There is a plan that's just right for you...

Reaching this stage in your life is what it is all about. Finding time to do all those things you have put off for so long. Reaching your retirement years brings new challanges and new lessons. One lesson we all learned long ago was to make sure we had made the right choices when it came to managing our healthcare.

Now that you are in your Medicare years it is time to choose a Medicare Supplement plan that best fits your goals and lifestyle. Take a moment or two and think about what concerns you most. The cost? The freedom to choose any doctor you like? Sheer simplicity? Whatever you have in mind we will do our best to help you find the plan that's best for you.

Flexibility and choice...

If you love the flexibility of choosing your own doctor or hospital then Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a Medicare Supplement Plan that does just that, allows you to see any doctor that is Medicare approved.

What is a Medicare Supplement Plan and how does it work?

A Medicare Supplement Plan is a health benefit coverage plan that complements (or supplements) your regular Medicare coverage. Although Medicare pays for many health care services and supplies, it doesn't pay for all of them. A Medicare Supplement Plan will help pay for those costs which could include deductibles, coinsurance and copayments when visiting your doctor. An Anthem Medicare Supplement Plan is also a good idea if you prefer to keep your own doctor and hospital and choose your own specialist and other health care provider.

What are the costs?

You'll be responsible for a premium each month. There are also some out-of-pocket fees, depending on the plan you choose.

Who is eligible?

You are eligible for a Medicare Supplement Plan if you are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and if your are age 65 or older or, in some states, under 65 with a disability and/or end stage renal disease (plan offerings and eligibility vary by state). You also must be a resident of the state where the policy is offered.

Medicare Basics

Establising a strong, fundamental foundation of Medicare knowledge will help you to make informed decisions about your health coverage. Medicare has 4 primary components:

• Medicare Part A - Hospital
• Medicare Part B -Medical Insurance
• Medicare Part C - Medicare Advantage
• Medicare Part D - Prescription Drug Beneftis

Medicare Part A: Hospital Insurance

Medicare Part A pays for the services that hospitals provide, such as the room, nursing services, and supplies for an inpatient stay. In some cases, Part A may pay for a stay in a skilled nursing facility, as well as home health and hospice care. Fortunately, most people do not have to pay a monthly premium for Part A coverage. It is funded by a portion of the Social Security tax you and your employers have already paid.

Part A, however, will not cover all your hospital costs. There is a deductible of $1,068 per benefit period for 2009. You must pay your entire deductible before Medicare Part A will cover any hospital expenses. In addition, if you are hospitalized for an extended period, you will also have to pay a daily coinsurance fee. This is $267 per day for days 61 – 90, and it rises to $534 a day for your 91st day through 150th day.

These costs can build up. If you are hospitalized for 60 days, you’ll only be responsible for your Part A deductible. But if you are hospitalized for 100 days, you’ll pay almost $13,350.

Medicare Part B: Medical Insurance

Medicare Part B pays for the services that doctors provide, in the hospital or in their offices. It also pays for outpatient hospital services, long-lasting medical equipment like wheelchairs and walkers, and other medical services and supplies. Part B is optional. If you decide to enroll in Medicare Part B, you may also apply for a supplemental plan of your choice without answering health questions.

Part B works like most health insurance plans. You pay a monthly premium which is based on your income, that you can even have deducted from your Social Security check. For 2009, you must meet an annual deductible of $135.00. After that, Medicare generally pays 80% of the charges it approves. You typically are responsible for paying the remaining 20% or applicable co-payment, plus any charges that are higher than Medicare’s approved amounts if the provider does not accept Medicare assignment.

Medicare Supplement or “Medi-Gap” plans pay for many health care services and supplies, but original Medicare plans do not cover all. These costs are called “gaps” in Medicare coverage. A Medicare Supplement or “Medi-Gap” policy is designed to help cover these gaps. You pay a monthly premium for this additional coverage.