• What Medicare supplement insurance plans are available?

  There are 10 Medicare supplement insurance plans assigned letters (A to N). These plans are designed to supplement original Medicare and are also called Medigap plans.

  The most popular Medicare supplement plans are also the most comprehensive, and are F, G and N. Consumers can buy a Medicare supplement insurance plan from an insurance company that is licensed to sell in their state.

  All Medicare Supplement plans have identical coverage from one company to another and they must be standardized and labeled plans A through N. Price, customer service, company rating & rate history are key things to consider when choosing insurance.

• What are the benefits of having a Medicare supplement policy?

  Medicare supplement plans cover the gaps in original Medicare, offering consumers some additional benefits like coverage for 20 percent coinsurance that Medicare does not pay. Without a Medicare supplement policy, the unanticipated out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatment or hospitalization can become a tremendous financial hardship. Once you establish a Medicare supplement policy, it cannot be cancelled regardless of any changes in your health or the number of times you are hospitalized.

• Can Medicare supplement plans ask me health questions?

  Yes, outside of open enrollment or guaranteed issue, carriers of Medicare supplement plans can ask health questions before a policy can be approved. However, there are a number of circumstances in which a carrier is not allowed to ask health questions, including if you are new to Medicare or you have lost credible coverage through no fault of your own.

• Can I go to any hospital or doctor I choose under a supplemental plan?

  There is a lot of talk that Americans will not be able to choose their own doctor under the Affordable Care Act. However, you can rest assured that being covered by a Medicare supplement, you can go to any doctor or hospital, nationwide, and it will be covered as long as the doctor accepts Medicare. Some plans will even cover you if the doctor does not accept what Medicare pays, this is called Part B excess.

  With Medicare supplement insurance your coverage will be recognized across the nation and you can keep your doctor even if they are out of state. This is important to many seniors.

• Which Medicare supplement company offers the best coverage?

  There are so many things you should consider when comparing insurance policies. As a licensed insurance agent and an expert advisor we make it easy to compare plans and companies. Since all Medicare Supplement insurance policies are standardized by the federal government, it’s easy to see the difference between the plans, when you see the Medicare supplement plan chart. It is always recommended to call a licensed agency with many years in the business, so they can advise you based on your personal needs and goals.

• I do some traveling. Am I covered out of state or country with a Medicare supplement plan?

  Yes, you will be covered out of state with a Medicare supplement, no matter what company you choose. You can have the assurance that while traveling you are covered. Some Medicare supplement plans will even give you $50,000 in foreign travel coverage outside the United States, included in your plan at no extra charge.

• What does Insurance You Keep or Joe and Mercedes Ritter charge for the service and recommendations?

  Insurance You Keep and Joe and Mercedes Ritter will never charge you anything extra for their services or recommendations. We are authorized to sell most companies and plans and they pay us directly no matter what coverage you choose. All our services are free and are designed to help point you in the right direction or just confirm what you already knew. Not only do we not charge you, but we will find you the lowest possible rate for coverage guaranteed, as we compare all carriers at once. It is always a good idea to get a second professional opinion or recommendation.

• What is the advantage of using Insurance You Keep to purchase my policy?

  I hate calling multiple 1-800 numbers and not getting good customer service and ending up just more confused than when I started! With Insurance You Keep, we not only give you the same rate you would get directly from the carrier, but we also offer exceptional local expertise and customer service to ensure you find the lowest rate for the best possible coverage. You don’t want to take numerous calls from Agents representing just one company, we are Brokers and we review more than 20 highly-rated companies to ensure you find the best possible rate for the best plan that fits your individual needs. Joe and Mercedes Ritter established Insurance You Keep to be your one stop shop for all of your insurance needs. Whether you need a Medicare Supplement plan or help with your life insurance , Insurance You Keep is an experienced resource.

• What is a Medicare Advantage plan?

  Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and are often referred to as Part C or "MA and MA-PD Plans." Medicare Advantage plans do not replace Medicare Parts A & B, but enable consumers to receive their Medicare Parts A & B benefits through a managed care plan. Consumers are still enrolled in Medicare.. Medicare Advantage plans often include some extra coverages like hearing, dental, vision or health and wellness programs. Medicare Advantage plans can also typically include, at no extra charge, Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). Call us today to see what plans, if any, are offered in your zip code.

• What is the Medicare Part B excess charge?

  Part B excess charges only apply to providers who do not accept Medicare. If a provider accepts Medicare assignment, they cannot charge an excess charge. If you are not sure whether a doctor will charge you an additional amount, you can ask if they accept Medicare. The excess charge cannot exceed 15% of the Medicare approved amount.

• What is the Part D prescription drug donut hole?

  The Medicare Part D coverage gap (also known as the Medicare donut hole) is a period of time where the person pays more for their prescription medication copays. This period lies between the initial coverage limit and the catastrophic coverage threshold. The gap is reached after the insured and the company pay a government-set amount. By the year 2020 there will be no gap or doughnut hole.

• Why is there a Plan D and a Part D? What is the difference?

  Plan D is actually a Medicare Supplement. Part D is Medicare prescription drug coverage. The Medicare Supplements are lettered and so are the parts to Medicare and that makes it a little confusing. Just remember, Medicare has Parts and you need Plans to supplement the parts.

