If you are interested in Medicare advantage plans now is the time to act. Open enrollment for this coverage began on October 15 and will go through December 7 of 2011. This is the time you have the opportunity to change Medicare coverage so that a private insurance company will administer the plan instead of the federal government. Some people get confused with regard to the term open enrollment as it pertains to Medicare supplements. These are two different things and as such the enrollment phase is different for each. As was stated above, open enrollment for Medicare advantage plans comes towards the end of each year whereas enrollment for supplements is within six months of turning 65 as long as the retiree is enrolled in both Medicare plans.

Medicare advantage plans will offer coverage such as vision, dental and hearing in addition to Part A and Part B.  Some insurance providers will offer Medicare prescription coverage in their advantage plans as well.  Another name for this coverage is known as Medicare Part C. Medicare gap insurance coverage is a supplement that will help bridge the gap between original Medicare’s responsibility and your out-of-pocket expenses. Original Medicare traditionally offers up to 80% coverage on approved procedures and services leaving you with a 20% balance which is known as your out-of-pocket expense, as well as deductibles and co-pays. Medicare Ins will help cover the 20% balance simply by paying one low monthly premium. This coverage comes in several different plans ranging from A through N. Each plan is different and it is recommended that you call one of the Medicare supplement providers to help you walk through the procedures and make the best choice of which plan is right for you. Each of these plans are standardized which means that regardless of which carrier you choose, either Medigap Insurance Pennsylvania or Blue Cross Blue Shield the benefits are exactly the same.

Sometimes information with regard to Medicare and the additional plans that are available can be a little confusing. So it’s best to do your homework and research to determine what will be right for you and your particular situation and how it will affect your budget at the end of each month. Most retirees are on a fixed income so evaluating costs will be imperative.  By calling 1-800-MEDIGAP you can get the help you need to answer any questions you may have and find the plan that is just right for you.