Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans - Medigap
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers about 80% of your medical and hospital expenses. Medicare supplement plans, known as “Medigap,” help fill the gap by paying for some costs that Medicare doesn’t cover.
Why Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York Medicare Supplement?
No Network
Medicare supplement plans don’t require you to use a specific network of providers, giving you the freedom to go to any doctor, hospital, or specialist that accepts Medicare.
Freedom to Travel
Medicare supplement plans are generally accepted at any doctor or facility in the US that accepts Medicare.
No Referrals Needed
See any Medicare specialist whenever you like without a referral from your primary doctor.
Guaranteed Renewable for Life
Keep your coverage year after year, as long as your premiums are paid on time (your policy cannot be terminated for any reason other than nonpayment of premium).
Ready to enroll in Medigap?
It's simple. Complete our Medigap Enrollment Application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there eligibility requirements?
The Initial Enrollment Period is a limited window of time when you can enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B) when you are first eligible. You must live in one of the following Northeastern New York counties to be eligible for enrollment in one of our Medicare Advantage plans:
- Albany
- Clinton
- Columbia
- Essex
- Fulton
- Greene
- Montgomery
- Rensselaer
- Saratoga
- Schenectady
- Schoharie
- Warren
- Washington
What is Creditable vs. Non-Creditable Coverage
Most entities that currently provide prescription drug coverage to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries must disclose whether the entity's coverage is 'creditable prescription drug coverage.' A disclosure is required whether the insurer is primary or secondary to Medicare. A description of an entity, as defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can be found on their website.
Disclosure of whether prescription drug coverage is creditable provides Medicare-eligible beneficiaries with important information relating to their Medicare Part D enrollment. Beneficiaries who are not covered under creditable prescription drug coverage and who choose not to enroll before the end of their initial enrollment period for Medicare Part D, likely will pay a higher premium on a permanent basis if they subsequently enroll in Medicare Part D.
When is the initial enrollment period?
After you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, you can select other coverage options like a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan from approved private insurers. The best time to buy a Medigap policy is the six-month period that starts the first day of the month that you turn 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. After this period, your ability to buy a Medigap policy may be limited and it may be more costly.
What is the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage?
Medicare supplement plans work with your Original Medicare coverage and pay for many of the out-of-pocket costs, copays, and deductibles of Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans replace your Original Medicare coverage and often provide Part D prescription drug coverage and additional benefits such as dental, vision, and gym memberships.
All Medicare supplement plans are identified by letter, ranging from A through N. Each plan type offers a different level of coverage beyond Original Medicare. Blue Shield now offers Medicare Supplement plans G and N, in addition to A, B, C, F and high-deductible F.
Medigap Questions? We're here to help!
January 1 - September 30, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday - Friday
October 1 - December 31, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., 7 days a week
Ready to Enroll?
It's simple. Complete our Medigap Enrollment Application.
Resources
Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenetady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington Counties
Clinton & Essex Counties