• Is Medicare Supplement Plan F going away?

  Yes, Congress had decided that Plan F will no longer be offered by any company starting January first of 2020. You can still buy a Plan F now and up until the year 2020. Plan G offers all of the benefits of Plan F, with the exception of the small one time Part B deductible. Plan G will soon take the place of Plan F as the most popular and comprehensive option.

• Why do the rates for a plan differ so much from company to company?

  The cost of Medigap policies can vary widely. There can be big differences in premiums that insurance companies charge for exactly the same coverage. As you shop for a Medigap policy, be sure you are comparing the same Medicare Supplement Plan (for example, compare a Plan G from one company with Plan G from another company). Each insurance company sets its own premiums. It is important to consult with an insurance broker on prices for comparing Medigap policies as not all plans are offered by all companies, and coverage availability can vary depending on your location. We’re the experts at finding the right plan for your needs at the best price, and we don’t charge you for our services. Call Joe or Mercedes Ritter to find out more - 610-947-5771.

• What does "attained age" rating mean?

  The premium is based on your current age (the age you have "attained").

• What discounts are available?

  Male and Female rates, Non Smoker, Household and Married Couple, AAA, and AMAC, Automatic Payment, Military Family Member, Preferred and Preferred Plus rates. There are so many discounts to take advantage of, consult with a broker to see what carriers are offering and what will be best for your personal situation.

• Can I take Medicare and not receive Social Security?

  If you are eligible for Medicare, but not currently receiving Social Security, there are three different time periods during which you can enroll in Medicare Part B.

  1. Your Initial Enrollment Period. You can enroll in Medicare at anytime during this seven-month period, which includes the three months before, the month of, and the three months following your 65th birthday. The date when your Medicare coverage begins depends on when you sign up.
  2. The General Enrollment Period. If you did not enroll in Medicare when you originally became eligible for it, you can sign up later, which is from January 1 to March 31st of every year. Your coverage will begin July 1 of the year you sign up. You will have to pay a Part B premium penalty for every year you delayed enrolling in Medicare Part B if you did not have credible coverage.
  3. The Special Enrollment Period or Scenario. You can delay enrollment in Part B without penalty if you were covered by a employer health insurance through your or your spouse’s job when you first become eligible for Medicare. You can enroll in Medicare without penalty at any time while you have group health coverage and for eight months after you lose your group health coverage or you (or your spouse) stop working, whichever comes first. Your Medicare coverage would begin the first month after you enroll.

Have a question you would like answered about Medicare plans added to this list? Please submit your question via our contact form.

** Yearly customer savings based on an Insurance You Keep survey of existing policyholder‘s savings during the year of 2014. Individual savings may vary, and are not guaranteed. Coverages and discounts subject to state availability and individual eligibility.

** By completing the contact form above or calling the number listed above, you will be directed to a local licensed insurance agent who can answer your questions and provide information about Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medicare supplement insurance plans. Neither Insurance You Keep nor its agents are connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program or any State Agency.

Our Trusted Insurance Partners

Every insurance company Insurance You Keep is authorized to represent has been carefully chosen to provide favorable rates and excellent Medicare coverage for Medicare supplement, Medicare Advantage, and prescription drug plans.

With our help you can save hundreds of dollars each year while making sure all your needs are met. At Insurance You Keep, the work has already been done for you. We save you time and money by providing unbiased rate comparisons of up to 1000 plans from some of the most prestigious insurance carriers on the market.

We Only Work with Highly Rated Carriers

Insurance You Keep uses the A.M. Best Financial Strength rating system to select insurance providers to partner with. A.M. Best is an independent rating organization that assigns ratings measuring financial strength or claims-paying abilities. They consider factors such as overall operating performance, asset quality, financial flexibility, and capitalization. Each company’s policies have their own terms, exclusions, limitations, and reductions for keeping them in force. Contact Joe or Mercedes Ritter with Insurance You Keep for more details.

This website and its contents are for informational purposes only.

Nothing on the website should be used as a substitute for professional medical, legal or tax advice. You should always consult with your medical provider regarding diagnosis or treatment for a health condition, including decisions about medication, exercise or dietary routine. The purpose of this communication is the solicitation of insurance. You will be contacted by Joseph or Mercedes Ritter. No Medicare Supplement insurance plan is connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. mymedicareadvisor.healthcare and insuranceyoukeep.com are owned and operated by Insurance You Keep, a licensed health insurance agency in DE, MD and PA and certified to sell Medicare Supplement products. CMS and Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.

Your premium could vary depending on your age, health, issuing company and other factors like discounts. Not all products are available in all states.

Are you retiring or losing coverage after age 65?

Do you need to prove that you had no lapse in creditable coverage? You and your employer or spouse's employer will need to fill out these form's and return them to Social Security. Disclosure: Insurance You Keep is not affiliated, associated or endorsed by any State or Federal Agency and you should work directly with Social Security to enroll in Medicare. We are licensed insurance producers independently offering approved health insurance plans underwritten by private insurance carriers.

Request for Employment Information

Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

Have Questions About Medicare?

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