enroll in a Medigap Policy now?

Schedule your exclusive meeting below.

Choosing a Medigap Policy ⤵️ (you might have to scroll down...)