UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company
Medicare Parts A and B (sometimes called "Original Medicare") help pay for many, but not all, health care services and supplies. A Medicare Supplement policy, sold by private insurance companies, can help pay some of the health care costs that Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles for Medicare approved services.
Every Medicare Supplement policy must follow Federal and state laws designed to protect you and must clearly be identified as "Medicare Supplement Insurance." Insurance companies can only sell you a "standardized" Medicare Supplement policy identified in most states by letters, Plans A-N*. All plans offer the same basic benefits but some offer additional benefits, so you can choose a plan to meet your needs.
*Note: In Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin, Medicare Supplement policies are standardized but plan names vary.
Insurance companies may charge different premiums for exactly the same Medicare Supplement coverage. As you shop for a Medicare Supplement policy, be sure you are comparing the same Medicare Supplement policy (for example, compare Plan A from one company with Plan A from another company.)
You can apply to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy any time after you reach age 65 and join Medicare Part B. Medicare guarantees you the right to buy any Medicare Supplement Insurance policy available where you live during the six months after you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. This six-month period is called your open enrollment period. If you are under age 65 and eligible for Medicare due to disability, you may also be able to purchase a Medicare supplement plan. Availability varies by state.
During open enrollment, an insurer can’t consider your medical history or current health when setting the plan's premium. However, if you have had a gap in your health insurance coverage prior to enrolling, you may have a waiting period for pre-existing medical conditions. After your open enrollment period ends, in some states insurers can refuse coverage or charge you a higher premium based on your health.
Each private insurance company that offers Medicare Supplement Insurance plans handles the enrollment process for its plans. You'll need to contact the company directly and ask how to enroll.
You can contact your state’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get a list of plans offered in your state. SHIPTalk offers access to one-on-one counseling, education programs and other assistance. State Health Insurance Assistance Programs are federally funded for people with Medicare and their families.