I plan to sign up for original Medicare in a few months and have been told that I will probably also need an add-on Medicare policy. Can you offer advice on selecting one?

If you sign up for the original health insurance, getting a supplemental policy, also known as Medigap insurance, is also a good idea, as it will help you pay for things not covered by Medigap. health insurance, such as copayments, coinsurance, and Part A deductible. Here are some tips to help you choose an appropriate plan.

In all but three states, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin, Medigap plans, which are sold by private health insurers, are available to new enrollees in eight different standardized plans. These plans are labeled with the letters A, B, D, G, K, L, M, and N, with two others, C and F, which are only available to people eligible for Medicare before 2020.

Plan G is the most popular policy among new enrollees because it covers the most comprehensive range of benefits. Monthly premiums for Plan G typically range between $100 and $300, depending on your age and the state in which you reside. If that’s more than you’re willing to pay, there are also high-deductible plans that have lower premiums but impose higher expenses. pocket charges.

For more information on the different plan types and coverage details, including Medigap options in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, go to medicare.gov/publications and type in “choose a medigap policy” in the keyword box, and download their 2022 guide. Or call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask them to send you a copy.

To choose the Medigap policy that’s right for you, consider your health, family medical history, and budget. The differences between plans can be small and rather confusing.

To help you choose, go to medicare.gov/medigap-supplemental-insurance-plans and enter your zip code. This will give you a list of plans available in your area, their price ranges, and the names and contact details of the companies that sell them. But for specific pricing information, you’ll need to contact the carriers directly or call your state health insurance assistance program. See shiphelp.org or call 877-839-2675 for contact information.

Since all Medigap policies with the same letter must cover the exact same benefits, it is required by law, you should buy the cheapest policy.

You’ll get the best price if you enroll within six months of enrolling in Medicare Part B. During this open enrollment period, an insurer cannot refuse to sell you a policy or charge you more because of your medical condition. health.

You should also be aware of pricing methods, which will affect your costs. Medigap policies are typically sold as: “community” where everyone in an area is charged the same premium regardless of age; “age-at-issue” which is based on your age when you purchased the policy, but will only increase due to inflation, not age; and “attained age,” which starts with low premiums but increases as you get older. Community rate and issue rate policies are the best options because they will save you money in the long run.

You can buy the plan directly from an insurance company or you can work with a reputable insurance broker.

You should also be aware that Medigap policies do not cover prescription drugs, so if you do not have drug coverage, you will also need to purchase a separate Medicare Part D drug plan. See medicare.gov/plan-compare to compare plans. Also note that Medigap plans do not cover vision, dental, hearing aids, or long-term care.

Instead of getting the original Medicare, plus a Medigap policy and a separate Part D drug plan, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, see medicare.gov/plan-compare, which offers all-in-one coverage. These plans, which are sold by insurance companies, are usually available through HMOs and PPOs that require you to get your care through a network of doctors.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, PO Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is an NBC Today contributor and author of “The Savvy Senior.”