How DO I get supplemental medicare?!

How DO I get supplemental medicare?

Medicare questions can be confusing! Getting the best supplemental coverage and/or a a Medicare Part D plan, for example, depends on several factors, including what kinds of prescription drugs you take, what kind of plan you are willing to accept, and what you want to pay.

You will purchase a Medicare supplemental plan through an insurance company.Unlike Medicare Part D plans--which are numerous and confusing because there is no standardization to definitions or what drugs are covered--supplemental plans and options are standardized. Your state's commissioner of insurance would have information about all Medicare supplemental plans that are offered in your state. With this said, many folks still have difficulties interpreting all the insurance and Medicare jargon--so the matter can still be very confusing to the average person!

If you want to talk to "real people" who will listen carefully to your questions and who aren't "selling anything," I would highly recommend that you call your local Area Agency on Aging. Folks at your Area Agency on Aging can help you sort through Medicare options and choices. Area Agencies on Aging are one of the best kept secrets around for older Americans and their families who are seeking information on Medicare, Medicare supplemental policies and other kinds of consumer questions. There is one where you live, since this is a national network. The staff there will visit with you and guide you to information you need to answer your question. Since they talk with seniors every day--and answer lots of questions--they will know the "scoop" on the supplemental plans available where you live. They will be able to help you compare the pros and the cons of the plans you have identified as options and suggest other information to check out before you "sign on the dotted line."

You can call toll-free 1-800-677-1116 to find how to contact the Area Agency serving you. When you call your local Area Agency on Aging, ask for the staff who provides "Information and Assistance about Medicare."

If you do contact your local Area Agency on Aging and like the help that they give you, let your local county officials and your folks in Congress know. Area Agencies on Aging don't have big budgets--their funding comes from the Older Americans Act--and funding for most parts of this Act has not increased significantly in about 25 years! Your voluntary financial contribution of any amount--which is absolutely not required to get the help you need to answer this question--would certainly be appreciated and would be used to help your older friends and neighbors.

Hope this helps! Best wishes and good luck!