Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans (also called Medigap) are not acquired the way standard Medicare Plans are. They are plans a person chooses to cover medical costs that Medicare normally would not. It is highly advised that a person purchase a Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan as soon as they find out they are eligible for Medicare and decide to activate their Medicare plan. Medicare plans technically will cover 80% of health care insurance costs, but there is still that 20% out-of-pocket charge. This can be financially debilitating for most people, so it is advised to add a Medicare Supplemental Insurance as soon as possible.
Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans are insurance plans a person can purchase to supplement their existing Medicare policies. They are many multiple existing plans to choose from according to ones needs and income. Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans will cover only what Medicare deems as what is necessary from a medical standpoint, but will not cover the costs. These plans are provided by many private insurance companies whom typically offer health insurance policies.
If you a Medicare eligible, you should purchase a plan within your financial means as soon as possible. It is highly advised to be prepared in case of an emergency (or with other general medical costs) so that you are not financially burdened later on for having to access necessary health care. Should emergencies arise, you would also have comfort knowing you will not have to pay all of the costs out-of-pocket.
More information regarding Medigap or Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans can be found online through various websites, talking with a private insurance company, your local Medicare worker, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or by visiting http://www.medicare.gov.